Hampster Dancin'

We had a Hampster Dance party at the house after dinner last night. Both Arning brothers love music and they love to "dance."

Also, check out the pot shots that Charlie gives Chase throughout the video. Boys will be boys, I suppose. Just wait until Chase is bigger than Charlie, then all bets will be off!

And at one point, Chase gets so into his dancing that he backs into the island in the kitchen. But, what an excellent recovery he makes. The show must go on!

Best use of a prop: Charlie
Best dance move (end of the video - the arm pump): Chase

Anyway, here's video of our Hamster Dance House Party!

Spring is in the Air!

It has been so beautiful here lately! Today, it was sunny and 70 degrees so we spent most of the day outside. I took the boys to the park for a picnic, then we spent the afternoon playing with all of the other kids in the neighborhood.

Late afternoon, right before dinner, there was a beautiful glow over everything as the sun was starting to set. As you know, that's my absolute favorite time of day! The boys just looked cute, I had to get my camera. I love all of the photography practice I'm getting lately!

In other news, Chase is now napping just once a day and so far so good! I'm happy because it frees up the morning so I'm not stuck in the house all day while someone naps. Now if I could just get Chase and Charlie to nap at the same time... Maybe some day!

And finally, we're missing Mike, big time. Charlie misses his Dada so much but I think it's safe to say that I miss him MORE!

Mike has been gone 17 of the 28 days in February, PLUS 6 days in March and that's assuming that the Las Vegas race won't get rained out. He's missed Valentine's Day and he'll miss my birthday.

I do have help 3 days a week, but I have to work those days (or take Charlie to swimming, do laundry, go to the grocery store, etc.), so I am really pooped. Very pooped. Beyond pooped. I'm dragging. I'm ready for Mike to come home so I can have a partner again. I'm tired of going at this alone. I think the boys need a break from me too. I'm sure they're both sick of me. I'm sick of me!

Only seven days left... Boo.

Anyway, here are the cute photos I took today. Until next time!

The Perfect Time of Day

I obviously love taking photos of my sweet boys, and I've learned so much since taking my photography class last year. One of the first things you learn about is lighting. The best time of day to take photos is first thing in the morning, before the sun is too bright, and at sunset when there is a beautiful glow over everything.

Well, spending time here on Grandpa and Grandma's farm has offered me the perfect opportunity to take photos at just the right time of day. And of course, my subject matter is top notch, wouldn't you agree?

Anyway, that's really all I have to say for this blog entry. I just wanted to show off my adorable kids and the fun time that I had taking pictures of them this week while I was in Tennessee.

Hope you enjoy!

Just-a Swingin'

I told you the boys were part monkey. They both love to swing!

I just love this photo. I don't know why.

And this photo proves the monkey theory.

Charlie insisted on eating his snack at the top of the playground equipment.
I suppose what Charlie wants, Charlie gets.

We Belong in the Zoo!

Isn't it crazy that we don't have a zoo in Charlotte? One thing I definitely miss about Atlanta is all of the attractions it has to offer kids and families. Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the Atlanta Braves, the Children's Museum of Atlanta, I could go on. The closest zoo to Charlotte - that I know of - is about two hours away, near Asheville. At this stage in my kids' life, that just isn't feasible for us.

Luckily, there's the Knoxville Zoo! Yippee!

Yesterday, we took advantage of the beautiful, 70 degree weather and took both boys on their first-ever trip to the zoo. What fun!

We had a great time and the weather could not have been more perfect. I think the boys really enjoyed being outdoors. I'm not sure what they thought of the animals overall, but the chimps were definitely a hit. Of course, Charlie's favorite thing was a truck that the Knoxville Zoo had put on display for kids to climb on and explore. Surprise. Surprise.

So, that was our first trip to the zoo. Here are a couple of photos of the festivities.

Yes, Chase. That means you too. No climbing on the cow.

Charlie, playing in the kids area.

Watching the elephants.

The truck. Charlie's favorite exhibit at the zoo.

Chase loved it too!

What cuties!