Lions, and Tigers, and Bears ! Oh, my!

Our kids had Monday off school (not sure why) so we decided to make a day of it and went to the Zoo.

We were disappointed to learn that the bears are off exhibit while they build a whole new area called Rocky Point. I guess we will have a reason to go next year.

For a few years there hasn't really been any lions. Unless the drinking fountain counts. We saw it plenty as Bud Boy loved to get a drink every time he saw it. 

I remember a lions exhibit from my childhood trips but this was torn out a few years ago and a tiger exhibit put in. While it is a lot nicer looking for the animals (more than just animals in cages) it has pretty much been a disappointment in terms of seeing the tigers.

Just a lot of sleeping was all we ever saw

And a chance to get this traditional picture

This year was far from disappointing.  We were greeted by this





 Later he was joined by his two brothers and all three let us hear them roar.

Wouldn't want to meet these guys by surprise in the jungle

 We also got to see one go for a swim






That's the neat think about the zoo. It always changing and each time we see animals do things we haven't seen before.

Can't wait until next time!

Taking a Moment

To savor, To celebrate, To enjoy 

Things are not completely out of the water but we are having more good days then bad.

It feels so good to actually be enjoying food again (and seeing a little less of the porcelain throne).

Feeling very satisfied to be accomplishing some tasks each day. Recently I have been able to:

• Weed the flower beds. It was getting to where you could hardly tell there was any flowers. 
• Made bread.
• Done a little scrap booking. 

It is so nice to attend some of my kids events and ENJOY them rather then just endure them.

And hey it's earlier than seventeen weeks!

Trinkets, Treasure, Junk

Do your kids have a collection of treasures?

Little trinkets and items they have collected from parades, fairs, carnivals, parties and prizes they have won.

Things that at first glance just look like a bunch of junk but if they loose one they know exactly what is missing.

It seems like we are over run with these treasures. Which often, in my mind, serve no purpose but just to sit in a box and take up space. Occasionally, they are lovingly dumped out and then it's a chore to have them put them all away. Threatenings of if you don't take care of your stuff then I'll throw it away can be heard through the halls.

It's enough to make one hesitant to attend the next event where more treasures will sure to be collected.

After a few years of not attending, we decided to go to the city services fair for our recent family home evening. They girls enjoyed bucket rides. It was fun to see fire trucks, ambulances and police cars up close. We saw the firefighters in action as they once again saved that burning Christmas tree and the kids,of course, came home with a bag of stuff.

I was surprised how useful that bag of stuff turned out to be.

• There was a plastic, red fire hat that is perfect for dress-up. Just what my son is wanting as our current supply, after four sisters, is severely lacking in the "manly" items.

• Small football-didn't have one yet in our collection. Bud boy was thrilled since this time of year has tuned him on to what football is (even if it was red, still holding out hope BYU with redeem themselves this Friday).

• Plastic water bottles. Just what we need for soccer season. Water is a must and it seems we are always leaving behind a water bottle or two each season (not a big deal when they are free to begin with).

• Mini flashlight and book lights (already caught a few kids putting these to good use at night)

• Pencils and Pens. We can never have enough of these.

• Chap stick. Not too bad of flavor either

• Home Depot gave each kid:

             an orange apron. You know they ones that say Hi, my name is ________.
             Perfect for helping out in the kitchen.

             a building kit. 

The youngest two, with dad's help, thoroughly enjoyed building bug houses.    

      (Thanks to my oldest we even got pictures of the fun)

 The perfect companion for Tator's plastic bug collection 

(a recent prize for completing the summer homework program our school does).

 Bud Boy can always use a home for the potato bugs he loves to collect. 

Trouble?

Every once and awhile when my husband is out with his four girls he will get comments from others, usually older gentlemen, asking if these are all his. They will then remark something a long the lines of your in for some trouble.

The other day our oldest two went on a very anticipated young womens activity. They went to Sweetheart Bridal where they got to try on dresses and have a photo shoot. We haven't seen the pictures yet but lets just say they came home talking of glitz, glamor, sparkles and princesses. They truly had much more than just visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. 

Was this part of the "trouble" they were referring to? 

I don't know but should be lots of fun!

What's Up

The last week of summer vacation was spent shopping. Traditionally, we have only bought just what the kids need. It seemed like this year everything had worn out and they needed it all: backpacks, lunch boxes, shoes, clothes and of course the traditional folders, pens, pencils, paper, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc.

Not to mention the money just to register. When did high school and junior high get so expensive?   The other day, after glancing over the forms for reduced fees and saw that we make just enough not to qualify, I joked  with my husband that he makes just enough to keep us bankrupt.

Anyway, all the preparation was worth it as they approached the first day of school nervous, but very excited. It is hard to believe that was two weeks ago.

The last few weeks have brought a few changes in our schedule. We now have four kids in school with four different schedules. We kick things off with 6:30 am scripture study right before this one leaves at 6:45 am to catch the bus. As parents we are realizing this is our life from now until, well forever, since we will have one in high school for many years to come.

Karebear was pretty nervous to start a much "bigger" school (ninth grade around here is in high school). She quickly learned the ropes, found her classes and even has favorite teachers already. She even survived the dreaded ceramics class she wasn't so sure she wanted (it's easier when you find a friend). She is currently loving seminary and ASL.















 Jolly J also started at a new school and quickly adjusted to having seven different classes and teachers. She is in honors science and already did a project where she made an edible candle. She had to light it to show it would burn, blow it out and then take a bite. She made here's out of the creamy inside of Oreo cookies with coconut for a wick. She continues with karate twice a week, piano and has added flute to complete the school music requirements.

Minnie is in fourth grade. She wakes up bright and early with her sisters. It gives her a lot of time in the mornings to get ready so she is able to get piano practice in before school. She is currently playing soccer and decided she missed dancing. She has joined a competition dance team and attends dance two days a week.

Tator is our big Kindergartner. She was pretty nervous to start school but immediately loved it! She also loves soccer! This is her first year playing. She is picking the skills up fast and has even scored a few goals (of course it's pretty easy when there is no goalie). She also was thrilled to finally get to take dance classes. Once a week she loves doing ballet, tap and tumbling.
 
 

Things are a little quieter in the mornings for this little guy. Thankfully,  he has friend who lives across the street since mom isn't currently too good of a playmate. They spend any spare minute they can together. Bud Boy is officially potty trained both morning and night. He has recently discovered some upper arm strength and is often seen doing roll-overs without his head touching the ground. He loves to help and discovered this weekend that working on cars with dad is Awesome.