Watson/Warren Brookfield Zoo Get Away

This past weekend was the first of hopefully many Watson / Warren Family Get-Aways.  This past weekend my cousin's family and ours took a little trip to the Chicago area and spent a night in a hotel and then visited the Brookfield Zoo.  It was a wonderful weekend.  

There are a lot of "firsts" for our family to report.  First, it was our first little get-away with Maddison where I can honestly say NOBODY would have ever guessed or known what that little girl of ours has been through.  And, I think it was the first time that both Jeff & I did not feel compelled to have to share a little bit of her history.  We can't figure out why, but for some reason everytime we go somewhere or start talking to people, her heart somehow comes up.  Part of it I think is the motherly / fatherly instinct of protecting her kicking in, as it always makes people take a little step back, hence, the germ thing is much more controlled, and another part of me thinks we are just so appreciative of all God has provided us and all the miracles He has worked, and we want to share that with others.  Anyways, this weekend we were a "normal" family, on a family outing to the Zoo, and to the eyes of all those around us, it was nothing more, nothing less.  

To us however it was amazement.  It was yet another one of those moments that most people don't think twice about (not for any other reason than they just don't have to) and here we were taking in every little moment.  

Saturday evening Maddie WENT SWIMMING!!!!  At first, she wasn't so sure, but when she got into Mommy's arms (just as she finally warmed up) she began to really like it.  She was all smiles!  Devin especially was so proud of her.  He is such a wonderful big brother to her.  I know as she gets older she will certainly be protected by him. 

Maddie w/ David Swimming Chillin on the Side of the Pool

The Whole Gang in the Pool, Less Daddy, the Photographer

Devin w/ Cousin David, Getting His Hair Pulled.  He never minds!

Our Jacob...Being Jacob!

Sunday we visited the Brookfield Zoo.  It was nice to visit a different zoo.  They had some great exhibit buildings and we saw a Dolphin Show that Maddie was very inthralled with.  

The Kids!

Can You Envision this Weekend Yet??

Daddy w/ His Boys!  

Nicole & Cousin Michael w/ the Kiddies!

Maddie also got to go on her first CAROUSAL RIDE!  She wasn't hesitant at all, and was smiles again from ear to ear.  If you haven't picked up on this yet, Maddie ALWAYS seems to be smiles!!  

Mommy & Maddie 

Loving the Carousal 

Jacob & Nina (the kids' cousin) had a blast together and got into more trouble than you can ever think possible!  Just full of mischief for sure, probably a payback from my childhood I guess. But wow...they sure keep Mommies & Daddies on our toes!!  

We are truly fortunate to have such wonderful family to share times and make memories with!  

Enjoy the photos!  

Best Brothers!!!

Live. Laugh. Love....ALWAYS!!!

Love,

The Watson's

Jeff, Nicole, Devin, Jacob, & Maddie