Monday, June 21, 2010
Ready for some "MOO"re Fun?
We made one last stop to the Dairy before Hayden left. We started our tour watching the film and then they passed out our lovely headwear before entering the tour. Here are some of our lovely models:
I'm sorry dear, but it is my duty as a mother to humiliate her children as payback for all the embarrassing things that have have been done in public to your father and I. Are we even? Not yet. I just need a few more pictures. =) I Love You!
Nathan, I know nothing embarrasses you. You would wear underwear on your head if you were told to. But the torture of babysitting your siblings a couple times a week is enough to satisfy us.
I was taking this picture (above) when onlookers were snickering at what Andrew was doing:
"Mom! Take a picture of me milking the cow!" Don't worry son, payback is coming.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Adventures at The Aquarium
The TN Aquarium sits on the bank of the scenic Tennessee River in Downtown Chattanooga. It is one of our favorite places to visit. There are water areas around the buildings for kids to splash in and enjoy on hot summer days. The aquarium consists of 2 large buildings. One is dedicated to Ocean life and the other to Freshwater life. We started on the Ocean Journey. The escalator takes you up 12 stories to view and pet stingrays and tiger sharks (both are harmless). While the boys were ready for a hands on experience, Emma and I decided to just observe. The thought of dipping my arm into a fish tank did not appeal to me. I like the pleasing odor of hand soaps and lotions better.
Here's Scot getting a manicure from a bottom dweller. Nathan was eager to be next |
This one thought petting it just wasn't enough. He wanted to play with it and fell in
His shirt is contrary to what kind of day he was having. Your pretty proud of yourself aren't you buddy? Stinky boy. I wonder if they'll keep you. =) |
Onto the Butterfly Exhibit:
It was a sunny day and they were everywhere! I would have taken more pictures but Emma and Barret were terrified one would land on them! Emma was running around me like they were bees and began to "freak"(his own word) Barret out. They where latched on to me like monkeys. I'm surprised my clothes were still intact when we left out of there. I did manage to get her to sit still for one second to snap a picture of her.
Mr. Fearless holding this delicate creature
Barret's favorite Exhibit is the Penguin Exhibit. He wanted a picture of him and a penguin, but only got the tail of this one.
They have a huge salt water aquarium that is home to sharks sea turtles. All of which my pictures came out too dark to post.
Emma at the coral reef exhibit |
Sadly, this is the only picture I have of the Freshwater exhibit. Scot and the older boys spent more time than the younger 3 so we ended up getting ahead of them. The building is dark and I had to put up the camera to keep from losing my offspring.
Emma in front of a trout exhibit in the River Journey building.
The water simulated a swift moving stream. The trout were swimming at a fast pace. I'm so glad I'm not a trout. I was exhausted watching them swim and going nowhere. Much like running on a treadmill all day, everyday for the rest of your life. I'd be in awesome shape, but miserable.
Pass the cookies.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Train Ride/Ruby Falls
ALL ABOARD!! |
Tickets Please! |
Barret is in heaven right about now.
Mr. Johnson and me. Man, my Texas farmer's tan is fading :( Emma Posing in front of "Emma" street |
On the way back, our tour guide was gracious enough to allow us to go to the back of the train and take pictures. We stayed in our seats, Hayden and Nathan opted to go.
They got some pretty good shots of the tunnel
Afterwards, we headed up to Lookout Mountain to Ruby Falls.
Nothing makes me happier than having us all together :)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Civil War History Lesson
We were so happy to have Hayden visiting with us. We wanted to do as much as we could with him during his short stay. The Tennessee River Valley played a major role in the Civil War, so we decided to dedicate a day for a little history lesson. We started our trip in Fort Oglethorpe, GA at the Chickamauga Battlefield. There we watched a live artillery demonstration, toured the museums and took a scenic drive through the Military Park the nations oldest and largest Civil War Battlefield.
The sound was deafening and it wasn't a full charge. I can't imagine dozens of cannons lined up firing at once!
Interesting fact: We noticed the the solider on the left was wearing a US buckle upside down. He said that confederate soliders intentionally wore them that way so that it would stand for "Southern Nation".
We headed up to to Point Park on Lookout Mountain where the battle took place overlooking the Tennessee River, known as the gateway to the Deep South. Union troop claimed victory. General Grant posed for pictures atop this mountain.
The scene was beatiful but there was a drop off and no railing. Scot and I had a death grip on the kids. Needless to say we didn't stay very long. We headed over to the visitors center where there were artifacts that were found on the battlefield displayed and toured the Craven's house where Confederate and Union soliders used it as their headquarters.
End of History Lesson :)
"Union Soliders" firing a cannon |
"Confederate Soldiers" |
A solider's knapsack and his contents |
We headed up to to Point Park on Lookout Mountain where the battle took place overlooking the Tennessee River, known as the gateway to the Deep South. Union troop claimed victory. General Grant posed for pictures atop this mountain.
Overlooking the Tennessee River |
End of History Lesson :)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Warner Park Zoo
The kids posing with their Dad :) |
Our first trip of the summer was a trip to the zoo. We met up with some moms from play group and had a some fun. It was a tad hot, but the animals were out and about.
Nathan and his future college mascot |
We picnicked on the lawn that was a blanket of clover. There were bees all around us. The boys were fascinated by how the pollen was collecting on their legs. It kept them entertained while we ate our lunch (and kept them on the blanket too). Emma however, refused to sit anywhere.
After lunch, we rode the indoor carousel.
Wheeeeeee! |
Don't worry, it won't bite! |
I wonder if we could get one of these in the backyard |
Can we keep him? Pleease! |
I can see for miles up here! |
After a hot day at the zoo, we cooled off with some ice cream. Mom was exhausted from the heat that I accidentally ordered an extra cone. Nathan got one for each hand. Lucky boy..
I know, I am the best mom you ever did see. |
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