My first 1/2 marathon was in Knoxville this past Sunday. So our plans were to head out early Sabbath morning so we could go to church with my cousin Matt and then have a picnic and visit the zoo that afternoon. We would spend the night with my cousin and then head to the race early on Sunday.

But on Friday night Caitlin decided to have a upset stomach. She threw up once. Since my cousin has two little kids we just couldn't chance getting them sick. So Jon stayed home with her and my dad, Dominic and I headed to Knoxville.

 

After church we headed to the Knoxville zoo. We had passes and thought we'd check it out. It's about the same distance as the Nashville zoo, but we still haven't made it over for a visit.

I have several pictures of animals, but ironically the two main things that Dominic loved were not even zoo animals.

He played on this lion forever. I had to make him get off so that other kids could have a chance.

 

 But he was having fun, so I let him go for it.

 The knees of a boy who knows how to have fun!

 My sweet boy!

 His favorite was this jeep. It even got a mention for the next two nights during prayer time.

He could have played here for hours. It was hilarious and so cute watching him make up stories and act them out.

 Leaving the zoo on the train.

Another race

This last weekend we headed down to Chattanooga so I could run a race. Quite a few of my cousins were running it and I thought it would be fun for the kids as well.

So Sabbath morning after Sabbath School we headed down to the Chattanooga zoo. We have passes and spent several hours there enjoying the animals and fall weather.

Before we got there we stopped at the overpass.

 

My favorite exhibit. =)

After the zoo we headed to my grandparents for a visit before going to check out our hotel.
Our hotel had a nice pool that we spent some time at.
After supper we went to bed early. The next morning was going to start at 3am.

Memorial Field Trip

Life has been so incredibly busy that I haven't had a whole lot of time to be posting blogs. So please forgive me for this blog post being out of order.

On Wednesday before school got out Dominic's school headed back to the zoo. His classroom has a prayer board that they put prayer requests on. When a prayer has been answered they move the request to the answered side. Marissa had prayed that the school would get to go back to the zoo again this year. So to answer her prayer, someone sponsored another field trip for ACE.

I was kept very busy with an independent little girl who wanted to walk the entire time. Unfortunately she only has a slow speed. So I spend the entire day at the back of the line with her. I really didn't see Dominic most of the day. But they both had fun and that is what is most important.

 

 Grammy and Gramps joined us about lunch time and then came home with us for Dominic's graduation.

 Caitlin's favorite place at the playground.

Thanksgiving III

On Friday we headed to Nashville to spend the day.

First we went to the zoo. Jon hadn't been yet and Dominic had been begging to return.

I seriously have the cutest kids!!!

 Checking out the monkeys.

 

 Most of us, heading to see the elephants.

 Caitlin with Grammy.

 I love that hat. 

I'm also rather partial to the little girl under the hat.

 Aunt Sue, Amanda and Caitlin

 Little man on an elephant head.

 Dominic was ready to hit the play ground, but was sweet enough to ride the carousel with Caitlin one time first.

 Caitlin rode it 2x and could have gone more if I had been willing to pay for it.

 The rope walk.

Look at Caitlin's face. She isn't sure WHAT to think.

 

 Grammy and Dominic took a tumble.

 Caitlin is yelling for help. So I took a picture first.

Aren't I the best mom?

 The kids found these along the path and thought they were cool.

 If brother has one, then so do I.

 It was starting to get chilly and Caitlin's coat was in the car.

So she borrowed mine.

 Jumping on the bridge.

 After the zoo we headed to the Opryland Hotel to see the lights.

 Dominic loved the water fall show.

I remember watching this when I was only a few years older than him and listening to some country music star sing. I certainly didn't picture being here with a kid someday. Amazing how time goes by so quickly.

 The kids were exhausted after the incredibly long day. But they were so good. 

I think I was the one that was cranky. =)

 

Field Trip

On Monday Dominic had a field trip to the zoo. Caitlin and I came along for the ride.

The kids had so much fun and it was nice to spend some extra time with Dominic. 

I miss him now that he's in school.

Caitlin was a bigger hit than I had anticipated. The zoo is huge so I brought her stroller. This little guy pushed her almost the entire time. His mom informed me that it was because of the wheels. Sure enough, he pushed the stroller even when she wasn't in it, making car noises the whole time. 

It was precious!

 Caitlin getting a kiss! I won't print Jon's response. =)

This bamboo was a hit and great for taking pictures.

Man, I love this kid!

 Dominic's beautiful teacher. 

She's wonderful and we thank God for her every day!

 Most of the kids. A couple refused to cooperate.

Dominic with the elephants.

 Caitlin wore her lunch.

These birds would land on you and Dominic was a bit jumpy.

 Flips!

My sweet little girl!

 Dominic and a classmate.

We had so much fun that we are planning a trip back as a family very soon.