We had the opportunity to take Emma and Erin to the zoo in Pittsburgh this weekend with Bryan's biology class. We had a wonderful time. I continue to marvel at God's handiwork and creativity. The variety of animals we saw makes me praise a God whose hand made every single one and who has a personal interest in my life. I can only think that these creations automatically give praise to God because everyone that sees them can see a creative hand at work in their design.
The same goes for my beautiful children. Every time I see them, I see a loving and creative God who saw fit to bless me with two wonderful little girls. When people comment on how beautiful they are, I can only say, "Praise the Lord." He is their creator and just as people can say they see me or Bryan in their faces, I see God's direct hand.
My prayer is that God would be glorified by my life. When people look at me, I pray they can see God's hand directly involved in my every day happenings, even though crowds may not gather around and stare and take pictures of me.
Emma really enjoyed the zoo. She looked intently at all the animals. I can only imagine what she was thinking. She must have been amazed to see all of these animals she had only seen in her books. Who knew? They are real!
On Saturday, we went to Phipps Conservatory, an indoor botanical garden. Emma occasionally would sit down like she knew I wanted a picture. Here she is cheesing. We risked letting her out of the stroller and walk around. I was so afraid she would pick a rare and beautiful flower, but she did really well, except for having to chase her down a couple of times.
Emma and Erin enjoying each other and the view.
Emma taking off. She is getting harder and harder to keep up with.
She really liked the train exhibit and almost climbed in. She is starting to get really interested in toys and dolls, wanting every one that she sees.
Playing with Mommy outside in the gardens. I am amazed at all the fun things that we have the opportunity to do. Praise God for all his benefits.
Erin is crawling and pulling up to standing on anything she can get her little hands on. Emma and Erin are making quite a pair now. Emma loves to have someone to play with. She tries to hold Erin's hands and walk and dance with her. I believe Erin enjoys the playmate too.
This is a little backwards. Emma climbed in the bouncer and Erin stood up watching her.
I am really enjoying this time with the girls. It can be exhausting and there is so much to be done, but I am trying to enjoy the every day because all too soon this time in their lives will be over. The other day we played with boxes and made necklaces and hats out of old oatmeal boxes. We put objects in and out of the trash bag box.
Emma modeling her beautiful oatmeal crown.
Emma is starting to enjoy playing tea. She pours and makes all the pouring noises. I love drinking her tea. Nothing has ever tasted so good.
I love to see this. Both girls standing together and playing.
Every day holds a different opportunity to make new memories for tomorrow. I wrapped Emma up in a wrap and watched her dance all over the kitchen floor.
We went to the grocery store together. I put Erin in the cart and Emma got to drive the car on the front. It is quite a lot for me to steer, but I didn't knock anything major down.
Listening to stories is something that Emma loves to do. She loves being around other children.
But they especially enjoy being around each other and I am relishing this time while I have them. Every day is ordinary with dishes and laundry always waiting, but every day is special with new discoveries waiting to be explored.
