the zoo

On the way home from Bear Lake, we did several fun things, and ended up not getting home 'til bedtime! For anyone who goes up to Logan, did you know there is a Pepperidge Farm factory in Richmond? At the suggestion of my friend Amy, we went up to the thrift store there and got a LOT of goldfish crackers, cookies, and even cinnamon rolls. All for between $1-2 each. We definitely have our 3 month supply!

Our plan was to stop at the zoo to see the new baby elephant, Zuri. It's not everyday that you get to see a baby elephant and I didn't want to miss my chance. Not only did we get to see a baby elephant, but we got to see baby tiger cubs and a baby giraffe too. They were all so cute, playful, and just plain adorable!

Of course, no trip to the zoo would be complete without a ride on the train.

This was Maddi's first!

We didn't get to see everything, or stay as long as the kids would have liked, but we will be back because we got a family pass that is good for one year!

Bear Lake is so beautiful!

vacation fun

For fall break, we headed up to Bear Lake. We had so much fun! Especially since our friends, the Fox family, were able to come with us. What a blast!





For the record, I did actually go swimming on the last day when the water was a little bit warmer. They were having some trouble keeping the pool water warm, including having the power turned off for 8 hours the first night we were there.

The kids had tons of fun playing games, drawing and coloring, watching movies, and eating. Our condos were next door to each other, so they could run back and forth easily.
Kimee's mad that we're home and wants to go back. When can we go again?

Yesterday I was in Paris. . .

Not really, but it sounds goods, right! It was actually on Wednesday, and it was Paris, Idaho.

Happy 1/2 Birthday, Maddi!

On Maddilyn's half birthday, we got to visit Melissa and go to the USU Creamery. YUM! Their ice cream is so good. Too bad Maddi didn't get to have any, at least not first hand. It was fun to see Missy and hear about her exciting life as a college student. We are so glad she lives right on the way to Bear Lake, it makes the long trip worth it. :)

Field Trip Fun

We had a great first grade field trip this week. I am so lucky to get to be teacher and mom at the same time. I got to be with my class and also hang out with Kimberly. I love my job!

Kimee and mom on the bus.

petting the animals

Kimee and her friend on the hay ride

picking out a pumpkin

Maddilyn: 6 Months

I can't believe Maddilyn is 6 months old! I am loving every minute with her. She is such an awesome baby. It's hard to remember life before she was in our family. She totally belongs. She completes us.

Conference Weekend

We had a great time on our annual October conference weekend trip. We have had this tradition with our friends the Sinemas for 5 years now. This year we went up to Park City. It is so fun to have the kids play and play and play. We also went swimming, shopping, and of course, watched conference. This condo had a huge jetted tub, so after each time they went swimming, five girls hopped in the tub. I got some good deals on clothes for the girls at the outlet stores and loved getting away, even for just a few days. There was even time for a few naps. Fun was had by all!




On another churchy item, today was Kimee's Primary Program. Her part was, "Family members have important responsibilities. I am learning how to obey my parents. "
Grandma and Grandpa Kruckenberg came. It was nice to have them there to distract Audrey from wishing she could be up there singing. We couldn't see Kimee much because she was sitting right behind the Bishop. She did a great job on her part and singing!

funny stuff

Yesterday before school, Kimee was so upset.
"I hate school!" she says loudly. "I just want to stay home and read my books. Going to school wastes all my time to read books!"
Tuesday after school, she complained to Jill because she didn't want to do her piano lesson. She said, "I have all these books to read. I need to read . . . " and she reads off every title in the Magic Tree House series she is trying to read. She is so funny!

Last week we discovered a really big spider in the front entry way. Kimee was pretty freaked out. Dad takes care of the spider. Kimee is still a little freaked out.
Audrey says, "Kimee, I not a bider. I Audrey."

A couple of nights ago Audrey was having a screaming fit because she was so tired. I was holding Maddi, who was very intently watching Audrey screaming and crying very loudly. Maddi was smiling, cooing, and thoroughly enjoying herself. It appeared as if she thought Audrey was singing to her. Maddi has never minded loud noises, and actually, when she was a newborn she went to sleep much better when there was tons of noise around. I guess she got used to lots of screaming when she was inside my tummy, so it's like a lullaby to her. :)