The Zoo!

Camille had her first trip the the NC Zoo last weekend. We met Pops, Marla, and Michael there for a day full of heat, walking, and fun!

Nick and I hadn't been to the zoo since we were kids...... my how much has changed! There are so many exhibits!

Most of the picture credit goes to Pops, as I wasn't as quick with the photo ops!

Here are Camille and Marla checking out the cute black bear. 

 Pretty flamingos!

Camille loved viewing the water animals. I can't remember if this was a seal or an otter, but it sure was putting on a show! Camille thought it was funny to watch him swim circles. 

We got some good views of the polar bear, who had just returned back to NC, though I think Camille enjoyed the polar bear cave more than the actual polar bear! She wouldn't go in without company, lucky me!

Did I mention how much walking we did?! I should have tracked it, but it was several miles for sure. Camille would walk for awhile, rest her legs while riding in the stroller, then ask for Michael to carry her on his shoulders. 

How cute is this little bee? This was a bee exhibit that featured a hive, honeycomb and all, that the kids could  go in and explore. 

The zoo even has a carousel. After our lunch we made sure Camille got a turn. I don't know who had more fun riding, Camille or Michael. 

This picture didn't come through as cute as on my phone, but this was in line for the 4D Ice Age movie clip. It wasn't too thrilling for the adults, but Camille was laughing out loud and squealing the entire time. That reaction alone made it all worth it!

Next up, the new dinosaur exhibit. How lifelike are these dinosaurs? Camille was a bit hesitant at first, but once she learned they weren't real, she warmed right up. She actually told us this was her favorite animal at the zoo! Ha!

Time for the elephants... these were my favorite as we arrived right in the middle of feeding time. The zoo keeper was feeding the elephants sweet potatoes and carrots. Quite the healthy snack!

Then Camille got to see the lions, which she had been anticipating. The lions were enjoying a nap in the sun, so Camille opted to turn her attention to the lion statue instead.

What a great, long day we had. Camille fell asleep on the walk back and Michael was in the gift shop, but we still attempted a family photo.

We had such a great time and hope to return next year!

Memorial Day 2013

I had been counting down to Memorial Day for quite some time.... mostly because I needed a day off work and a long weekend! The Cox family certainly made the most of our time off and headed to Buffalo Lake for some time with the family and relaxation.

Camille got some time with her cousin Haley too who was down for the weekend!

The temperatures weren't as warm as they've been recently, and the water hadn't quite warmed up, but that didn't stop Camille from wanting to get in the lake! Camille and Daddy lasted about 30 minutes before the teeth chattering took hold.

It was warm enough for a few boat rides and baby pool time though!

Once we got home from the lake on Monday, I wanted an excuse to put off packing for my trip to NYC, so I took Camille to the park for some more play time. While she loves the swings and slides, this time she opted to sit in the rocking chairs and "just relax and talk mommy." She is a girl after my own heart!

3rd Annual Strawberry Picking

Hard to believe that we got to experience our 3rd year of strawberry picking with The Craig's. What a fun tradition we have been able to keep up. These girls have grown up so much!

The frequent rain this month tried to interfere with our plans, but that didn't stop us! It sprinkled for the first part of our picking, but then turned into a beautiful sunny day by the end.

Maddie and Camille knew the drill..... they grabbed their buckets and were ready to go, matching flip flops and all! They were great helpers this year. They knew to look for the bright red ones, though they still liked having help with the picking.

Daddy/Daughter shot! Childhood friends all around!

Now time for the girls!! Notice our addition this year..... Morgan wanted in on the action too!

Of course the picking process wouldn't be complete without a little sampling :)

So sweet!! After their buckets were full, the girls quickly had their mind set on getting icecream. They dropped the buckets, grabbed each others hands, and headed to the icecream shop! They had it all worked out in their minds!

When we saw them holding hands, we quickly stopped them for a photo op!

Time for icecream! They both chose strawberry, in a cone of course! They were quite sticky by the end. 

I can't believe how much they've changed.....

Welcome Luke Alexander Kohler!

The DesVergers family keeps on growing!! Luke Alexander was born at 8:54pm on Sunday (5/19/13). He was a week overdue, so we were all anxiously awaiting his arrival. The little 6 lbs 14.5 oz bundle of joy couldn't get any cuter!! Congrats to Allie, John, and big brother Jack!!

SLC days

I am so blessed that Camille's teacher sends me so many pictures throughout the week of Camille and her fun filled SLC (Sonshine Learning Center) days. Here are a few that I came across on my phone. Most of these were taken a few months ago.

The last one is the day they made "bear caves" and each got a stuffed bear to take inside the cave. Camille loved the "cave" so much, that Mrs. Brenda let her take her nap in there!

Mother's Day 2013

What a great Mother's Day weekend! This one may top them all!

It started with a "Muffins with Mom" breakfast at Camille's school. I not only got a yummy breakfast with Camille (that I didn't have to fix myself), but I also got a rose and a sweet sweet picture that Camille drew of me. Check out Camille's responses... it made me tear up, as her teacher reminded me these were unprompted! I am such a blessed Mommy!

Little did I know that Nick & Camille had a Mother's Day surprise up their sleeves. Not only did they take time making this homemade card, but I got a gift certificate for a massage AND lunch afterwards at one of my favorite restaurants. GREAT GIFTS!

After my special treatment, we wanted to spend Mother's Day with my Mom, to celebrate her! We, along with John and Aya, met Mom for church and treated her to lunch afterward. It was a windy day, so most of our pictures are full of closed eyes and windblown hair. Oh well!

We even got to spend some time with Grandpa Bill too.... never a quiet moment at his house when the DesVergers clan is in full force. Jeannine and Mitch, along with Joe, Martha, and Graceson were all with us on a family filled Mother's Day afternoon. Great weekend and great company!!

The Kohler/Cox Exchange

Ever heard of that show Wife Swap? I feel like we did House Swap in April :)

We had planned a trip to Norfolk in April for the 2nd annual Norfolk Zoo Adventure. As it turned out, John was doing some interviewing in the NC area the week prior and the Kohler clan was able to stay with us for several days, just in time for us to turn around and head to their home the following weekend for some zoo festivities:)

Jack & Camille sure did enjoy their time together. It was hard to capture all the funny sayings and actions, but here are a few cute ones of the dynamic duo.

Enjoying free cone day at Ben & Jerry's

Picking flowers at the park, though they preferred digging in the dirt

Posing at the Virginia Zoo

Look at these crazy otters! (though Camille kept saying they looked more like bears)

Jack stayed on the lookout for sharks ;)

Bounce house fun!! Even John got in on the action

cool view of the naval port in Norfolk/Portsmouth area