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!

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!

Meeting the UK Wildcats

I started a new tradition last year when I got season tickets for the first time and the team had such a memorable year. I started taking the kids to meet the players when they leave for the NBA. It is our way to say thanks for all the memories that we have gotten to enjoy since they put on the blue and white of the Kentucky Wildcats! I figured this year should not be any different even though they didn't have as good of a season as last year. I missed the first scheduled player visit when they came to the mall so I was able to catch Alex Poythress when he came to Nicholasville.

Brinley was really excited to meet Alex. She is not shy at all either. She handed Alex the ball he asked her what color she wanted him to sign the ball with. I had to ask for black because I didn't know if all the other players would have been able to have the additional colors.

Posing with her new buddy Alex. He was being really nice and taking his time and interacting with everybody that came in to meet him.

Landon finally decided that he wanted to get a picture with Alex. I couldn't get Landon to look at the camera though.

I had to get a picture with him too. I wished him all the best of luck and said how thankful we were for the previous 4 years that he played for UK. Brinley even showed him her 3 goggles before we left and he gave her a big smile.

Brinley with the ball that her new buddy Alex had just signed for her. When we got out to the car she told me that she thought Alex was nice.

 Next on the autograph tour was to meet Skal Labissiere at the mall. We arrived at the mall 15 minutes prior to the start of his signing time and there was about 30 or 40 people in front of me in line. The kids did pretty good waiting in line because they played with their little Ipods. The line moved fairly quick and in no time it was our turn to meet Skal.

Again Brinley was our ball girl. In the line Brinley kept asking me what the guy's name was and I repeatedly told her Skal. She would then say "I don't know him". Well now she won't be able to say that.

Brinley got a big smile from Skal when she showed him her 3 goggles. Landon was in the middle of a meltdown because I took his Ipod away from him so that we could take a picture with Skal.

Skal is a very nice young man and I wished him all the best in the NBA. I know this season didn't turn out the way we had wanted, but at times Skal showed why he is going to be a high draft pick. 

 The next stop on the autograph tour was one of the BBN favorites, Tyler Ulis. I knew the line was going to be much longer than the previous two players that we had met. I just didn't realize how many people were going to get there that early. Some people apparently started lining up at 11am and the line just kept getting longer throughout the day. When I got to the mall an hour before the signing time there were about 100 people in front of me. Jennifer stayed at home with the kids for a little while longer and then showed up when we were close to the front.

When it was our time to meet Tyler we were greeted by a lady taking pictures. She picked Landon up and put him on the table and took some pictures of the kids. 

Then I asked if I could get a family picture too. He was a nice young man and I thanked him for the past 2 years and said that it was fun to watch him play. I also wished him all the best in the NBA.

We just had one thing left to do before saying bye to Tyler and that was to throw up our 3 goggles. Brinley has gotten so good at doing it on demand and Tyler was a good sport too. I just love this picture and I think it is one that will be something she will really appreciate later in life. Before we left the store I spotted Tyler's dad and told him too that I was glad he let us borrow his son for a couple of years. He said that Tyler and himself had loved it here at Kentucky!

The last (at least I hope) of this seasons wildcats to leave for the NBA was by far my favorite Wildcat, Jamal Murray. He is an exceptional athlete and an amazing shooter. He is the record holder at UK for the most points scored by a freshman and he actually hit a 3-pointer in every game that he played which was another record. I believe that he is going to be a superstar in the league for many years to come.

The kids and I with Jamal. He was a very nice young man and I wished him all the best in the NBA. I can't wait to see which team is lucky enough to get to draft him.



Brinley and Jamal exchanging 3 goggles. I am so glad that we got this whole exchange between the kids and Jamal on film because it was awesome to see them interact. Both kids were so good and Jamal loved their 3 goggles and bow and arrows.

Brinley got a smile out of Jamal when she showed him her shooting the arrow. He was distracted by Brinley so I had to let him know that Landon was throwing up the 3 goggles too!

I know that the kids really don't know or care at all about meeting these guys at this point in their lives. However, I think someday they are going to love knowing that they got to meet some of the Wildcat greats. They have met all the departing players the last 2 years and they have also been to see all of these guys play at RUPP too. I hope that they grow up to have as much pride in our CATS as I do. Thanks for reading and God bless!