A Day at Hogle Zoo

We have been talking about taking the kids to the zoo with my sister Val & her daughter, Ella for awhile... we finally went this past Saturday, Branden stayed home to work on some projects, so I went down to SLC to Val's house & met Heather. We took Maddie, Eli, Allie & Ella to the zoo. They had a good time, the weather was nice. The kids loved playing with their cousins, and Ella loves hanging out with them too. It's nice having family living in SLC, it's hard taking a bunch of kids to eat, so we just ordered them pizza & they played at Val's for awhile.

I hope my kids remember some of the things we do. I have alot of wonderful memories of fun things my family did when I was young. I loved Hogle Zoo, and I remember so many other things. It is so important to create good memories with the kids. As a parent it is hard! I feel like I yell alot, and get very stressed out. I just hope that beyond all the whining, crying, moaning & groaning, there will be a memory that is good & fun. It may take a few years, but hopefully they & I can cherish these moments. Don't get me wrong, I totally enjoy my kids, they are truly the light of my life and I can't imagine a moment without them (but a small moment now & then would be nice!)

A little of this, A little of that...

We haven't been doing anything too exciting lately... a little of this, a little of that. I had the kids pictures taken, they were OK, nothing spectacular, but they will do, it's been about a year since they were updated. Allie was being a turd (surprise, surprise!) so I didn't get a good one of her smile... but they were fine. It's probably bad, but I took pics of the pics... a little glared, but oh well...

Eli's First Day of Pre-School

Our neighborhood "Gang" they have so much fun together
Allie & her babies are ready for school

Isn't she a cute little devil!

Eli & Allie, he finally got home from his 1st day of pre-school, we waited all morning!

Eli was thrilled to finally go to school, Maddie's been going for awhile now & he was ready! He got his (ugly!) Speed Racer backpack on & was out the door before I could even give him a hug. They learned about dinosaurs the first day & he made a hat he has worn for 2 days now. When he came home he was mad because Ms. Tamara didn't give him homework, he wanted me to call her & get it.

Allie is a bit lost without her brother & sister around, she has become my new best friend, & we play dolls, read books & anything else she wants us to do. She is a funny girl, as I get the kids ready for school in the morning she is right along with them getting her backpack ready (full of dolls & books). She wants to go to school, but I know I'm not ready for that yet! It's been weird enough sending Maddie all day & Eli to pre-school.

A Lazy Sunday Afternoon at Grandma's House

Eli was spraying the girls on the tramp, they loved it!

Ella loved crawling thru the tunnel

Eli found the hose & was tormenting the girls..he is such a boy!

Eli chillin' on the porch swing

Allie & Ella enjoying their popsicles


My mom had us over for dinner today, my brother & sister & niece came up from SLC to spend the day. We BBQ'd and hung out while the kids played & then found the water. It was fun seeing Val & JM & Ella, we don't see them as much these days, the kids loved playing together. It seems we all get too busy, too pre-occupied, too wrapped up in life to stay in touch like we should. Thank goodness for lazy Sunday afternoons!












Summer is coming to an end, Madelyn started 1st grade this past week. It was a little bitter-sweet for me. She was ready to go & very excited, as was I, but it's still a little sad as I watch my baby go to school all day, and I no longer have her under my wing as much. Eli & Allie have lost their supervisor, boss, 2nd mommy & boot camp sergant! They seem to be a little lost without her, but I'm sure they'll adjust. Eli will be starting his first year of pre-school next week. He is thrilled, already has his backpack ready...Allie too, it will be a sad day when she doesn't get to go with her brother, she is his little shadow.