Daddy's Girls

Yaya has started a great tradition of all of the girls and kids meeting up in Tyler to go to the zoo at the first hint of cooler weather.  Me, Lilli and Katie got there a few hours after everyone else because we had to leave after school but there was still time to swim.  After a good nights sleep we were all waiting at the entrance when the zoo opened.  Lilli has her class "pet," Clyde, for the weekend so he got to come too.  We were there about 2 1/2 hours and that was plenty of time to see it all and about all kids this age are up for anyway.  White tiger Deer Black bear With Yaya by the giraffes and elephants  Rhinoceros  But both of my kids said their favorite part was the birds.  Now I'll admit that it was fun to be able to feed them and get them to sit on the sticks, but with all of the exotic animals they saw, the favorite was the one we could see at Petsmart. Go figure. :) 

Thanks to Ryan Flynn Photography we were able to relive Shanon and Alex's amazing wedding today as we looked through all of his pictures. He got some great ones!  The bride and groom The whole wedding party before the ceremony: (I may be biased but she is the most beautiful flower girl I've ever seen) The breathtaking ceremony Friends and Family during reception  And the party!!  We had the best night and few days in Glacier. We're all going back for an anniversary right, Shanon? Lilli is already asking :) 

Yaya sent me this picture this morning from the day we got Jackson.  We're all babies! This was taken a little over 11 years ago and things sure have changed. My first "baby." Look how tiny. Kind of makes me want another puppy. Never mind... I just came to my senses. ;) 

I took all three girls to the Jubilee Zoo this morning for a "field trip." At least that's what Katie called it which I found hilarious because I don't even know why she knows that word. We had fun feeding and petting the deer sheep Goats Guineas And even a kangaroo    The animals get excited when you show up with food but Katie and Hallie never showed any sign they were nervous at all. Sadie was a little afraid to feed them at first but she warmed up eventually.   But they all left me alone to milk the goat by myself.  It's harder than I thought it would be!!

Rebecca was so sweet to eat lunch at our house today so that I could surprise Lilli at school to eat lunch with her. She had no idea I was coming and was very excited.  We had about 25 minutes to sit and talk about her day and I got more information in that time than I have in the last month combined! It was so fun and I hope to get to do it every once in awhile.  Katie is feeling better so Sadie was back at our house today. Hallie is sick but hopefully not with the same thing Katie had. I got to try out my new stroller this morning which I was a little too excited about. It must be comfortable because they sat for almost 4 miles without the slightest fuss before we stopped to play.   Maybe they're just enjoying the nice weather as much as the rest of us. 

Although dove season is the start of hunting season, I think Matt looks forward to the opening of teal season more. It's the start of all the guys in the blind together doing their guy stuff. To be honest, I have no idea what goes on or what they talk about. That's probably a good thing. :) I usually ask for a selfie for my blog and rarely get it. This year, I got it without asking. That's more romantic to me than a dozen roses could ever be. Most probably don't understand that but when I see this pic, I see that he took the time to do it.  They had a very successful weekend all around. From the birds To the hogs To having fun playing with their new toy.  We wanted to be up there enjoying the first weekend of really beautiful weather but Katie ran fever through Saturday. (6 days- serious virus!) I'm praying everyone stays well enough to go this weekend. 

Labor Day was created as a celebration of achievements of American workers. But to this family is also the celebration of something else... The start of hunting season! Matt and all of the other McCormick guys plus their closest friends all celebrate each year with the start of dove season. It's like Christmas morning to these guys, they count down the days for months.  They limited out opening day and also got 38 frogs. I'd say those were some happy boys!  We had some happy girls in our house too. It was the first holiday weekend from school and the 3 days were needed. Lilli likes school once she gets there but she's used to having more time at home so it was nice to not have many plans. We spent Friday and Saturday evening with Hailey and Case. Friday at our house and Saturday at theirs. And Sunday we went to dinner with Cara. She posted this picture on Facebook and said "eventually girls night takes on a new meaning." :)  I was glad Lilli and Katie got to catch