We didn't get downtown until just about the time the parade started, but that didn't matter! We found a GREAT spot to set up our chairs ... and it just happened to be the perfect place to collect beads! And these wacky eyeball balls. Now Daddy, don't you know that the kids learn from watching you!?!
What a fun day we had, and the weather was Springtime Tallahassee beautiful!
You don't have to tell me ... I KNOW this is NOT the most attractive picture of Abby. But, it truly captures the "Ruby Sue" look she was sporting for much of March. It seems there was always a loose front tooth. But, instead of falling out, Abby's teeth like to hang on by a thread. And what's more fun that sticking the loose tooth out through your lips!?! Classy, huh? If you've ever watched Christmas Vacation, you know about the character Ruby Sue, and how her eyes were apparently crossed for much of her childhood. Well, I'd say, in this case ... the name fits! Thank goodness, the tooth eventually came out. And, never fear, Abby's eyes didn't remain crossed! 
Don't let his face fool you, he really did enjoy himself! He's trying to look tough! The movie this time around was Back to the Future, which was a bit advanced for the kids, but I thought they could handle it. As you can see below, they got to see a DeLorean up close and personal before the movie started. 
But, nothing beat the look on their faces when I told them we would be watching the movie from the back of our car ... with the hatch up. What a novel concept! I can remember going to the drive-in movie all the time with my family, so this was equally as fun for me. Next time, all four of us will go!
Last year, Abby was quite bummed that we missed her school "Field Day." So, Tyler and I made a point to be there this year ... but we arrived right in time for the refreshment break. I just love this picture though - the big kids looking out for the little guy. It was so much fun to watch Abby "compete" with her class (they are paired against another class throughout the afternoon) on a variety of obstacle courses, team sports (tug-o-war) and relays. 
Tyler - the top spectator! Although he kept saying he was hot. I recall saying, "It's a beautiful March day, Tyler, just wait until summer!" And, since I'm writing this several months later (in June), I know I was right. Told you so Tyler ... that heat was nothing compared to now!
Last spring, for her 6th birthday, Abby received a great gift from Dennis' parents - a butterfly "house" and certificate for caterpillars. But, when we eventually sent for them (taking vacations and such into account), they arrived D.O.A. (no joke!) because of the heat. We told Abby if she was patient, we'd find the perfect time to send off for a new batch ... and that time came this March. Abby and Tyler watched intently as the caterpillars matured (a.k.a. fattened themselves up), then made their chrysalides (see what remains of them in the shot below?) and emerged as Painted Lady butterflies. 
After feeding them "butterfly baby food," a.k.a. sugary water presented on a flower, and keeping them inside for a week or so, we decided they needed some fresh air. Problem is ... they didn't want to leave! Abby and Tyler tried waiting for them to fly out of the netting, but they finally decided some coaxing was in order. 
We tried one afternoon at first, and were only able to get two of the four to fly away. 
Unfortunately ... there was a casualty! I was inside (after growing impatient with our not-wanting-to-budge houseguests) when Tyler came running up to inform me that one of our butterflies had left the netting, only to be instantly gobbled up by a bird! NO JOKE! Trust me, it was very hard not to laugh at this little lesson on the Circle of Life. Fortunately, the kids took it all in stride! We will definitely raise butterflies again soon; it was a great lesson for all of us.
The credit actually should go to Grammy and Grandan. We left the kids (and their bikes) when them in SouthWood one evening, and the next morning when we picked them up we were in for a surprise. Abby, who really hadn't gotten much of a chance to practice riding (it's very hilly in our neighborhood ... and so is our driveway!), took off without her training wheels and rode all the way down the street. She was quite tickled that she was able to trick us! Then Tyler, who was VERY wary about being without a parent's hand on his bike, took off on his training wheels like a pro. We were SO proud! Thanks G&G! 
We love to celebrate Dr. Suess' birthday, and what better way than with Green Eggs and Ham (we didn't have any of that, so we substituted turkey!) For those of you who don't know ... Thing One and Thing Two are from a Dr. Suess book. Tyler's a pretty good match - with physical appearance AND demeanor! 
