A Day at the Zoo

I finally got Evan to go to the zoo with me and the kiddos! We have only had one-year zoo passes three different times in the last eight years and he still has managed to not go. In fact, today he said that this was the first time he has ever been to the zoo! When he was on his mission he went to a wildlife park, but that has been it. We had a great day, the weather was great, and the kids were tired by the time we finished seeing all the animals they wanted to see.

Spencer especially enjoyed the elephants and the reptiles. While he was watching the snakes he started moving his tongue like the snake! 1 1/2 is such a great age.

I didn't get great pictures, but the ones I got will do. For some reason when I ask Spencer to smile for the camera, he closes his eyes!

I guess they do pay attention

I always wonder as a mother how much influence I really have on my children and how much they watch me. Well, the other night Spencer suddenly hopped off Evan's lap, ran to the bathroom and pretended to throw up. I missed that one and the three times he did it after that over the next few days. Well, I finally caught it on video. I guess Spencer has seen me throwing-up quite a few time over the last two months and thinks that that is just what you do!

Taneal's Birthday

Taneal turned 8! It is great to be 8! All she wanted for breakfast was donuts, instead of the cinnamon rolls I offered to make. I was grateful for her decision. For lunch she didn't want us to visit her at school because she cries when we leave. So, Evan picked her up early from school and took her to get an ice cream, only she wasn't hungry so she didn't get one. They went and got balloons. That night we had Troy and Becky over for a family party. Taneal wanted enchiladas for supper and she doesn't like icing, so she didn't want me to decorate a cake for her. She wanted her cake frosted with whip cream. I was getting off easy with everything!

For a gift we got her scriptures with her name engraved and a carrying case and a hymn book to match. She was very excited. Becky got Taneal such thoughtful gifts: a card making kit with assessories, a High School Musical shirt to wear while Taneal sings and dances to the movie, and new soccer shin guards. Taneal didn't like the ones she had., so she was very appreciative.

Taneal also was given the option to not have a friend party and just go out with a friend. So, Saturday night she and Bailey (her best friend from school who also had a birthday last week) went to a ceramic art shop and painted. Bailey's mom came because we were also celebrating Bailey's birthday. After two hours of painting, we went out to dinner at Chili's. It was a fun night and a great way to celebrate Taneal's birthday.

President Hinckley

I know many have posted about the passing of our beloved prophet, but I would feel ungrateful to not post it to my blog as well. He was a remarkable man and will be missed. I think it hit me of his passing when I was looking through a picture book that I made with Spencer. In this book was a picture of President Hinckley. I pointed to it to tell Spencer his name, and realized this sweet man is no longer here with us. I knew President Hinckley. He touched my life and helped me be a better person, a better mother, and a better wife. I am so grateful for a living prophet and that even though this great man will be missed, our Heavenly Father will not leave us without guidance and direction. He will give us another prophet who we can follow. And I think of the reunion of President Hinckley and his wife. What a glorious reunion.