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.

Friday

Fridays are a special day.  They are filled with fun and sometimes feel magical.  This last Friday was no different.  It started with some music.

 

 You can't hear it, but believe me, little Ms. Noelle was pretty good with the bow on that violin.  I don't have a picture of her second turn on it, but the second time she was even holding it the right way.  Perhaps strings will be in her future.

 The fiddler on the roof...  or in the living room. 

 After music, we went to the splash pad at the zoo for some water fun.  We met Morgan, Ethan, Blake and Liz there.  Blake is sitting so good by himself.

Wet Beauty.

Oliver took some convincing to get into the water.

Noelle and Morgan LOVED it!

On the way out of the zoo, I found this monkey hanging from a pole.

 I also saw this monkey.  And honestly, I couldn't help photographing her outfit and accessories.  Someday Morgan is going to ask for this one back. ;)

 This picture of Melanie cracks me up.  She was really excited about the race she would be participating in the next day, and told me to take her picture...  as Super Melanie!  (more on this to come).

What a great day!

Getting a little Wet at the Zoo!

Man, it's hot outside! No really!!! So, Tuesday, our friends, Jen, Aidan, Chloe, and Trae met us at the zoo bright at early (7:00 am) for a little wet and wild water play. It was the perfect time to go to the zoo because there were a few animals out that we were able to see on the way to the splash pad.

Everyone had fun!

I love that Melanie was playing well with both of the boys (Aidan and Trae). They seemed to really enjoy themselves!

Noelle and Chloe had fun running in the small "moat" that seems to flow around the entire splash pad.

Oliver was a smiley little man, and watched all the fun! The mom folk had fun playing with him.

What a fun day of water play! Thank you Jen, Aidan, Chloe, and Trae for letting us tag along!

The "stuff" I forgot

I was recently going through my pictures looking for a nice shot of Brandon and me for a project. While doing this, I found some pictures I have neglected...

So, here we go:

Once upon a time, I had a date with this handsome man! It was the first date we had been on in a very long time, and made possible by my friends Amy and David who were willing to watch the girls for us (we took Oliver with us on the date).

In the spring, I was training for a marathon. On the weekend, I would go on a long run which would start at my house and usually end at Coons Bluff. While I was running, my family would go hiking. Then we would all go home together. The girls really enjoyed the time with their dad.

Last April, my mom had to have an emergency surgery. The girls and I decided to do something to cheer grandma up when she got home from the hospital. We left these butterflies at her house. She loved them.

And finally, also in April... I ran a marathon (I'm sure I mentioned that before). Well, marathon is fun for mom, but not always fun for the rest of the family. So, after the race, we went back to the hotel, I showered, and then we went to the zoo. I didn't even know there was a zoo in Prescott, but there is! It's a tiny zoo, and it was a really really hot day, so the animals were hiding, but we still had fun.

There it is! A picture of all my favorite people.

Along came a spider, that sat down beside her... and scared Ms. Melanie away!

My men!

Everyone was a little over heated at the end. We all slept really good that night... okay, that is a lie. Sleeping in one room is no fun. The girls didn't want to stop bouncing off the walls. Oliver didn't want to sleep in his porta crib, and by then, my legs and back were a little sore... and poor Brandon had to put up with all of us. But we had fun, and it was a good memory.

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).