Not exactly but I supposed you could say so.

After not visiting the National Zoo here we are back for our second visit within a week.

This visit was not planned though..

It was like any other Tuesday morning and we were off to the library for Storytime EXCEPT it was Veterans Day and the library was CLOSED. My daughter didn’t understand why she couldnt have storytime so in an attempt to cheer her up I blurted “were going to the zoo” and that’s how the zoo became the days’ adventure. When you manage to get all three kids plus yourself dressed (no yoga pants today) and out the door before 10 in the morning you don’t just go back home.

It was an easy drive into the city and we even found free parking just outside the zoo’s main entrance. All signs of a good day ahead right?

Yes, it was a lovely day. The kids had so much more fun this visit plus I had my 100 zoom lens to capture it all. Seeing a fox so close was scary. Everytime I look at this picture I get chills. It looked as if he was daring me to cross the fence.

We also saw beavers as they were fed a strict lunch consisting of lettuce and sweet potato. Lol

Speaking of beavers, my son decided it was a great idea to feed the beaver his shoe! Apparently he didnt think the beaver had enough to eat. I was standing there watching them and next thing I know my oldest started crying because she wanted me to rescue her brother’s shoe.

I found a branch to assist with the rescue but it was too short so after checking to ensure it was just a beaver sanctuary I hopped over the fence and rescued the shoe.

Can you believe we still didn’t see the entire zoo? I know one thing though, next trip I will be accompanied by another adult to help push the kids up that treacherous hill. IT WAS A STRUGGLE.
~TOODLES~
Stacey

I know you’re still in shock that after having twins my hubby and I would want more babies. They’re CRAZY. You’re probably thinking. You’re right this mama is CRAZY in love with motherhood!

So here we are on the beach in Hawaii. We’ve been fortunate enough to celebrate two anniversaries here (4th and 10th) and we may never live here (fingers and toes crossed that’ll eat those words) but just in case, this is one of those moments I’ll cherish forever.

Things didn’t go as planned, the weather was crappy, it started raining before we even started shooting but hey we were still in Paradise right? The show must go on besides it wasn’t just any regular day, it was CHRISTMAS in Hawaii!

We were constantly getting hate texts and messages from our family back home on the East Coast. So there’s no way we were delaying another day.

Here are a few of my favorite photos just moments before we learned the sex of our FOURTH baby.

There aren’t enough words to describe my level of nervousness. I was sweating like crazy and my my heart was palpating so fast. I was convinced we were having a baby boy from the day I found out I was pregnant and mentally I wasn’t prepared to receive any conflicting news. I dismissed anyone who said it would be a girl. I’m sure I would push aside my hurt and love another baby girl. Infact, I am confident I would but I REALLY wanted a playmate for my son.

Are you dying of anticipation yet?…Take a look and see what Santa brought us for Christmas 2016!!

Hawaii thank you for these beautiful memories. You’ll always have a special place in my heart and special thanks to my in-laws for taking care of the twinsies while we were away. Thank you to all of you reading for being part of our journey thus far and I hope you continue cheering us on!😙

The weekend I’ve been dreading has come and gone. The last weekend of summer. Say it ain’t so!

It was tiring but eventful.

We started off at 8 a.m with a princess photoshoot for Ms. Jayla’s birthday. The photographer was so patient with her. She was quite impressed that she wasn’t even three yet meanwhile I still can’t believe in less than a month I’ll have a three year old!!! Can time please SLOW down!

Afterwards we went on a trip to the nation’s capital for storytelling in the gardens. I had no idea we were heading to Georgetown. We read about apples and sang nursery rhymes before following our tour guide (my daughter) for a stroll in the garden.

Getting a little guidance

The finished product. Viola!

An apple craft to help us say bye, bye to Summer and hello to Fall

For lots more pics of our garden tour click here

After making the drive back home we picked up the twins and hubby and went to the Charles County Fair.

I can’t even recall the last time I’ve been to a fair. I probably was in high school. I graduated high school back in 2001 so that gives you an idea of just how long ago it’s been.

We watched goats and pigs compete for the coveted trophy and bragging rights. Lol it was actually quite entertaining. It was also entertaining watching my daughter tell kids that they couldn’t ride in the same cars with her. Lol

Mama still got it!!

I won my first attempt then lost the second game trying to upgrade my prize then my daughter wanted to play so I sat her on my lap and guess what…WE WON. She was too excited!!

Meet our new friend Marvin the monkey.

I don’t know what was more fun for her going on the rides or winning the monkey. I know for me it was seeing the excitement on her little face and spending quality time with my family.

We ended the night a little after 8 (an hour pass the twins bedtime) jamming and dancing to oldies.

Today was a good day!

Summer, I bit you adieu, until next year. 😥
~TOODLES~
Stacey

Few months ago I came across this Great Walks in DC list. I’m always looking for somewhere new to explore with the kids. I was beyond excited to visit the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.

The C&O Canal is now a National Park it begins in Georgetown and extends ? Miles to Cumberland, Maryland.

The canal is tucked away . If you’re not careful, you’ll miss it. I’ve been hanging around in Georgetown since last year literally down the street from the canal and I had no idea it was there. We actually found the beginning of the canal by accident.

Being at the canal transfers you to villages in Europe. Bright buildings adorn the corrider. Across the street is a great area to eat.

I was disappointed. Seeing this picture I expected a much larger area

Insider Tip:- Avoid bringing a stroller if possible.

It’s not often that I voluntarily wake up before 6:30 but it was a special day. The air was crisp but the occasional blue skies alone was worth the trip into the city. (Its been raining cats and dogs) I’m so glad we woke up early to see this.

We visited Yards Park last month and fell in love instantly. What’s not to love? The best part is the fact that it’s located on the outskirts of Washington DC so you can avoid the traffic and the crowds here. There’s so much to do here. Theres alot of swanky restaurants. I promise that you’ll love it here.

Display Ship Barry have been at the Navy Yard since 1984 but it was making its final journey along the Potomac River to Philadelphia where it will eventually be dismantled and sold for scraps.

Don’t be sad, there are big plans for the Navy Yard. You can read all about it here.

I’ve been to DC many occasions over the past four years but I’ve never seen the ? Bridge open. It was quite a treat. I can’t believe I typed that. Really a treat to see a drawbridge open?!! Who am I?

I can’t wait for the temperatures to warm up because I see our family spending many warm days here.

Have you visited Yards Park, what was your experience?

My gave thing about Hawaii is.thwir beacheas. Not for their beauty because I’m sure no one would despite their beaury. But what I love most is its accessibility. Hawaiians are big believers of the land and part of that native word for is all beaches are public. Yes you read correctly despite the mega mansions and exclusives hotels that hugs the beach shore their beaches are public. Accessible for any and everyone to enjoy .

When you drive along the highways and byways you lose track of the numerous public beaches awaiting it’s ???

Hawaiians have a great way of life. Means family and no one gets left behind. They a r e always out together grilling, fishing and just spensing.quality time.

I wish many other states would employ this way of life but in the end it all comes down to money.
~TOODLES~
Stacey

A pleasant surprise and while it isn’t located in Princeton it is absolutely worth the drive and the price ofncomissiob.

I had the pleasure of visiting with my kids and my girlfriends, one of the best days.

There’s something worth seeing around every corner. Seriously whatever there’s something for you.

My kids had a blast with the ducks and fishes.

I am not a big art fan but I absolutely adore this photo.

We only had a few hours for our visit so we definitely will be making a second visit this summer. I’ll be sure to have an entire day free.

Insider Tip:- Purchase plan and bring cat foot to feed the fishes.

I cannot believe its been a month since our adventures in the sunshine state!! I feel like time is eluding me.

My younger brother was graduating from The University of South Florida 😮 How and when did that happen? I must be getting old. No, I’m getting grown. That’s it. Hehe

I am so proud of the man he’s become!!! He had big shoes to fill and he’s doing great, but the journey isn’t over. This is just one chapter. The quest for knowledge should be never-ending.

It was only a four-day trip, so we didn’t get to drive up and down the coast like I normally do and it didn’t help that everyone in my party except me was sick at one point or another; but, you know I made time to take my kids to the beach. The girls had a great time; Batman did too when I could actually pry him from my hips. Yes, he still suffers from separation anxiety.

The greatest moment was when a little girl asked my almost three year old could she talk and she responded in typical Jayla fashion with her witty self, “OF COURSE I KNOW HOW TO TALK” 😂😂 They had no idea that she’s the kid who NEVER stops talking unless she’s sleeping. Seriously! She’s the energizer bunny when it comes to talking!

I wished we had another week or two but we must go home after all I had the twins first birthday party in a few days!

This was my shortest flying trip and I don’t plan to repeat it. EVER. Looking forward to a longer stay in Florida.

Until next time…
~TOODLES~
Stacey