Veggie Tales Live

A couple months ago, I received a mailer advertising Veggie Tales Live here at Hylton Chapel. Of course, buying tickets to the show was a no-brainer: Leah loves VT, and something like this would be a special (and memorable) experience for both of us. The only catch was that I didn't want her to know about it.

Keeping the secret was easy the first month, but as show time drew closer, it was harder not to mention it in front of Leah. Finally, the day arrived, and we could reveal part of the surprise:

Me: "Leah, we have a special surprise for you today!"
Leah: "What is it?"
Me: "I'm not telling you. It's a surprise! Get in the car so we can go."
L: "Is it ice cream? Is it a pet? Is it the library?" (Those were just a few of several "surprises" that would have made her day.)

When we arrived at the venue, people were lined up outside the door. I could hardly keep the secret any longer, so I scanned the crowd for a clue for Leah. Finally, I spotted a man in a Bob the Tomato shirt.

Me: "Leah, who's that? On that man's shirt?"
Leah, squinting, trying to figure out which man: "Bob?"
Me: "Yup. So guess who we might see inside?"
Leah: "Veggie Tales!"

She was actually pretty subdued (surprisingly), but I guess that was to be expected considering 1) it was her rest time, and 2) large groups tend to overwhelm her. No matter. I reaped the benefits: instead of sitting next to me on the pew (though, it would have been hard for her to see over the person in front of us) or dancing in the aisle, she snuggled in my lap for most of the show. Every so often she'd dance in the aisle, but most of the time she wanted to watch the show from the comfort of Momma's lap. (Like I was going to refuse a chance to cuddle with my little girl!)

At one point, a little girl in the same pew asked Leah to play and dance. I tried getting a photo of Leah and her new "friend", but they were moving too fast for a good photo. I didn't mind, though. Leah was dancing with abandon and singing Veggie Tales songs. Before we knew it, the show was over, and it was time to head home... but not before stopping to view the merchandise.

We had managed to avoid that area before the show and during intermission (thanks to the crowd), but we exited the sanctuary early enough that nobody was at the merchandise table yet. They must have been emitting some child-sensing beacon because Leah walked right over there to view the wares for sale. Considering the special occasion (and the rarity of it), I caved and bought a toy for Leah and Hunter to share. (They LOVE it, too; it's a VT bath toy. Now bath time is even wetter than before!)

All in all, I loved making that memory with my baby girl, all the while filling her love tank and mine. Thanks, Veggie Tales!

Momma and Daughter

Junior Asparagus, Leah's fave VT

"Pizza Angel" one of Leah's fave songs

"The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything"

Try as I might, I couldn't get a good photo of Leah dancing in the aisle, so this will have to suffice.

Hmmm, Bob's missing something (a pupil). As soon as the performers were aware of the wardrobe malfunction, Bob turned away from the audience until someone could deftly re-apply his eye.

Ahhh, THAT'S better!

Hunter might have missed the show, but at least he, too, got to enjoy something from it: the VT bath toy Leah picked out for the two of them to share.

April Photos

Now that both kids are getting older, they're playing together more. Though they don't get along perfectly all the time, for the most part, they play together well.

Cheese!

Have I mentioned that Hunter's a mimic? Leah was screaming, so Hunter had to, too.

Two items of note: 1. The hair. Doesn't get better than bed-head. 2. The outfit. Hunter picked it out himself. Funny thing is I saw a grown man at the library wearing the same thing.

Another view of that hair. Love it!

Guess who's been sniffing dandelions? (Look closely under her nose.)

Some of our best friends were in town for a short visit. Despite seeing them about every day they were here, this is the ONLY picture I took. What was I thinking? Leah loved having Laura around to play with, probably because Laura was Leah's permanent shadow.

Since Leah loves pigs, we made a pig mask for school when we completed our farm animal unit.

Do you like our hats? Christine and I had to try on the party hats while waiting on the rest of the crew. It was just the four of us for a girls' weekend away, but it was a much needed break.

We might not have slept much (we were up until 1 AM! What?!), but we had a great time away at Ruth & Jay's house in Luray. Pictured: Me, Adrienne, Christine, Nanette, & Ruth

"No pictures, please." The elusive construction fairy.

April was the month for time with friends. Megan (my BF from college) was in town for a race, so she and her parents came by for dinner. Leah LOVED spending time with Miss Megan.

Leah, Miss Megan, and Hunter

Wacky photos with my wacky NC family: Norma, Megan, and Bob

March Photo Highlights

Ahhh, where a boy's curiosity will lead him.

Notice the fat lip. Hunter had given me a heart attack just days before this when he fell and bit his lip. Blood gushed everywhere, and I wasn't sure if he'd need stitches or not. I managed to stop the bleeding, but when he woke up from his nap, he looked like Hannibal Lecter! Not an encouraging sight for this Momma!

I'll have to remember this photo for when that day comes.  For now, though, I don't want to think about it!

Bucket head!

Daddy's helpers. Washing the dishes (with two helpers) can get a bit messy, but boy, is it fun! (Equally amusing were the comments from Scott: "No, don't drink that, Hunter!" "Wait! I haven't washed that yet.")

Their new "hiding place". Ahh, the things Daddy's do with their kids.

Children's Museum

A couple weeks ago, the kids and I accompanied some friends to the Children's Museum in Richmond. I had heard great things about this museum, but had never ventured that way simply because I didn't know how to get there. (I know, I could find directions online, but I just feel more comfortable driving someplace new if I'm following someone who has been there before.) I am so glad she invited us!

Though we didn't have a chance to visit much (because our kids were going in different directions), the visit was well worth the trip. You'll notice that there aren't very many photos despite spending the entire morning there; I was so busy keeping an eye on Leah and Hunter that I didn't have many chance to take pictures. I guess that's how it should be, though, right?
 

A new take on puppet theatre: dress up the little brother and have him fill in for a puppet. (He repeats what big sis says anyway.)

"Everybody, get ready for the show!" The "show" didn't last long; Leah announced it, and then we headed off for another part of the museum.

Exploring the caves. This was a favorite exhibit for both kids.

Enjoying the outdoor clubhouse.

Look at the ape hangers on that chopper! He's ready to ride (motorcycles) with Daddy!

"Cheese!" He certainly didn't mind posing on the turtle. Playing outside might have been the highlight for Hunter (have I mentioned how much he LOVES being outside?). Well, that and the indoor apple tree where he could pick "apples". (Wasn't quick enough to catch a photo of him doing that.)

And this was one of Leah's favorite activities: digging in the sand. There's an archaeological dig in the museum, and Leah spent most of her time there (only because she could ride the carousel only once). With the variety of interactive and imaginative play exhibits, I was a bit surprised (pleasantly so) that she stayed at the dig site most of the time. (It certainly made it easier for me to keep tabs on her and Hunter.)

 

Before we left, Leah climbed aboard the triceratops for a "ride". (Way in the background on the left you can see the dig site where she spent most of the morning looking for dinosaur bones.)

Trying Something New

I learned recently that I can upload my blog at blurb to create a book. Seeing as how I don't have the time to scrapbook like I used to, I'm considering trying this feature at the end of the year. Since I didn't learn about this until a couple weeks ago, though, I feel as though I have quite a few pictures to include in a post in an effort to ensure their inclusion in a book.

I guess all this is to say that this post is really for me than anyone else. Not to say you might not enjoy looking at the pictures, but rather to say I'm including them so that I don't forget them later this year. So... here are some of my favorite pics and moments from January and February.

January

Hunter's new thing is sitting at the table, just like big sis Leah.

Playing hockey with Daddy.

And this is why we keep the cabinets locked.

Every so often, Hunter walks around holding his pant legs up. Not sure why.

Eating is a real experience for him.

A soft Frisbee makes the perfect beret.

My secret to getting the kiddos squeaky clean and fresh smelling. 

 February

Have I ever mentioned Hunter's fascination with tools of any kind? Scott was fixing the pantry, so Hunter had to help, too. He loves holding the drill (sans bit) while Scott presses the button. Sometimes, Hunter will even pick up the drill and press it to his belly in an attempt to tickle himself!

 

 Leah loves wearing her bike helmet. Funny that she doesn't bike (or trike) too often. Nope, most of the time when she's sporting the helmet, she's just running around and playing. You know, really dangerous activities.

 Moments that make me smile: Leah and Hunter share a cuddle and a story. Precious moments like this affirm my decision to stay at home with my kids.

Super girl and super boy!