Haylee Lunt

Olivia's big news

Okay, so this isn't exactly a birth announcement, but I was pretty excited about this...Olivia is learning to ride a two-wheeler!

She's been wanting to learn how for the past few months now, but I've not been the biggest help since I can hardly run along side of her. So she's been patient to wait until Aaron has time to go out and work with her. Last night was her night though. She caught on quick and was so excited to know that she's got it!

Thank goodness for the soft grass on both sides of the sidewalk to crash onto.

Way to go Liv's! I'm so excited for you!

Random Pics

Since I'm hoping that our next post will be a birth announcement, here are the random pictures that I haven't gotten around to posting for the past few months. (Don't expect that birth announcement for at least another week though ;)

Olivia started soccer a few months ago. Being the smallest one on her team (but not the youngest), she had a hard time keeping up with the ball, but she's improved and most importantly, she really enjoyed playing.

We let Carter play in the rain last month. He had a blast splashing in a big puddle that collects by one of our down spouts. I was afraid I had started something, but we haven't had any problems of him trying to sneak out during rain storms to play.

I took the kids to Parky's Farm one Friday in May and it was lots of fun. We got to watch them shear a sheep, the kids got to pet and brush the goats,

and they got to catch a fish. Olivia was most excited for this and it happened so quickly that she was a bit disappointed it was all over so fast.

Olivia has been wanting to do her own hair in the mornings. Luckily, she still let's me do it before we go into public. She also made this shirt for her baby sister. One side is fabric and the other side is paper.

I told Carter to go and get some socks from his drawer last Saturday. I had a feeling that I should have gotten them myself...should have followed that feeling. He was so excited about his "Halloween socks find" that we just let it be for the day.
(Wow, I must be almost 10 months pregnant or something with all the stuff my kids are getting away with lately ;)

Olivia picked this song...she loves to sing along with the chorus.

Our "Staycation" Day

Since I'm pretty much planning on being home all summer and not being to do a whole lot with the kids, Aaron and I decided to let them have some fun on Friday. Aaron took the day off and it was a beautiful day to visit the Cincinnati Zoo.

Carter really wanted to ride the Lion (seriously).
Take note of Carter's hat and sunglasses...he wants to do EVERYTHING that Aaron does.

And here you have it! Me...38 weeks along. Now stop bugging me to post a picture of myself, okay? I feel a bit like the size of that polar bear, but not nearly as agile.

A highlight was feeding the giraffe's. Carter didn't realize how long those tongues were!

After watching Carter get licked, Olivia was a little timid.

All the excitement wore Carter out, so he missed out on a few animals (shhhh...he doesn't know that yet).

The carousel ride was very exciting.

Until the two minutes were over. Then, Olivia felt cheated.

After 5 1/2 hours at the zoo, and on our way out of the gate, we stopped to pet a python.

I think Olivia enjoyed every minute of the zoo. She's at a great age for all that stuff!

After stopping at Arby's for a curly fry dinner, Aaron camped out in the basement with the kids. (Remember, Carter has been banned from the real thing.) I couldn't bear to think of losing even more sleep than I already do and so I happily slept in my own bed ;) Great camping experience.

Justin Lunt Family Visit

Aaron's younger brother, Justin, his wife, Cheril, and their three cute girls (Madison, Hannah, & Natalie) came to visit us this holiday weekend. It was a quick visit, but we had a great time.

On Friday evening we all went bowling. I forgot my camera, but the "grown-ups" had an especially good time and Aaron got his personal high score. Good job honey!

On Saturday we took them down to Sawyer Pointe Park. We love that park because it's shaded by the interstate and it's right on the Ohio river.

Madison & Olivia trying out the kid's climbing wall.

All four on the tire swing.

After playing at the park, we walked over to Kentucky for lunch.
Carter, Olivia, Hannah & Madison watching the boats go under the bridge.

On the Purple People Bridge.

Almost to KY

Lunch in Newport at Johnny Rockets...yum!

Grammy (Aaron's mom) had sent gifts for everyone. Thank you Grammy (& Papa:).

Since Madison turns 5 on Wednesday, it was a great excuse for us all to have cake and ice-cream. Happy Birthday Madison!

Thanks for making the trek up north Justin & Cheril.

My deprived children

A few weeks back we took a big trek to Meijer. I hadn't planned on being there over two hours, but I got side tracked in the gardening section. I picked up most of my remaining garden needs (including cow manure) and after unloading that into the car, made my way back into get groceries. Since Olivia and Carter were relatively patient with me, we made a stop past the bakery for a free cookie. While checking out, Olivia spotted "Sandy." It's the mechanical horse you can ride for a penny. Sandy had disappeared for several months (while Meijer settled a law suit involving her) and so Olivia was so excited to see she was back. After tracking down some pennies (mine disappear whenever we have to walk past a pond that we can throw pennies into), Carter and Olivia took their turns on the racing horse. Then while walking to the van, Olivia helped me push the cart. Olivia let me know that "this is the best day ever! I got to get a cookie, ride the horse, push the cart AND we got Cow Manure!"
I'm so glad that a bag of poop helped to make her best day ever ;)

Last week we got to take a tour through a bakery. At this bakery, they make bagels & pita pockets. It was fun to see the ENTIRE process and we even got to bring home our own bagels & pita pockets. Mmmm.
My kids are in old t-shirts because that same morning, we had a laundry disaster! Carter had left a red crayon in his pants pocket and it got put through the dryer. Red spots all over everything! I cried (sad, but true). Luckily, I have been able to save almost the entire load. (After several washings & another trip to Meijer for a few new types of detergent.) Unfortunately, it did ruin one of my favorite maternity shirts. I'm debating whether it's worth it to replace it for the four weeks I have left. Probably not.

My Fly Catcher

Olivia got this bug catcher for Easter and it's one of those toys that gets used almost everyday! (Yes, it's just like the one she got last year...but that one got ran over after being left on the car bumper.)Anytime there is a fly in the house, Olivia is on the hunt! She's caught several flies with some little tong thingies and kept them in her bug catcher until she decides to release them outside.

I'm actually quite amazed every time she catches one. She's got skillz ;)

I had just finished painting her nails and she goes outside to catch this little guy! (It's a toad)

The only bug that I've found her to be afraid of are bees (she's probably got that from me though).

When Carter gives up on trying to catch butterflies (playing Elefun) he is often found like this. He can stack all four nets over his head.

I've also noticed Carter taking a real liking to helping in the kitchen. He cut up onions and green peppers for dinner on Sunday. I think it helps that he has his own apron ;)
If only he would stop teasing Olivia with the butter knife that he's "going to cut you." It freaks her out.