The Toledo Zoo

Friday morning, we headed to the Toledo Zoo. It is one of the best in the country (in the Top 10 of family-friendly zoos), and I really do believe we could have spent at least two days there seeing all that we wanted to see. It was huge and had some great exhibits.
I gave Dean and Jackson their own disposable cameras to explore the zoo with. While I haven't developed them yet, I am dying to see what they thought was photo-worthy. here, Dean is taking pictures of the baby polar bears.
We rode on the zoo train through the African savannah and saw zebras, giraffes, vultures, and many more African animals.

Our three monkeys are on a scale that told them what kind of primate had a similar weight. I think that the three of them weighed the same as a male chimpanzee.
Jackson and Harris had their first taste of cotton candy at the zoo. I think they liked it, but I don't think either was addicted! By this time, they really had had enough. There was so much more that I wanted to see, but as we went through the hippo exhibit, I felt like they were dragging and not nearly as excited to see the hippos as I was! So, we decided to call it a day (after a trip to the gift shop... thank you, Papa!) and save the rest for next time.
Papa and I commented on how both of us had posed for pictures when we were little on this buffalo, so we had to get on with all three boys on it, too!

Maumee Festival

On Saturday, the town of maumee held its annual festival, and Papa and I decided to take the boys down to see the parade and eat festival food.

It was the boys' first parade ever, and they were both excited to see what was to come.

Here comes the Maumee High School Marching Band! Jackson was too cute dancing to the music.

They both loved seeing the old cars in the parade.

The best part? Most of the parade participants were throwing candy to all of the children sitting on the curb!! Jackson loved running to gather as much as he could, especially the Tootsie Rolls. Harris sat on the sidelines eating everything Jackson brought back.

There were some cool race cars that the boys were excited to check out, especially this Jeff Gordon car.

After jumping in a huge jump castle, playing numerous fair games for little plastic prizes, eating pizza, brats, and a funnel cake, our time at the festival came to an end. We headed home for a long nap.

Home Again

Sunday morning came too quickly, and we were back to Detroit for our flight home. It was another easy flight, both boys so well-behaved, old pros by now. A bit exhausted, though, as you can see!

We had such an incredible trip... both boys were so good and had so much fun. We were on the go the whole time, and they enjoyed every second of it.

Thank you so much, Dad, for everything. The trip was incredible, and I loved seeing my boys experience so many things for the first time and grow before my eyes. We love you tons and can't wait to do it again!!

Email From a Loving Mother-in-Law to Her Son-in-Law

Since Amanda and the boys are going to toledo and Terry is going fishing this coming weekend, I thought it would be nice if I came to Charleston so we could have some bonding time.

I have made reservations for us to have massages at Urban Nirvana, on Saturday, and thought we could do Roberts saturday night for dinner. More culture!

I hope the john boat is up and running because I would like us to go crabbin'. I have wanted to do that for a long time. sounds like fun!. I am going to bring the Lenoard Cohen cd so we can listen on the boat

Then I thought we could have a pajama party after dinner Saturday. Do our hair, and nails if you like. you could teach me to shag

Really looking forward to the weekend

love Mama B






Just kidding!!!!! Have fun on your boys weekend!!!!

The Best Baby Shower EVER!!

Today, Nancy, Melinda, Dorothy, Caroline, Aileen and I hosted a baby shower for Katharine. Normally at a baby shower, the mother-to-be is showered with gifts before the new baby arrives. Well, today was a little dififferent. Today, we were all given the gift of a happy and healthy baby boy to add to our ranks.

Baby Bair (still without a name as I type this) decided to make his arrival during the shower. We got news that he was on his way as the guests were arriving at 3:00, and he was born as we sat nervously waiting at 4:22. Afterwards, we all piled into Aileen's car and headed down to the hospital to see the happy family and to take Katharine's shower to her.

Welcome Baby Bair!

12 August 2007

4:22pm
7lbs 1oz
20 inches

Congratulations, Bair Family!!

Happy Birthday, Caroline!!!

There is no better time to celebrate a friendship than on a birthday... you are such an incredible friend, and I appreciate all that you do. Your support, advice, and laughs definitely make motherhood so much richer. I hope you had a fantastic day (I know you got a great birthdya gift from Katharine!!) full of lots of little boy hugs and kisses!

Love you, ABA

Eliza's Birthday Party

Eliza's birthday party was supposed to be at Sandy Point today... a boat ride to a beach, a picnic lunch, and a morning/afternoon spent floating in the water. Unfortunately, the skies were gray this morning, and the forcast was for thunderstorms all afternoon. So, instead we headed to Eliza's house on the creek for her party, which still included a picnic lunch and a nice long afternoon float (the weathermen were completely wrong with their forcast!). The big picnic lunch

Melinda and Katharine Eliza and Aileen
DuBose took Spencer and Dubose for a sail.
Nancy and Mills
Katharine with Harris, Reeves, and DuBose
Mamas taking a break
Thanks, Halfords, for another great Creek Day!! We had a blast and were so glad we could help Eliza celebrate her big day!!

Happy Birthday, Eliza!!

We hope you have a great birthday with lots of cake and fun...

we are looking forward to celebrating with you tomorrow!!

Love,

Amanda, Jason, Jackson & Harris

Found

Things have been missing around my house. About a week ago, all of the boys' shoes disappeared except for Harris' current Crocs and a pair that we've set aside because they are too big. So, Jackson has been squeezing into those so he'd have something on his feet.

I also noticed that the new bath soap I bought for the boys last week disappeared. As did Jackson's new sketch pad. And the Thomas blanket that was on Harris' bed. And all of Jackson's Cars.

Last night, I was hanging something in Harris' armoire (notice Jackson in the reflection...)

and this is what I found.

Along with seven pairs of shoes, I found the sketch pad, the blanket, the Cars, and the bath soap. I also found the soap and soap dish from the playroom bathroom, another of Harris' blankets, and half of the toys from the playroom. How on earth I missed all of those treasures, I have no idea, but I did. I'm so glad to have found everything, and next time something disappears on me, I know the first place I'll look!

Daddy's Idea of Fun

Rainy Morning

Playgroup was at the aquarium today, and it has been awhile since we had been. Harris loved it... it was like he was seeing everything for the first time. He got so excited to see the tank in the enrty, he loved the turtles and the aligators, and he squealed at the snakes. I loved seeing it again through his eyes.

We were joined on this rainy day by by DuBose, Mills, Fordham, Pinckney, and Rutledge (yes, all boys!). The boys never seem to tire of the aquarium and always succeed in wearing themselves out... makes for nice long naps afterwards!

Afterwards, we headed for lunch at the old Just Fresh (which was better than its replacement!) and home for rainy afternoon naps. Thanks for the fun this morning... I'm glad we braved the rain and got a chance to play!

Picky

Yesterday Harris was not pleased with the outfit I had picked out for him (above). He disappeared upstairs for a few minutes and came back down with his choice for the day (below). I wasn't expecting the fashion interest to start this early!
*** Those of you who saw us last night might have noticed that he did end up back in my choice!***