Natural Safari Zoo

 We went to Natural Safari Zoo in Natural Bridge, Virginia and it was one of the coolest things I have done because well I have never had a Camel head in my car stealing my bucket of food. There were Llamas, Emus, Zebras, Moose and much more all along a three mile drive that you can go at your leisurely pace while feeding the animals as you go. There were certain ones you could not feel like the Zebras. Beware lots of pictures of our trip. Enjoy!

 
Ladybird actually sat on my lap the whole time we drove through the Safari. She absolutely loved that, I was a tad bit afraid she would never want her car seat again. But no to worry when we got in the car to leave she fell asleep and never asked to sit in my lap to drive.

Our first encounter with a large animal. It takes awhile to get used to... well...actually...we never truly go used to it. It just seems so unnatural. 

 
Ladybird did amazing with the animals cant't say the same for my sister who freaked out the whole time and  didn't really put her window down.

There is a sign that reads "Camels steal buckets but feed anyway." So we feed anyway and sure enough camel stole the bucket and we lost our whole bucket of food. 

These animals are well trained...I mean who wouldn't be they are feed all day from cars. 

Lady feeding the goats like a pro she even feed them straight from her hand. 

How cool is this we even got to feed the Graffias from our hand!!

Feeding birdies!

We had such a good time look forward to doing everything else Natural Bridge has to offer.

Cheers.

Halloween

Growing up as a child and even young adult I never celebrated Halloween. My parents very early on told my sisters and I it was for religious reasons and we never asked "but why?". We were told it was evil. So there were no costumes, or candy, or door-to-door ringing. As I grew up I learned to appreciate being different from all my peers in that I didn't do the same thing. I considered myself set apart in my Christian faith because I did not celebrate this holiday.

When we got married hubby and I had very different past experiences with regard to this festivity. He celebrated it growing up and I didn't. When we got married, however, we decided to celebrate Halloween. I have to admit that I felt I was celebrating an "evil" day, but it turned out to be no big deal. We hosted a party for his co-workers and I had fun dressing up.

Halloween 2008 winning best costume award.

Then we had lady and it became a whole new story, asking ourselves "will we?" or "won't we?".

Reasons why we wouldn't:

• I never felt I was missing out on anything well until the next day when I was not eating candy. 
• Having Ava learn to stand by a decision and not bend under peer pressure. 
• Avoiding teen parties once she got older.
• Conforming to my family's thoughts on the day.
• I am being more righteous by not celebrating the day.

Reasons why we would:

• Candy and costumes are not evil.
• It's the one day of the year every door is open.
• You can be in the world but not of the world.
• Fun times with family and friends.
• Seeing lady dressed up is just to darn cute to pass up!

Although we still dressed lady up the last two years, I still felt condemned by celebrating this day. Over lots of prayer, wisdom, and discernment, we have decided to continue celebrating Halloween.... for now anyway.

I have to say this year was much more fun and condemnation free, lady really enjoyed dressing up and collecting candy at a Trunk-or-treat hosted by a local church we attend for Awana.

Getting ready to leave for Trunk-or-Treat.

I am so proud of my hair styling skills. I did this in 10 min with a brush, water, and bobby pins.

Daddy and Princess.

Waiting in line to get to the trunks.

 The trunks were all decorated for the occasion.

Fancy Nancy making balloons.

All done.

Earlier in the day at a homeschool Halloween Party. 

She is such a beauty. I love my princess.

Cheers.

Pumpkin Patch

I love the Fall and with it comes wonderful pumpkin patches all throughout our area. Here are some photos of a recent trip to the pumpkin patch.

Are you my baby?

Cheers.

Fun Friday

This past Friday we went to Gravelly Point Park in Arlington to watch the airplanes fly over us from the Ronald Reagan Airport. Ava kept guessing where the airplanes were flying to. I defiantly recommend going to the park especially if your little ones love planes. The sound from the plane taking off is really loud and we saw at least 20 planes fly over us in the matter of an hour. The view is also beautiful because you can see the Capital, Washington Monument and its right on the Potomac River.

 Washington Monument

The Capital

All of our gear for a fun day in the park but soon instead of a big green ball it will be our son. 

Cheers.