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.
Summer has finally arrived and we are very excited to have Daddy home with us. He is very busy planning for his classes next year, but it is very nice to have him close by. Our days are full of ordinary tasks and fun activities made even better with two small children. Excuse me one moment. Yes, Emma. "Momma, Sassy, Sassy." No, Emma we will watch Lassie later. We have watched that episode 50 times this morning, let's let Lassie rest. 
As you can see, Emma is finding the joy of playing ("ae, ae" a word she says every time we go anywhere) especially with other children. She is becoming quite the little character. Erin is developing her own sweet personality as well. She loves Emma and cracks up at her on a daily basis. Emma is her constant source of entertainment. Oh, wait a minute! Erin, get that paper out of your mouth! Yucky! Emma: "ucky, ucky. Momma, craka, cheese, and craka, eeeese." That's very nice of you to say please, but honey we just ate breakfast, give mommy a minute.
Anyway, as I was saying, we have really enjoyed the warm weather with the girls. They got a little swimming pool and we have been in it several times. Erin really likes to sit in it and splash, Emma enjoys getting in and out much more than just staying in. How boring!
One of her times actually in the pool. "Momma, Momma! " Yes, Emma. Mommy is busy. What do you need? "owside, owside." Yes, we will go outside later. Give me another minute. Erin, Erin, be careful, you will fall. Just a minute, please. Ok, I'm back from rescuing a child out of a precarious situation.
OK, where was I? Oh, yes, playing. What more to say? With two little children they keep us moving all the time. I can already say, this summer is going to be a blast!
Who wouldn't have a blast with a cutie like that? Erin laughs at everything and now that she is crawling is getting into everything. It is a full time job keeping her safe from herself, much less a rough big sister.
"Side, Momma, side" Yes, honey, that's a picture of a slide. You like to slide don't you? "es!" We will go out and slide later.
Popsicles!!!! This was the girls first experience with popsicles and they had a blast. It was a little cold for Erin, but that didn't keep her from going back for more.
Miss Independent, did it all by herself. Can you tell? She looks like she has been in battle.
"Sercize, Momma, sercize. " OK, Emma, we will excersize. I know how much you love it. Well, I hope that let you in a little of our world, but I am needed and so I must bid say bye, bye,um I mean goodbye. Have a wonderful summer. I hope you have as much fun as we do!
