Hogle Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa!

At least once or twice a year we have the tradition of going the the zoo with my mom and dad. It is really a lot funner than me taking the kids to the zoo alone. 1. I have lots of help. 2. The kids love spending time with Grandma and Grandpa ( they are stuck home with mom all the time- and I am such a bore). 3. We can even convince Bryan to come with us.

Me and my dad!

Nicklas and Alex seeing how they compare to a gorilla.

Grandpa resting in the wagon with Nick and Kate!

Standing in line for the Carousel.




Zuri the baby elephant. She was adorable.



The kids just love sitting on this elephant trunk every time we go. The best is when it
starts shooting out water. I think Kate could spend a full hour there and not get bored.




Alex, my mom and I. Say Cheese.

Acorn Collecting!!

Have you ever considered collecting Acorns? Well, my Kate has and did! This was her entertainment for the entire duration of one of Alex's soccer games this past spring. When I informed her that she would not be bringing her large collection home (she seriously collected about 30), she quietly narrowed her collection down to five acorns and said,

"There is one for each person in our family!"

Sweet and loving Kate- I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for my children and this day I thank him especially for Little Girls!!!

Kate's Soccer!

Kate's spring soccer was quite an adventure. She was definitely one of the cutest players. She sort of decided she was afraid of the ball after the first game, that's when she learned lots of little legs were all kicking randomly at an attempt to kick the ball- and that meant getting kicked herself. Every practice would help her get over that fear and then each game would again reinforce that fear. That's the kicks of soccer! She was so cute to watch, all smiles. She would run and then if she got tired she would just stop and stand somewhere on the field for a rest.

I can't even begin to describe my enjoyment of watching my sweet, petite Kate play soccer. She even said she wants to play again- I would consider that to mean it was a good experience after all. Way to go Kate! Love you!

Nick's Soccer!!

So I know I'm a little slow getting this up but I just had to blog about Nicks wonderful spring soccer. What is so great about this little guy of mine is his pure determination. When he wants to be good at something he practices and practices- and soccer is no exception. Nick loves, loves, loves SOCCER!!! The kid gets torn picking going to his soccer practice or going to watch one of Alex's games. It is precious! I have absolutely loved watching Nick play this season. When he is on the field he plays with heart- all of his heart! One game this season he got the ball kicked in his face - close and hard- and he's like " I'm fine, I want to go back in". I never knew a six year old could be so passionate about something. Now, I am his mother but, he really is good. He handles the ball well and likes to score but he also likes defense and wants to goalie.

I am so grateful for Nick. I am grateful he is a hard worker and that once he sets his mind to something he won't quit. I love that he has something he loves and wants to work at. Nick is an awesome kid and I love him with all my heart.