Marina Visits

Marina came down to Omaha for a few days of rest and relaxation. I am not sure if she got any relaxation with the kids around or rest for that matter. I think the rest part was more her doing by staying up late and watching movies. Needless to say the kids were thrilled to have her around and it was nice having an extra pair of hands and eyes. We did drag her out to the zoo with us one day. We explored a new area at the zoo and Mason discovered the petting zoo. I feel sorry for those poor goats get manhandled all day long, but they don't seem to mind. My kids are now officially goat stalkers.

Cake Goals

My new goal is to get a picture of Mason eating cake with all of our friends and family. Marina was eating graduation cake for breakfast and Mason was excited to join in.

Butterflies

We have a butterfly house at the Omaha Zoo that opened this year, but I personally think the butterfly house in Sioux Falls is a bit nicer. It has a lot more butterflies flying around and a bigger walking path. Plus it is always so busy at the Omaha Zoo so it was nice to be able to walk freely around and follow the butterflies. Mason followed the blue ones and Ellery walked around pointing at everything that moved. Marina was a huge help in following the kids with me and keeping them from touching things they shouldn't.

Graduation

We headed up to South Dakota for Marina's high school graduation. Thank goodness she went to a private school and only had 50+ graduates and not the standard 400+ in public schools. The kids did great and loved clapping when everyone else clapped. Mason kept on asking where Marina was and would get really excited when he found her. Ellery has gotten over her man hating phase. She let Uncle Tom hold and love on her lots along with TJ and Bryan. She still favors the females but is tolerating males more and more.