Fort Worth Zoo

We had been quizzing Zach in anticipation of Grandpa and Grammy's visit. When they were here, we were going to "eat turkeys" and go to the zoo.
The turkey is done... now it's time for the zoo!!





Grandpa, Grammy, Zach, Lainey and I headed to the Fort Worth Zoo today. It was perfect weather to enjoy looking at the gorillas, tigers and mountain goats.







This mountain goat might be wearing a little boy's camo Stars baseball cap to bed this evening. Zach didn't listen to Grammy and threw it in the pen today. Unfortunately, the zookeepers aren't able to get things out of the cages until the animals are removed from the pens at night. If only we could have found a good, long stick...

As a good friend once told me: "The most dangerous thing for a baby is a rusty grandma." I now believe that!! Poor, little Lainey Bug had a small tumble out of her stroller this afternoon after Grammy forgot to use the stroller seatbelt. Hugs, kisses and cuddles finally made Lainey stop crying... I'm not sure that the same worked for poor Grammy.

Zachary's Happy Gram!

Zach got a Happy Gram! at school today.

"Zachary had an amazing afternoon! He was constantly helping to clean up toys. Along with being a good listener he was a good friend. Zachary shared his blocks and pushed Madison on the scooters. :)"

Aww... Ain't That Sweet

Little boys can melt a mom's heart. This is the conversation with Zach this morning as I walked out of the bedroom.

Zach: Mommy, you're wearing pink?
Mommy: Yes, bud, I'm wearing pink.
Zach: Mommy, are you a princess?

Aww... ain't that sweet?

The Children's Museum

The whole gang packed up and joined Landon, Natalie and Ella at the children's museum this afternoon. What a fun and overwhelming place for kids... and adults!!

Grammy, Lainey and I found the TotSpot. This is an area specifically designed for infants and toddlers. Lainey enjoyed playing with the magnetized cars and the mini ball-pit. As you can see, she is all smiles.

Zach spent the afternoon driving the police car and the ambulance, mastering the obstacle course and the rock wall and splashing around in the water. Zach especially enjoyed the Water Works outside... and his shirt was wet enough to prove it!!

Trip to Uncle Rowlan & Aunt Jennifer's House

Grandpa and daddy in one car... Grammy, Zach, Lainey and I in the other made the long drip down I-45 to visit Uncle Rowlan and Aunt Jennifer for the weekend. This is Lainey's first trip away from the house and both kiddos were such great travelers!!

We made one quick stop at the McDonald's in Fairfield to feed Lainey and let Zach burn off some energy in the playland. Unfortunately, the playland was closed, but Zach was still energetic enough in the restaurant!! Lainey enjoyed the time out of her carseat also, as you can see with the pictures. The pictures taken with camera phones are never that clear, but they sure make it easy to send in a text message. Rowlan and Jennifer got a sneak peek of what was to come!!

Vacation Has Begun!

I am officially on vacation!! The feelings of relaxation have not kicked in yet as we're getting ready to pack up and head south to Katy. This will Lainey's first trip away from home. I'm sure the Explorer will be holding one carry-on size bag for daddy and I... and then every other nook and cranny will be loaded down with the kid's clothes and toys.

Grandpa and Grammy arrived safely last night after a good 2-day journey from South Dakota. Zach was so excited to see Grandpa and Grammy again. He has been extra hyper since they've been here and he has enjoyed reading books, coloring and getting horsey rides.

Grammy and I have big plans for the week... mostly to be spent in the kitchen. I'm hosting the bunco ladies in December, so I'm still trying to finalize my menu and we have the greatest holiday to celebrate - THANKSGIVING!! I truly believe there isn't a better holiday than this to be grateful for all of life's blessings with family and friends.

Mr. Manners

Daddy and I are so excited that Zach is learning his manners. As we were putting Zach to bed this evening, I told him that Daddy was going to read books with us. Zach put up his pointer finger and told Daddy, "Don't come in my room. Thank you."

It's a Hat Trick

Sal received a call from daycare today that Lainey's eyes were very goopy and barely open, so I pack up my stuff, leave work and head to the pediatrician with Lainey. It's just amazing how things can change so quickly in a few days.

Last Thursday we were a picture of perfect health... today we scored a hat trick with pink eye, an ear infection and anemia. The eyes drops were started today, the antibiotics are in the fridge and the Fer-In-Sol is on order.

At least Zach won't fall out of his bed tonight - he's sleeping on the floor.

Getting Ready for Grammy

We're getting for ready for Grandpa and Grammy's visit... by taking Zach to get his hair cut this morning. The kids and I went to Hair Diddle Diddle so Zach could get a "little boy" hair cut. Once again, he was such a trooper and didn't fuss or show any fear!! Too bad he was too busy watching Diego to smile for mommy's camera.

Friday Night Fun!

Daddy brought some of Zach's old toys in from the garage for Lainey to play with. We all had a good time playing with the "NEW" toys.

Here is our version of Friday Night Fun!

Waste of Time?

Am I wasting my time?!?! I have spent 2 hours trying to get the photo slideshow to work... with no success. I shall try again later.

Alaina's 9-month Appointment

Lainey and I took a trip to the pediatrician this afternoon for her 9-month check up. She is a happy and healthy baby girl!!

She currently weighs 17lb 12oz (30%) and is 27 inches long (38%). They tested Lainey's ability to perform some physical tests too - and she did really well!
Sitting up unassisted - pass
Shake a bell - pass
Grab an item - pass
Pick up raisin with thumb and pointer - pass

Zach's day wasn't as good:( A friend bit him at school and I'm concerned that he has pink eye. Although I enjoyed the pediatrician appointment today, I don't want to be back tomorrow!

p.s. picture is from Halloween

Losing Sleep

This is day 2 of The Ribaul Family blog experiment. So far, all I've accomplished is lost sleep. I will continue to play around until I'm happy with the results... I wonder what we'll see tomorrow!

Zachary was "On the Job" for Halloween

On Halloween Zachary was "On the Job" dressed as a FMFD fireman complete with his very own ladder truck. Zachary's costume earned him the Blue Ribbon at the neighborhood Halloween parade. As much fun as Zachary had with his fire engine, Daddy definately had more fun building it for his little firefighter...

Monday Morning Greeting

What a good Monday morning!! Zach greeted daddy with a hug and said "Daddy, I slept very well." It was destined to be a good day.

Getting Started

Welcome to The Ribaul Family blog. As if we don't have enough on our plates, I've decided to embrace technology and try to maintain a blog. Crazy, I know!! More than anything, I'm looking for a fun way to share some of the stories and photos of parenthood with family and friends.

I hope that you enjoy the memories as much as we do!!