Family Fun Day at the Zoo

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! We love our annual pass to the zoo.

ER!

We got to experience a Manning family first today - the Emergency Room! C is growing fast and becoming daring. And even more troubling is that she tends to be the traditional blond. She's clumsy, continually bumping into things and hurting herself. It's almost as if there is no thought process upstairs as she moves around the house. Andy and I have been working hard to teach her the difference between careful and careless. She understands; we just haven't seen the application part yet.

So this morning we were doing our regular Thursday morning thing. The kids and I were in our bathing suits. They were playing while I was soaking in the rays, reading a book. C was climbing and jumping - a new favorite activity. At one point, she climbed the rock wall and shouted, "Watch this Mom!" when she reached the top. I looked up, assuming she was going to walk three steps forward and jump like she had been doing. Nope. Almost instantly I realized the silly girl was going to attempt to jump backwards! It was one of those slow-motion, NOOOO, moments. But it was too late; she was gone.

Screams, screams, screams. A few more screams. I walked around the playset to find her face down on the ground, crying. I helped her up, and all I could see was blood. I couldn't even tell where the blood was coming from. When M, J, and A saw all the blood, they joined in on the screams. It's in these moments that having a husband working from home is a huge blessing. I quickly walked C inside while saying over my shoulder, "Calm down. I'll take care of C. Dad will be with you in just a minute." As I went in, Andy went out.

I got the blood cleaned up enough to see that C had bit the mess out of her tongue. She bumped her chin on the way down, and chomped down real hard. This wasn't my plan for the day. I was supposed to be outside, sitting in the warm sun, sipping my tea, reading my book, not taking a bleeding child to the ER. But off we went. Thankfully they weren't too busy, and we were seen shortly.

C was so mature about the whole thing. She wasn't crying. She even said it didn't hurt. Her words to the nurse: "It's not too bad. I'm okay." Poor thing overheard me say "stitches" to Andy and was terrified. She did NOT want to have to get stitches. The ER doc looked, and looked again. Left the room to research. Came back, poked around with the long Q-tip AGAIN, for the umpteenth time. And he decided no stitches. His analysis was that it would heal nicely on its own. WOO HOO! As soon as he left the room C asked, "Mom. Is that right? Did I hear him say no stitches?" She was beyond thrilled. And so was I.

Then we headed to McDonald's for a milkshake to make us both feel better. At least now we can say that we've done the ER.

Silly M

M being her silly self. She is the family clown. I love her funny nature!

Court Jester

The girls had fun dressing up A this morning. He had fun running around making everyone laugh.

Dance Dance!

We may lack rhythm, but we like to move! Thanks for the beat, Dad.

Dirty Boy

How (and why) do boys get so dirty, so quickly?! A was outside for less than an hour. And he had a bath this morning before he went out. Yuck, son!

Lingerie Shower

A dear friend of mine is getting married soon! Another friend and I partnered up to surprise her with a lingerie shower. It was so much fun! I can't believe we were able to keep it a secret. The party was a huge success, complete with lots of nighties and panties! You're so welcome Mr. Husband to Be.

the shocked bride to be with accomplice sister

cake table with wine glasses - 2002 wedding gift, first time to use them! cake baked and designed by super talented D!

my wine glass tags

Rainy Day

It rained this afternoon. All the kids were still asleep except A. I took him outside to the back patio to watch the rain. Andy decided to join us. As we were sitting there talking, A was walking around, getting dangerously close to the falling rain. We'd call him, he'd come back to dry ground, but the back and forth was really cramping our conversation. Andy said, "Enough. Let's just strip him down and let him go for it." Great idea! But then we had a naked boy that wouldn't even approach the water. It's like he forgot it was raining! Proof that toddlers are seeking the forbidden.

Tower

A helped with dinner tonight. Well, sort of.

6 Month Check Up

I took E to the doctor today for her well-baby checkup. All seems well, except the lil' scrunt's not growing. According to the scale, she has gained only 2 ounces since her last check up at 4 months. We go back in three weeks for a weight check. If she has gained at least 10 ounces we'll move forward like this was a fluke. If not, we'll be sent to the lab to begin investigative blood work. We're praying she'll pack on the pounds!!

Water Fun

Church Acadiana took a weekend trip to Dallas to visit Fellowship Church. It was great fun with friends! But I'm pretty sure the kids had the most fun at the waterpark that Uncle Jim and Aunt Kara took us to. It was fabulous! The kids can't stop talking about it. We had lots of fun!

Thanks Jim and Kara for the great pics!

A playing with cousin J A loved being splashed with the water
A in the lazy river with the big girls
J and Uncle Jim

M underwater
J loves the water!

C and J holding hands underwater

Uncle Jim with son J and A

Lazy Morning

We all invaded E's blanket this morning. We snuggled on the floor while watching Good Morning America on the television. I love lazy Friday mornings. I think the kids do as well.