Duke Gardens

Oh how I love Duke Gardens.  One of the only things I really wanted to do with the girls was go there and take family pictures.  This week, with Dani visiting, we were able to do it.  It wasn't my favorite time of year, in April, when the wisteria is blooming on the gazebo and all the bulbs are in bloom but it was still lovely and when the girls turn 1 it will be perfect.

While we were all getting ready we took some photos of the Catherine and Daddy playing superman, and Catherine and Mommy smiling on the floor (she is such a flirty smily girl!).  Samantha can get cranky in the evening and her favorite thing by far is the baby bjorn and she looks so cute with her little head (well, OK, big head) peeking out.

Then we took lots of photos.  Dani was a great arts director and there are many more on the kodak website to print.  It had rained earlier and I was so upset we weren't going to be able to get it in, and Dave started work again the next day, so this was it.  But, the skies cleared just enough for us and as we were leaving the thunder and lightning started and as we drove away the rain began.  It was meant to be and I can't wait to do it again and again.  I think it will be my favorite place to take everyone for a walk.  Next time we'll take Heidi too because the ground won't be so wet and she can try to chase the ducks.

Samantha loves to stare at things above her head, especially mobiles.  Apparently that now includes trees.  She is usually cranky this time of night, but whether we were outside or she was moving as we were walking, or she likes the trees, she did a great job.