Green Meadows Farm

 We went to Green Meadows Farm Petting Zoo in Kissimmee this past weekend.  We were very excited about this trip because of all the great reviews.  This was the closest thing we had in Florida that compared to all the fall festivities we missed in IL.  Boy, we were NOT disappointed!!  They took you on a guided tour through the farm where you got to see pigs, cows, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, donkeys, and more!!  Not to mention, Brody got to experience a pony ride, train ride, and hayride.  At the end, we selected a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.  It was a lot of fun.  This pregnant momma and family were one tired bunch after the day was over.

Brody and I taking a picture in front of the farm.  Brody not too thrilled because I picked him up from his stroller pushing duties.

One of Brody's favorite things to do, pushing the stroller.

Brody petting the turkeys

Brody was BEYOND excited for the pony ride.  As soon as he got on the pony he was grinning from ear to ear.  I don't know who was more excited about the pony ride, Daddy or Brody.  They both were filled with excitement when they were coming my way.   They told us the best place to take pictures would be at the end of the ride.  I wasn't sure about that because I thought Brody might like the ride for the first five seconds and by the time we got to the area to take our picture he'd be OVER IT!  Boy was I wrong!!  He lit up from the moment he got on the pony and the smile didn't go away.  It was such a great moment to see Brody so brave.

  

All Aboard! Brody really enjoyed listening to the train whistle and looking at all the animals from the train ride. It was definitely a nice and RELAXING change of pace from the walking.

You EVEN got to milk a cow during the tour.  Brody actually stepped up to the plate and tried this not everyday event. 

  

We then got to hold and pet a baby chick and duck.  Brody was not as gentle with these animals as they would have liked.  Brody's way of petting was poking the baby chick's and duck's eyes.  Hmm yeah I don't think these little animals cared for it, but what do you expect from a 16 month old.

This picture is for Uncle Brent

 Next stop were the goats.  I have to admit I've never really cared for the petting goats area at the zoo.  They just look creepy for some reason to me.  However, it was a different story seeing them through Brody's eyes.  He couldn't get enough of them and they couldn't get enough of Brody either.  One little guy in particular was nibbling on Brody's hands and Brody thought it was  the funniest thing ever (probably because Wrigley does it all the time).  I guess the goat thought Brody didn't taste so good because then he started nibbling his shirt.  That was the end for me and the goat interaction.

Brody trying to catch the rooster

Brody chillin' on his first hayride.

Which one shall I pick?

While on the tour, Stu and I saw this antique firetruck and had to come back to take a picture of it.  Look at our little handsome man.  He is already a station rat.

I LOVE this pic of my two boys.

Morning Walk with Wrigley

Brody, Wrigs, and I went to Cocoa Village one morning while Daddy was at the station.  Brody loved walking Wrigley around the park, despite the fact that it was more like Wrigley pulling Brody around.  Nonetheless, we couldn't have asked for a better dog for our family.  I really appreciate having a dog while Brody is growing up.  I think he is more comfortable with animals because of him (sometimes a little TOO comfortable!).  We ended our morning at the swings.  What day at the park would it be without swinging?

Look Who's Walking!

Right before Brody turned 15 months, he took his first steps.  It was an exciting day in the Blade household.  He was very proud of himself, as were Mommy and Daddy too.  Ever since those first few steps, he's been thinkin' this walking thing isn't actually so bad.  Our little laid back man has turned over a new leaf.  Watch out world Brody is now on foot!  Here is a little video of our fearless man. 

Papa Clark comes to Florida

A little behind for this blog!  We ran into a problem finding a babysitter for Jackie's first week back to work.  Our usual babysitter was away in Gainsville getting her "baby" settled for his first year of college.  Jackie and I were going through our phones calling so many people without any luck to find a replacement.  A little venting to the parents and sure enough we had a plane ticket purchased for Papa Clark to be our babysitter.  It was pretty great for me because I was only working 2 days during the week that he was here.  During my days off, Brody and I took Papa to the beach.  Brody had to show him how much he loves the water and sand. Another day we drove to Orlando to have lunch with Aunt Jeanie, Michele, Nate and Kelseigh. My favorite "bonding" moment of the trip was all the boys going for a bike ride.  I was on the bike with Brody's seat while Papa jumped on the road bike.  WE GOT DITCHED!!  We only saw Papa as he was lapping us on the loop we were riding.  Ha!  Boys will be boys no matter what age when given the chance to go fast!  We cannot thank Papa enough knowing how much he doesn't like to fly AND he flew on his Birthday to come to Florida!!  Happy Birthday Papa!! 

 After church we took Papa to Grills for lunch.  Brody was so well behaved and loved sitting next to Papa to celebrate his birthday.

 Brody sure did get his reading time in with Papa.

How can you celebrate a birthday without some ice cream??  Brody was in heaven.  Jackie and I could not keep up with him and how fast he wanted the ice cream.  I can't believe he didn't get a headache!!!

Happy Grandparents Day!

We celebrated Grandparents Day this month at school.  All the kiddos' grandparents were invited to bring in a favorite family dish and enjoy in some activities to compare the past to the present.  My class had a blast.  It's times like these that make me think of the fun things Brody and his sissy will have showing off their grandparents at school.  You'd think that having them live over 1.000 miles away would stop them from coming to these special events, but our family is one blessed bunch with grandparents that travel great distances for their grandkids.  Thank you Granny, Papa Don, Nana, and Papa Clark for everything you do for our family.  We love and miss you all.  And we cannot forget about Papa Joe.  Happy belated Birthday on Sept. 9th!  We love you and think of you always.

Monkey See Monkey Do

One of the days while Daddy was at the station, Brody and I decided to make play-doh for the first time.  I wanted to make it just in case he tried to put it into his mouth.  I thought if he played with it on the floor on top of a cookie sheet there would be less association that it's food, as there would be if I put him in his highchair.  He was very skeptical about it at first.  He poked at it with a wooden spoon.  Then touched it with his finger.  Oh, there went the spoon in the mouth.  There went the bottom lip after I said no.

After a little consoling, he loved molding the play-doh into balls and throwing them.  Balls are one of his favorite things.  If I'm not mistaken I think he says the word "ball" better than "ma ma."  (Yes, I am having a hard time letting that one go)  I was all concerned about Brody putting the play-doh in his mouth that I completely forgot about Wrigley wanting to eat it.  Wrigs thought Brody was playing fetch with him. (However, Wrigley's definition of fetch is Brody throwing a toy and Wrigley taking it and jumping on top of the couch to tease Brody.  Brody then gets upset.  Wrigley jumps down and drops the toy.  The cycle then repeats itself.)  Anyways, Wrigley ate the ball that Brody threw and that was the end of the play-doh for the day.