Colin's Birthday at the Zoo

Colin wanted to go to the zoo for his Birthday so we bought a Grandparent pass and took all the cousins and the available Aunts and Uncle. Rain was predicted but we decided to brave it and brought our umbrellas, but it never more than sprinkled all day. We had a great day together.

We had 2 double strollers and the wagon, so everyone was comfortable and didn't get too tired. It was fun to see the little kids interact with each other.

Michayla and Colin had just been to the zoo with their Kindergarten classes, and Colin couldn't wait to see the Penguins. He said they were his favorite animal.

There is a new carousel at the zoo with lots of cool animals. All the kids except Andrew and the babies thought it was very fun. Andrew was a little afraid so he let his mom ride instead.

After the bird show we posed with some awesome birds, Colin with the barn owl and everyone with Our country's symbol, the bald eagle.

Colin and Kayla watching the lemurs.

It is perfect weather for a day at the zoo.

Watching the elephant have lunch.

In the Madagascar rainforest.

Tired Moms and worn-out babies.

A train ride before we leave. What a fun day at the zoo.

Sun! Camera! Action!

Today was a Beautiful Sunny Day and I  my favorite way to spend a warm sunny Sunday is on the patio.  I went out with my radio, a book, an ensign, my journal, my scriptures and a big glass of water and lunch and spent the first hour on the lounge reading, then when it got too warm there I spent the next hour on the tramp napping.  When that was in full sun too, I went in the house for a while and when I came out a while later it was nice and shady again.  So I spent more time reading and writing and looking and listening, then the kids came out too, so I spent the next hour taking pictures of the kids and the yard.  After dinner the rest of the family came out for a while and we had scripture study on the patio and watched the sun go down... What a great way to spend the day.  Next time I'll have to remember the sun screen. My legs got a little sunburned.

With Andrew at the Farm

Todd and Nicole invited me to join them at Wheeler Farm for Family Night.  Andrew had a great time looking at all the animals, "milking" the cow (he helped daddy), feeding the geese, riding the tractor and the hay wagon, picnicing and just enjoying the outdoors.  It was a fun night.  Rory slept most of the time so she had a good time too.  

Wicked!

I have 25 minutes to beat Julianne to the Blog. We just got back from Wicked, and Oh My Goodness! It was Sooo Good. Thank you so much for the ticket Julianne, it might just be the best Christmas present I ever got. It was amazing and I feel so much better actually knowing the story behind the story. We have been looking forward to it for so long, it's kind of a let down that it is over now, but it was so worth the wait.

Guess who?

It was pedicure night last night...

Hailey and the Cousins

All 8 of our grandchildren.

All during church at Rory's blessing Hailey kept saying, "I want to hold Rory." So when she came up at Aunt Cille's and asked to wash her hands, I knew what she wanted. She loves babies.

Hailey is a three year old handful. Kristina calls her a Tornado. Kristina called me this morning and was almost in tears because Hailey had cut her hair. And not just a little bit either. She also got into some perfume, some nail polish, peed on the bathroom floor and trashed her bedroom. Kristina was ready to sell her for really cheap. Sarah wasn't buying though. Good thing they were comming down so Kristina could have a break.

Jaydon and Rory are one month and 3 days apart, just like Colin and Michayla. I wonder if they will be as good of friends as Colin and Kayla when they are older.

Jaydon's Blessing Day

Jaydon Vance Porter was blessed in our ward Sunday March 1, 2009. It was fun to show off our new grandchildren to the ward. Michael's Grandma Moore made Jaydon's darling tux, complete with tails. And Melanie, Kristina's neighbor made his blanket.

Jaydon Vance is named for Vance so of course Vance had to be there for his blessing. We are so glad he came. Michael is a very proud father, and gave a Jaydon a beautiful blessing.

Michayla and Hailey think their baby is pretty special and Colin really likes having another boy cousin.

This was Todd's first opportunity to show off his new daughter, Rory Elizabeth Gardiner. He is a very proud daddy too.

This is the first chance for most of the family to meet Rory. It is fun to have babies so close together again, a month and 3 days apart just like Colin and Michayla.