17 Kids and Lots of Fun!

The Friday before Easter, we had plans to go to the Memphis Zoo with our friends the Tims and Witchers. We woke up to lots of rain at our house and were unsure if we should make the drive just to be rained out. Thankfully our friends suggested the Children's Museum and the drive to Memphis was worth the sweet time of fellowship we had with our friends.

Who knew checkers could be so much fun?
Austen is making big plans.

The first stop was at the checkerboard. The kids were excited to see each other and get some energy out, so no one actually played a game of checkers. It didn't take long for them to make up their own game of making a tower with the checkers.

Austen and his hula hoop.

Madisyn finally got to hold Arynn, I know she was wondering if she would ever get a chance! When they came to visit, I sat and rocked her all day. It wasn't until they left, that I realized I hadn't offered to let Madisyn hold her! You can tell just how much Madisyn loves babies! 

Madisyn holding Arynn for the first time.

I didn't get near as many pictures as I would have liked, but it was pretty hectic that day at the museum. So to see more pictures of our fun day visit the Tims' and  Witcher's blogs. *Disclaimer- My goal is to become as efficient as these Mommas, so one day they can link to my post!!!*

Aiden, Griffin, Ben, Grady, Lee and Austen

Altogether we had 17 kids, ages 1 month to 11 years, and 5 adults. (Mr. Kent met up with us a dinner time.) It is funny to see other people's reactions to our group as we walk by. Lots of people count, some shake their heads in disbelief, but it is such a joy to receive compliments. At dinner that night, multiple people (including the manager) commented on how well-behaved our kiddos had been. We had a wonderful visit with our friends and a great start to our 3 day weekend!

Zoo

Back in April, we were able to take advantage of the nice cool weather, (how I miss it so much!) and meet our friends at the zoo. It just so happened that it was Ava's birthday.

 Birthday Girl

We got to try out our new stroller at the zoo, and it worked really well. Since that trip Dad has done some "upgrades" and it works even better! We have also purchased a double jogging stroller, which I like even better. My philosophy is you can never have too many strollers!

 Aiden

Taking a break before we visited the farm animals.

Aiden and Ava

The W's were nice enough to share some tickets with us, and the little kids chose to ride these boats.

Aus and Ben

As you can see, it was a big hit!

 Ben, Griffin, Henry, Madisyn, Mary Claire, Aiden, Ava, Austen

The end of the trip, and my best group shot. I didn't realize until we got home that Addy was not in any of the pics! I think she was still in the wrap at this point. So much for documenting her first trip to the zoo! We sure did miss Ty (he was out of town) on this trip too, so this picture is missing two kids. We had a great time, but we will have to wait until the weather is much cooler to go back!