The McQ Zoo: Happiness Is

Hard to believe 2014 is already more than a third over! A quick update on The McQ Zoo: we moved into our first house in January and have been enjoying it so much! Jack is registered for Kindergarten to start in the fall, and Lander will be going into a 2-day 2YO program as well. Jack is playing tball again this spring, and he has also been racing BMX. We found him a great used racing bike online and he has really fallen in love with the sport. Brett and I are really into it too, and now Lander even has a Strider bike, so this is quite the family affair! We are looking forward to all the fun summer will bring, taking advantage of every pretty day to play outside, work in our yard, or just get stuff done around our house. We have Six Flags/White Water season passes, and we went to Six Flags over spring break once already. We also went camping and have another trip planned over Father's Day weekend. Before that though, we have our annual St. George Island trip with Brett's family during the week of Memorial Day.

Brett and I are working hard and doing well in our jobs, so that is a big plus for us these days. Jack is an awesome big brother and great kid most of the time. He has some normal 4YO tantrums and the occasional meltdown, but overall he is laid back, incredibly smart and just plain joyful. His BMX and tball skills are awesome, and it is a lot of fun to see his drive and passion for sports. He gives his all and sets his own goals. It is cool to be proud of him, but it is even better to watch him be proud of himself and develop his confidence. Lander is a spunky, spirited little princess with a heart of gold and a fiery temper! She is going through the "mine" phase, and she has some serious perseverance! Funny how such a sweetheart can turn into a crazy monster if she doesn't get her way, haha. She loves candy and any bottled drink with a top she can take off and pour everywhere. She is a language sponge right now, picking up new words every day and amazing us with everything she understands. She loves her big bro "BoBo," and she wants to do everything he does! Our not-so-much-a-Baby Girl is almost 21 months, and she entertains us constantly.

This weekend was particularly special to me, reminding me of some of the best times in my own childhood, playing outside and loving it. It started with a special mommy/son dinner/movie double date with Jack and our BFFs on Friday night. Then Saturday we played/worked outside almost all day before some BMX track practice and an awesome tball game where Jack had two solid hits off of pitched balls. This morning we went on a creature hunt in our yard, discovering mostly worms and roly-poly bugs. Then we headed to the track and watched Jack race (he was incredible btw!). When we got home I filled up the baby pools and got out the squirt guns, and Jack and Lander splashed and played and enjoyed our yard once again on this gorgeous day! Here are some pics from our weekend! As always, thanks for reading. We wish you love and laughter, from our zoo to yours!

The boys mowing the lawn...