weekend in milwaukee

As a last hurrah before school started, we took a little road trip to Milwaukee.  Since we didn't go on a big summer vacation, it was so nice to be able to get away for a couple of days and see some new things and have fun together.  The first stop was the Milwaukee zoo.  We had actually been there one other time, but it was years ago, and it happened to be like 110 degrees that day, so we didn't stay very long that time.  This time it was awesome!

 Krew is still completely fascinated by birds, so that was his favorite part.  We were super bummed when the bird show that we had been waiting all day for was canceled last minute because one of the birds flew away!  Krew would have loved the show, but he was pretty happy to be able to see this talking parrot up close, as well as a beautiful bald eagle.

 Another highlight of the zoo was watching these cheetahs up close.  We happened to get there at feeding time, so we were able to watch them eat too.

 It seemed to take an exceptionally long time to get our dinner, so I taught the kids what my family used to do at restaurants as we waited for our food.  I'm glad I was able to teach them some proper restaurant manners!

While we were there, we played at Discovery World. There were so many hands-on science exhibits and we all had a blast.

Watching Krew in this VR exhibit was hilarious.  I wish I could have seen what he was seeing, but I think maybe it was more entertaining for me not being able to tell what he was looking at or why he was reacting the way he was.

Everyone (except Everly) braved the bed of nails.

I love when we can get away as a family and see new places and make memories together.  It's one of my favorite parts of this stage of life!

first day of school 2017

 I can't believe I am posting about another 1st day of school.

Kade and Ky are in 6th grade this year.  It is the first year that they aren't in the same class.  I think it's been harder on me than it has been for them.  The best thing about them being in separate classes is that they aren't already sick of each other when they get home from school.  In fact, they are excited to tell each other about their days since they haven't seen much of each other all day.  

Kade

Ky

My three handsome sons.  Krew's first day of school was actually several days later, but I wanted to get a good picture of them all together.

This handsome Krew is in kindergarten this year!  Kindergarten is all day here (cue sad music), so we miss him a ton while he is gone all day.  Even though it's way too long for him, he seems to like it alright and he has cute stories to tell me every day when he gets home.

Okay, I know this is a picture of Krew's first day of kindergarten, but with her brother's backpack on, doesn't Everly look like she could be going off to school??!  Not yet, baby girl.  Not yet!

I had to hold back the tears as he walked into the building.  I really don't like how quickly my little ones are growing up!