Pickles

Happy Birthday Pickles!!!  We don't actually know her exact birthday but we say it is Sept 19 2007.  She got to celebrate and have hot dogs in her food!  :)  Anyway, I just saw these pictures Udine took so I thought I'd make a record of her 5th birthday. 

Zoo

For fall break we wanted to do something fun with the kids, so yep, we went to the zoo again.  I know I've posted zoo pictures a lot of times, but it's something we like to do as a family and I always want to document it.  It was a cooler day so lots of animals were active.  It is the first time we've been able to see the new exhibits with the polar bear and sea animals.  We had a great time like always.  :)
 

 This gorilla was hilarious!!!  He was playing a lot and all of a sudden ran to the window and slammed his hand on it right in front of Diego's face.  It was like he was mad at Diego or something.  Too funny. 

This guy kept swimming in circles 

Some sprinklers went off and scared these bears.  It was cool to see them run and then stand up like this to see what was going on.

 They love to pose for pictures...it never gets old for them

 The tigers were eating rabbits....eewww

 We love making Mia go in the reptile area because she can't handle the smell.  It is soo funny to watch her.  She can't get out of there fast enough. 

Scheels

Scheels just opened up near us and it's a pretty awesome store.  Finally a store nearby that carries Packers clothing/gear!!  Woohoo!  :)  The kids had fun taking pictures at all the little displays.  They wanted to go on the Ferris Wheel that's in the middle of the store, but we said No, so they had to make do with all the free stuff.  :)

Crazy Hair

Once again it was crazy hair day at school and my older boys went all out.  I'm always surprised that Alessandro does it because he's such a timid child.  I guess the influence of a brother is huge.  :)

This was Luca...not really crazy since he wears it like this sometimes, but that's probably about as crazy as he'll get.  He's a timid one as well.  Just doesn't have a sibling his age to influence him.  ;)  Maybe when Mia is in school he will.  I can see her being very much like Diego.  hahaha 

Before Bed

This is what we do to tire the kids out before bed.  hahaha  J/K, but they did do this before bed and they were all exhausted.  :)

I love my family

I love getting family pictures every year.  I know my family hates it, but it is so fun for me to be able to see how everyone has changed in the last year.  For instance, I always thought I wouldn't notice changes in Diego now that he is older, but I'm amazed at how young he looks in last years pictures compared to this years.  And Mia has grown like a weed also.  No more baby face, definitely heading into the little girl stage now.  The only one who doesn't look much different to me this year is Luca.  :)  And I'd rather not think about how different I look...we won't dwell on that.  ;)  But really I am glad we take pictures yearly so we can look back at them and see all the changes that take place.  Whether it is the growth of an individual, clothing style, hair styles, whatever it may be.  I love it and am grateful my family puts up with it every year.  I'm sure only more complaining will come to pass as they get older, but I don't think I'll stop.  Sorry guys!!  :)

 

 

Diego Alexander - 11 yrs old

 

Alessandro McKay - 9 yrs old

 

Luca Ray - 5 yrs old

Mia Michelle - 4 yrs old

 

My kids are not little anymore!!!  :(