Thursday, June 23, 2016

Kentucky Down Under and Visiting the Procks

Jennifer and I had a few days off together so we decided to head out on a quick little trip to see Jennifer's sister, Sarah and her family. Unfortunately, they both had to work while we were in town, so we kept the kids occupied during the day and then we got to hang out with them at night. Our first stop was at Kentucky Down Under. None of us had ever been there so we really didn't know what to expect. We had a groupon, so it made it even better because we got in for half price.
This little guy was just relaxing on a homemade chair. 
They also had a cave on the property. This was the only picture we got of our cave tour because it was so dark down in the cave. The only lighting during the tour was from our flashlights. It wasn't anything as elaborate as what I remember from Mammoth Cave, but it was a pretty good first experience for the kids. It was about a 15-20 minute walking tour in the cave. 
My beautiful girls! 
This peacock found a nice spot up in the tree while it was raining, so we decided to take advantage of the shelter too. 

We went into meet the Lorikeets. The kids wanted to feed them so I paid for each to get a little container of sugar water. As soon as we stepped into the enclosure the birds flew right onto the kids arms to get something to eat and they immediately dropped their cups. I picked them back up so that all the sugar water didn't go to waste.  The kids still haven't stopped talking about when the birds landed on their heads and backs.
They had a little informational meet and greet with a few of the animals. We learned about owls, laughing Kookaburras, and pythons. They told us all about the animals and then asked if anybody wanted to touch or hold the animals. Both kids wanted to hold the snakes and Brinley even put it around her neck.
The best part of the day was going into the kangaroo cage. You were able to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. We again bought the kids some of the food to feed the kangaroos, which was some carrots. The kids really enjoyed feeding them.
More of the kids interacting with the kangaroos.
The man who was our guide in the kangaroo area told us that this was the nicest kangaroo in America and her name was Amelia. He showed me that you could feed her out of your mouth. I got brave and decided to try it out myself. I was scared, but it ended up being pretty cool.
We took a little horse drawn wagon ride around the property too. At one point I wasn't paying attention and I got smacked in the face with a tree branch, but otherwise a pretty good ride.
The kids were pretty excited about the rock candy in the gift shop. They also got a picture with a stuffed kangaroo and emu before heading out. Landon liked the huge kangaroo carved out of wood.
Aunt Sarah read the kids their bedtime story and they both enjoyed playing with all of their cousin Elam's toys and books.
We also had a great night going up to visit with Nick's cousin. The kids enjoyed playing with Kye and all of his cool toys. Little Elam learned how to walk the week before we came down to visit and he was getting around so good. He carried around this golf club like it was his cane.
Kye showed the kids what it was like to be a country kid. They ran through the field and played at the barn all in the same field with all the sheep and their little newborn lambs.
We took a little side trip to Habegger's Amish Market to see all of the homemade goods. The kids enjoyed playing at the playground while we enjoyed some fresh fried pies.
Since Nick and Sarah had to work while we were in town so we decided to head to Bowling Green to see what they had to offer. We found the mall and I noticed that they had a Chuck E Cheese. I knew the kids would be excited, but also that Jennifer wouldn't be. So, I told her she could see what else the mall had to offer and I would take the kids to play. They had a blast playing all kinds of new games that our location in Lexington doesn't have.
We headed back to the Prock's so that Nick and I could head out for a round of golf. Jennifer was left to watch the kids, but she at least got to hang out with this huge stuffed puppy dog.
Nick and I got a round of golf in at the Kentucky State Park, Barren River Lake. It was a pretty tough course, but we had a lot of fun. Any day playing golf is a good one.
View of the lake right before teeing off. The course had some pretty nice views along the way.
Even though we didn't get to spend as much time visiting with the Procks as we would like because they were working, we sure did have a good time. Elam is starting to become more playful and it won't be long until Brinley and Landon are getting into all kinds of things with him. The kids are already asking when we can go back to see them. Thanks for reading and God bless!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Brinley's Golden Birthday

Have you ever heard of a golden birthday? Well, it is when you turn the age of the actual date of your birthday. This year just happened to be Brinley's golden birthday. She turned 4 on May 4th. Well, since you only have one golden birthday we decided to make it something special. Since we have the season passes to Disney we decided that it only made sense to take her to the happiest place on Earth.
Since we got back late the night before her birthday, by the time we got to bed it was already her birthday. Here is our happy 4 year old.
Our little 4 year old with her little gift we got her. She barely put this doll down all day long.
For her birthday we booked breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Jennifer made her the Ariel birthday hat.
Hanging with Winnie the Pooh.
The kids with Eeyore.
Riding the magic carpets of Aladdin.
Brinley getting ready to for her big make over. We got a appointment with the Pirates League to get her pampered and made into a mermaid.
Since it was raining outside, Captain Jack Sparrow couldn't perform his show. Thankfully he came inside to meet all the kids in the Pirate League.
Getting her makeup done.
The whole family with Captain Jack Sparrow.
Mermaid fish scales being applied.
A little parrot.
Landon wasn't big enough to get a make over because he wasn't 3 years old. They felt sorry for him and gave him a sword and sash.
Brinley meeting one of her favorite princesses, Ariel.
Brinley and mommy riding her favorite ride, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
The kids got picked to participate in Tales with Belle. Brinley got picked to be Mrs. Potts and Landon was picked to be Chip.
The kids enjoying their favorite treat, a couple of Mickey shaped ice creams.
Our little girl is so brave. She started holding her arms up in the air on the roller coasters. I still am glad that she hasn't gotten too big to hold daddy's hand.
The kids getting ready for the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
Brinley was happy for this picture when she heard that Olaf was going to be showing up to visit.
One of our favorite characters, Buzz Lightyear.
Working on shooting their bow and arrows with Merida from Brave.
Landon the little stud muffin is such a ladies man. Ariel told him that she was going to give him a little treasure and then she reached down and grabbed his cheeks and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. For the next hour or so he kept pointing to his cheek and showing us where Ariel kissed him.
The birthday girl. I think she was a little worn out from all the activities that this was all she could muster for a smile.
The kids both really love riding on our shoulders. I think it is helpful because we end up moving faster around all the people in the park when we don't have the strollers.
Brinley meeting Peter Pan for the first time ever. Landon was having a little bit of a meltdown so he didn't get in the picture.
The kids with Rapunzel.
Brinley and princess Cinderella.
What a way to end your birthday than with some fireworks. We have discovered that even though you don't get to see the front of the castle, it is much less crowded at the back of the castle. Brinley and Landon both love seeing the fireworks, but not always hearing the big booming sounds.
I don't think we could have picked a better way to spend our daughter's golden birthday. She had such a great time and can't stop talking about her birthday party at Disney World. She is already saying that she wants to have her birthday there next year. We are not sure how to break the news that next years birthday will be on a much smaller scale. Thanks for reading and God bless!