Saying Goodbye to the Allens

Our friends Jen and Chris Allen just moved out of Gulf Drive last week to start the next chapter of their lives in Mississippi- we will miss them! Jen and I spent a lot of time outside with our kids blowing bubbles, playing in the sandbox, chatting while making sure that our kids only occasionally ran into the street, etc. We babysat the girls while Jen and Chris went to the baccalaureate service last month, so this was Howie's chance to say goodbye to Mackenzie, Isabelle, and Addie. We miss you!

Howie and the Zoo, His Favorite Place

Looking for some animals

Uh, Mom, there are some really big hippos in there

Hey, this choo-choo is fun!!

Howie's second popsicle of his life, contained in the bathtub

We have been to the zoo countless times since it's gotten warmer this spring- Howie's favorite animals by far are the hippos, cheetahs, and elephants. I have walked around the River's Edge part of the zoo so many times I can't even tell you!! My favorite animal: probably the cheetahs, I have to agree with Howie. Most elusive animal: capybara. I've never managed to see this animal who I think is the world's largest rodent, or something horrific like that. Most offensive animal: the black rhino. He almost peed on Josh, Howie, and my sister Carrie one time. Unfortunately this is not a joke.

Baby Shower Fun

Lis, me, and Apes chillin at the baby shower for Baby Weichbrodt, who we can't wait to meet next month!! Howie and Bowie look forward to another playmate!!

Beautiful Day for a Cardinals Game

...Even if you are depressed about the final score... Brewers 8, Cardinals 2.

Encountering the Hose

Howie Gallops

We can't explain how or where he learned this, but I'm so glad that he did because I laugh every time he trots around the room.

Fun With Howie and Friends

Howie has just started to embrace his little friends we simply call Penguin and Doggie. He chose them a few months ago at Build-a-Bear, that somewhat trite yet strangely amusing establishment of modern childhood, but has only now started to invite them into his circle of friends which includes several little neighbors, his cousins, and his blankey.