A birthday, trip to the zoo, and my funny kids :)

I celebrated my 27th birthday about 2-1/2 weeks ago.  This year hit me differently than past years.  I think it's because the kids are all more independent, and I'm not preparing for another little one.  Mine and Jamie's entire time together has always included a new baby.  It's kind of an adjustment for me still to get used to the fact that we are finished.  I was emotional leading up to my birthday knowing that I'm going to continue to watch the kids get older, and not need me as much, and there's nothing I can do about it. 

But there's good things that come with them getting older.  More chances for Jamie and I to have some time to ourselves (which is nice).  My brother, James, called me on my birthday and offered to keep the kids so Jamie and I could have a dinner to ourselves.  We'd planned on all of us going out, but it was a treat for just Jamie and I to go...that doesn't happen too often.  We went to eat, and the kids stayed with their uncle.  They had a blast and still ask me all the time when they get to go back to their uncle's house. 

I love to go to the zoo, and decided to make a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo a few days after my birthday.  It's always so much fun, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect that day.  My sister Ashley came along with us (it's always nice to have an extra set of eyes to watch the kids). 

Rosalie and Jasmine

Levi checking out the elephants.

The kids and I near the kangaroo exhibit.

Another fun pic of the kids and I.

The girls near the alligator tank.

Jasmine hung onto the map the entire day.  She was our little guide.

Typical Iris pose...

Another great pic of my girls :)

We had so much fun.  I'm sure we'll be going back soon since we're in the metroplex every week. 

One more little story...tomorrow is Mother's Day (the kids informed me of this first thing this morning).  I said to the girls, "You know what would be the best Mother's Day gift?  If you'd clean your room."  One of them hollered from their room, "But today isn't Mother's Day!"  Iris was in the kitchen with me at this time.  I turned to her, "Iris, wouldn't it be a good gift if you girls would clean your room?"  Her response, while laughing hysterical, "No, Mom!"  But they will clean their room today...I have other ways to make them do it...they're gonna wish they'd taken advantage of my nice suggestion that I offered this morning ;)