The Pumpkin/Flower Garden

Kip has been talking about growing our own pumpkins since before Halloween. He and Mimi have been talking about it and planning for it for months. Kip is convinced he will be able to sell his pumpkins like a lemonade stand. He cannot be persuaded otherwise. It has always been difficult to manage his expectations. Pray for us on this pumpkin journey! 

During Spring Break, they started the ground preparations with new garden soil below the mulch.

They decided to plant under our dining room windows at the back of the house in a small mulch bed. It's the largest area we have for planting. The plan was to plant pumpkin seeds closest to the house and then sprinkle wildflower seeds closer to the grass to try and create a visual barrier to the pumpkins. Our neighborhood is filled with squirrels and other animals like rabbits, possum, skunk, and groundhogs. Oh my! Hopefully we're able to see some growth and protect anything from being eaten before fall. I'm most excited for the wildflowers.

While we waited for the optimal weather to plant, Kip thought about his garden plans constantly. We convinced him to draw a picture and give us his steps to help him clear his mind and pass the time.

A couple of weeks ago, they finally got to plant their seeds.

Just last week, little sprouts are already popping out of the ground! We added the garden decor this weekend with the Pinwheels and fairy garden Kip painted.

Mandy added a small trellis to the left side which I'm hoping we can get a small climbing plant to grow up so it hides our neighbor's rusty A/C unit. And some more yard stakes. It's a bit of a chaotic look but I love it SO much. It's fun and playful and it's the kids. Fingers crossed we get at least one pumpkin and some flowers!

Trip to the Zoo

On Friday we all went to Turtleback Zoo for Ivy's birthday. We have been here once before last year during Spring Break. It was cold and a literal zoo then because of the school holiday. This time since we went in the afternoon on a random day off from school, most districts were still in session so the zoo was practically empty. It was SO much more enjoyable this time around. No lines, plenty of space to see everything, and perfect temperature. We had a great time together.

We rode the train right away.

Saw the cutest playful monkey.

The lions were out!

Both kids loved the Penguins. Two of them were really interactive. This one's name was Red.

This one was Pippen. So cute!

We fed the giraffes too!

Then we went to the touch tank and pet the stingrays for a long time.

Ivy found Dory!

Watched the Sea Lion

Photo op!

Ivy adores Flamingos (she calls them Pinkos). She loved seeing them out. Last year there was a bird flu issue so ALL of the birds and related species at the zoo were not on display. It was great to see everything this year.

We spent a lot of time watching the Prairie Dogs.

Stopped at the dinosaur playground.

Kip and I fed a hungry goat.

Then Kip used a bit of his own money to go on a short pony ride. His first time riding a horse!!

Then we rode the carousel. Ivy opted for the safety of the bench. Lol.

We grabbed some shaved ice and Dip-n-dots for a snack, the kids each picked a souvenir from the gift shop, and we rode the train one last time before the Zoo closed for the day.

It was a perfect day-venture and I'm glad we were able to do something special for Ivy's birthday.