A Roaring Good Time!

On Memorial Day, we went to the National Tiger Sanctuary in Bloomsdale, Missouri. These are tigers that have been rescued from situations where they were treated terribly. The staff at the Sanctuary nurse them back to health and now they are doing very well. We had been wanting to go visit them because they will be moving the Sanctuary in July. These are some of our favorite pictures from that day.

This is T.J., the white tiger. There are big areas where they can run around and then they can come up into these smaller areas where we could see them more closely.



It rained for a little while, but that didn't stop Mya and Brad from checking out T.J. and him checking her out, as well.



I like this picture of Mya watching T.J. giving us a little roar in the rain.





The tigers were so beautiful! Mya liked watching the tigers walk around, especially T.J. and his sister, Dee.







Banshee was having a skittish day, but she decided to strut her stuff for Mya.



Mya was such a good listener during the informational part. We are looking at a bowling ball that one of the tigers broke in half.





These are some of the "tiger toys"...they shredded these tires in a matter of minutes!



Grandma Jane and Mya with Mariah at feeding time...good thing there are two cages!



Brad getting lunch ready for Mariah's sister, Sierra.



They actually got to feed all 7 of the tigers. They went right down the row and fed each tiger chicken and beef. The tigers that were waiting their turn were just a little impatient and vocal.



Look at those paws!



Mya's cousin Josh feeding the tigers.



Mya's Uncle Brian and cousin Angiolina taking a turn.



Mya and Mommy taking one last look at T.J. on the deck before we leave.



Mommy, Mya & Daddy in front of one of the Tiger's roaming areas. Mya's hand was in her mouth most of the time...it seems that the Tiger Sanctuary is where she discovered her first tooth, which surfaced on the bottom.



Thank you, Grandma Jane, for such a fun day! We were so glad that we got to see the tigers before they move away.

Seven Months Old

Mya turned 7 months old on May 7. Yes...she has already turned 8 months old and I will try to have those pictures on soon. :)

When Mya turned 7 months old she:
*had added carrots, squash, bananas and green beans to her meals
*had started sleeping on her tummy (usually with her arms and legs drawn up under her and her little booty in the air)
*became really interested in her hands...opening and closing them and turning them from front to back
*was crawling
*was pulling up on anything she can get ahold of
*still wore a size 2 diaper
*enjoyed bath time, singing, playtime and books
*waved for the first time (to Aunt Toni)
*still gets excited about using a sippy cup







I was lucky to get a few pictures of her sitting and standing because this is how the pictures usually end up these days...on the move!



Mya always tries to get Mommy's camera.





If you will notice, Mya has her tongue out. She does this when she is working on something or concentrating.









This is one of Mya's favorite books. She always wants to look at this one.







Mya is getting so big! She is a very happy little girl...except when her gums are hurting. :( Brad and I have so much fun with her and we love her so much!! I promise, 8 month pictures coming soon!

Just A Swingin...

During our visit to Arkansas, Mya tried swinging for the first time. She loved it! She wasn't scared and didn't cry a bit. She just kicked back and enjoyed the ride.



Mya and Savannah



Mya and Mama





Thank you, Uncle Brant, for hanging my swing. I had so much fun!!









Looks like it's time for a nap. :)



We took a few pictures Sunday afternoon before we headed back to St. Louis.
Toni, Mom, Savannah, Me and Mya Jayne



Mya with Grandma Janie and Grandpa Charlie



I think Mya enjoyed picture time!




Mya was so happy to see her Dada when he came back. Look at that smile!



We had such a fun trip! I am so glad that Mya was able to spend time with family. We love you all and can't wait to see you again!

Sweet Home Arkansas

After such a wonderful Mother's Day weekend, Brad had to come back to St. Louis, but Mya and I stayed in Paragould for the week. We had so much fun!!

Here is a picture of Mya "helping" Mommy pack.



Mya had such a great time! She loved swinging with Grandma.



Mya was able to visit Mamaw (her great grandma) several times.



Gracie went on the trip with us too.



Look out Gracie! Now that Mya is crawling, she loves to go get the dogs. Gracie usually runs away.



Savannah reading to Mya...one of the many times.



Can't even tell you how much this little girl loves books! Don't get me wrong, Mya loves to be on the go and is very active. She calms down instantly, though, when we get out books.



This picture was the time that Mya listened to Savannah read 21 books. I am not joking. She sat perfectly still and listened to every word that was read for about 40 minutes.



Here are the 21 books that they read together. :)



Aww...Mya loves her Grandma!



Go Cardinals! Mya and her Grandpa Charlie, ready to cheer on the Cards!



Such a sweet picture!




Oh yes...still a few more pictures to come. :)