New Years Eve at the Phoenix Zoo

Today is the last day to make new memories for 2013.  We decided to start the day with one last trip to the zoo.  We met our cousins, Liz, Morgan, Ethan, and Blake.  It was a beautiful morning for a zoo trip.  We got there at 8:30 am and did the African Route and then checked out the Elephants and Dragons before we left.  Our visit was nice.  There wasn't too many people on the trail, and we got to see a lot of the animals interacting, not just laying around or hiding.  I'm under the assumption that they were hungry and stalking around waiting for food.  It was fun.  I took some pictures, mostly of the Circus we brought to the zoo than the animals on display.  They were my favorite part anyhow.  

Here is a picture of Melanie and Noelle eating their breakfast while watching the Giraffes eat theirs.  (I brought mini muffins that I made quickly this morning with us to the zoo.)

 Oliver was really funny.  He kept shouting "I see it!"  (even at some of the displays where there was nothing to see but the zoo keepers cleaning the exhibit).  It made me smile.

 Here are all 6 of the kids looking at the Rhinos!  It's kind of fun to think that soon this group will multiply and be 8 instead of 6.

 Four monkeys looking at the Lions!  The lions were in a feisty mood this morning.  It was fun to watch. 

 I tried to get a picture of my little man with me... but he was more interested in the Lions.  I guess I can't blame him.

 This is a picture I took of little Blake while his mom and siblings were in the bathroom.  He was really sad to be left behind, so my girls tried to cheer him up.

 Here are all 6 monkeys looking at their fellow brother, the Mandrill.  Poor Blake was being pressed against the glass by Melanie and Morgan.

 Later, Blake crashed.  It was a catnap, as he didn't stay asleep long.

 The final exhibit we checked out today was the "Land of the Dragons".  Oliver really enjoyed looking at the "baby dragon".  They also have a Chinese Alligator on display, but he wasn't as easy to see as the dragon.  If you look closely, you can see the dragon through the glass.  

The zoo was definitely a fun way for us to start the day today!  And I'm glad we went early, as it was becoming a mad house when we left.  I'm glad we got one last visit in during 2013.  Now to start making a few more 2013 memories while we have the chance.

Science Center

My beautiful cousin, Liz, is having a baby later this month, so we thought a trip to the Science Center would be nice to do now, before her new little man enters the family.  It was a really crazy day at the Science Center, but we still had a very enjoyable time.

 Ironically, we never made it off the first floor.  All the fun stuff the kids wanted to explore that say was on ground level.  The Lego's and the Water exhibits were the two favorites.

 Poor Oliver was so tired.  As I'm sure you can tell from this photo.

We had so much fun!  Thank you Liz, Morgan, and Ethan for coming and playing with us.  We can wait to meet the baby brother!

Smithson Reunion

Last week was the Smithson Family Reunion, in honor of Grandma Great's 84th birthday. The majority of the family was up at Bear Canyon Lake camping for the greater part of the week, but we were only able to make it for the day on Saturday, the 14th. It was a beautiful day to be up in the mountains. Apparently it was wet and stormy at home, but where we were, it was cool and misty. We truly enjoyed ourselves! Happy Birthday, Grandma, we love you!

On this trip, there were a few first's for Ms. Melanie. First Pixie Stick - a bit tricky at first, but eventually a success. She didn't understand that she shouldn't put her mouth on the wrapper, but just pour the yummy stuff into her mouth. It took several tries, but that girl was determined!First twinkie - can you say yum! Melanie sure can!

We got to visit with a lot of friends (cousins). Melanie and Noelle were so excited all week. "On Saturday, we get to spend the WHOLE DAY with our cousins!" It was almost too good to be true... but it was definitely true! Melanie and Noelle got a lot of freedon walking around with their cousins and playing. I have to admit, as mom, it's really hard for me to just let them go. I feel like I have to watch over them constantly. Perhaps I'm too much of a helicopter. But, I did let them at it. I used my camera as an excuse to stay somewhat close (wouldn't want to miss a good picture moment, would I?)

Above is Charlie, she is too adorable! She is about a year and a half now, and really cute! Below is Grandpa Smithson with Ethan, who will be turing two in August!

Ethan really likes cars! Infact, if he could hold them all at the same time, he would... and he tried!

Dad brought up the Jeep and took the girls on several rides! It was super fun for them.

Hannah provided rides for all the other cousins. She is just about a month away from getting her driving permitt!

Dad thought it was funny to play tricks on Grandpa while he was sleeping. He used a kid's fishing pool to tickle Grandpa's face with a feather. It was pretty entertaining. Grandpa never figured out it was him.

Melanie went on a ride with dad, and came back like this. :)

Oliver woke up Saturday morning with a cold. He was pretty miserable all day long, but he still was full of smiles.

Everyone loves a cot! No really, everyone!

I love that cousins can be your best friend.

We had such a great time. The people were great, the food was good, and the weather was perfect!

Water Day

Yesterday was Water Day at Melanie's school The kids had school as normal, but the last 30 minutes were all about getting wet and having fun. Family was invited, so Noelle was able to join in on the fun.

Olivia's dad kept spraying me with a squirt gun, so I told Noelle she had better splash him good for me. She decided on throwing a water balloon at him.Melanie really got into the water balloons as well. I have never seen someone so excited at the ability to pop one (even if it popped on the ground, no where near a person). It was precious.

30 minutes just wasn't enough water play time, so I surprised them with an outing. We met up with cousins Liz, Morgan, and Ethan at the zoo for some wet and wild splash pad time. To say that Noelle was excited would be an understatement.

Oliver and I kept cool on the side lines watching all the fun.

Hooray for water day! I think this means summer is upon us. (I'm looking forward to all the fun we'll have together this summer... I'm not looking forward to the heat).