A Winn Winn Situation

Ellie's Birthday and One Room down

2012-01-17T09:30:00.002-07:00

We celebrated Ellie's birthday! A year has flown by for us with Ellie. She started out a bit high maintenance :) but thankfully is now in the "grubbing-into-everything" stage. I can't watch her close enough. She's putting things in her mouth, figuring out how to take things apart, and she is VERY vocal. She makes me laugh all the time and is trying so hard to learn how to walk.

Emmett and the big Z are sharing a room again. It's a little smaller but it was fun for them to pic out their favorite picture to put on the wall and decorate their own shelf.

Ellie bellie's bday party. We made pumpkin cake and vanilla pudding. She LOVED it. Although at the beginning she was just yelling that she wanted my camera.
What a squishy baby!

Adjustment

2012-01-11T20:06:00.005-07:00

‎"No Misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse." Jeffrey R Holland

I've learned a few things over the past week of travelling and moving my family to N.Dakota.

- Kids don't mind moving as long as adults make it sound fun and exciting.

- Ellie hates the water even in a swimming pool. But the adage "just pull off the bandaid" is so true. We took off Z's life jacket at the pool. After months of unsuccessful swimming lessons and after 5 minutes she was swimming around!
- Kids can make you laugh even when you feel like crap and are having a nervous meltdown!

- Siblings are better than anything money can buy. Especially on long car rides.

- Kids don't need practically any toys. Emmett played with his little cars with paper roads that I made for him for two days straight.

- We have WAY too much crap.

- AND: After whining a little to a lady I met about being stuffed in our apartment, she kindly told me that she has been in a FEMA trailer with three small children since June. That's only about 600-700 sq ft...in the winter. Oh - and they are living there because their home is destroyed. Zing. Life is all in how you look at it. Let me tell you it humbled me up pretty dang fast!! Even the cable guy who came to the apartment said he was surprised at how much "space" I had in this apartment compared to others.

Christmas Time

2011-12-27T21:40:00.007-07:00

I posted a million pics of our Christmas adventure. They are hilarious!!

Zoë's reaction to finding Aladdin and Jasmine from Santa. What she wanted!

Emmett's much more subtle reaction to finding his Spiderman scooter.
It all changed when he found an AMAZING CANDY CANE! (why do I buy presents?)

Zoë being so adorable and playing with Ellie

I have no idea why Alison is laughing.

Zoë can't wait her turn to open presents so she slowly unwraps a present while we are going around the circle.

Literally can't hold in the anticipation
Alison and John got him a football helmet and jersey. He was practising his football pose.
He wore it all day!
Ellie getting excited about finding a present to rip open.
Dad and Mom looking at a calendar Alison and Whoop made.
Laughing super hard about something.
Alex helping Emmett with his first Lego set. So cute.
After a few days of shining off my Dad, Ellie finally let him play by her.
She LOVES her Grandma.
A typical facial expression for her.

Zoë saying goodbye to John and Spankie.

A series of photos that did NOT go as planned. I just wanted a group shot with them but Emmett wouldn't get off his scooter.
Which made Zoë mad.Barely holding back in a tantrum. John isn't helping. Emmett is gloating.
Trying to get both to look at me and smile.
I gave up.
Getting the special kisses from Grandma. Ellie is SO squishy :)

Birthday Girl

2011-12-12T09:47:00.002-07:00

Zoë decided to have her birthday a month earlier since we are moving and she wanted to have a party with friends. She had a pinata and painted with spin art. So fun!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T10:11:00.002-07:00

Sunday in new dresses

Ellie with her piggies
The kids made their own Thanksgiving Turkeys. I decided I needed to step up and do something crafty for the kids after all their friends had fun stuff around the house! They loved making them and Z got a few feathers writing her own words and got tired. I loved their random stuff they came up with!

Halloween

2011-10-31T20:08:00.005-06:00

Despite me being a total lame-o for Halloween this year, we DID do pumpkins. Ok, we didn't gut them out - but instead we painted. Can I just say I like this WAAAAAY better??? Less mess, less clean up. Except my little perfectionist Zoë. She was very upset it wasn't turning out the way she envisioned.

She picked ARIEL! Seriously.
Emmett thought this card was the coolest/funniest thing ever. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa.

Zoë wanted to know exactly when she could eat the entire marshmallow cookie.

Ellie has been sick for a few days, so she and I hung out during the craziness.

At the last minute she decided she wanted to be the Queen of Hearts for school. Of course I had 20 minutes to sew up all the holes.

The succession of pictures is hilarious to me. They were supposed to be the three little pigs with Alex being a wolf. But Zoë only wanted to be something pretty, Ellie was sick...Emmett didn't care. So we took one picture.Ellie was just about to freak out.
Then she saw Zoë and totally freaked.So back to their costumes they picked out 5 minutes before Trunk or Treat. Zoë is a Rodeo princess, Emmett is a cowboy and Alex is a....a...pig vampire???Our Friend Dr. Love.
Notice her pink horse she carried around the entire time.
Emmett has a hate/love relationship with Halloween. He does NOT get costumes and doesn't like people in his personal space.

House is Listed!!!!

2011-09-28T15:19:00.001-06:00

Check it out below! It will make all your wildest dreams come true. I'll even throw in some holy santos.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2718-Thunder-Gulch-Ln_Rock-Springs_WY_82901_M82356-69507

Projects are Done! abgeschlossen, completo, finito!!

2011-09-26T20:14:00.005-06:00

More pics of the front. I love our rock steps up the sides.

Our cool pathway to the backyard
Alex did a fantastic job on the tile and bathroom. It looks gorgeous!!
Bedroom in basement completed. Notice trim around windows.

I'm the most depressed about leaving my vanity. It is SO amazing. (sigh) It's just a bathroom right?

The Yard

2011-09-10T23:18:00.001-06:00

Our yard is DONE!!!!

Emmett swiped the bigger bike. He doesn't care if it's a girl bike - only that it's bigger - which means he needs to try to ride it.

The BIG SURPRISE!

2011-09-08T17:05:00.002-06:00

Someone quick! Get me some lexapro.

What it looks like:

And in two months looks like:
Yes. You are right.

First Day!!

2011-09-06T13:06:00.007-06:00

Zoë has been ready to go to Kindergarten for a year now. And boy was she excited. She was ready for school a good hour and a half early. As we waited for the bus, she showed her excitement by posing for the pictures I was trying to take.

Not to be outdone - Emmett informed her that only boys could pose showing muscles.
And wolverine claws.

Then of course the topic of Spiderman came up.
Then Hulk (sigh)

I have no idea what super hero this is.

Wait....I hear the BUS!!
All of a sudden Zoë gets very seriousLike any mom, I stalked the bus all the way to school and watched her get off.
Waiting for her teacher to come out to the playground.
In line with the teacher and 4 other kids she knows in her class.
Sitting at her designated seat. Emmett was about 20 feet away when he talked about how much he missed her and when was she coming home.

Hike with Daddy

2011-08-23T09:37:00.004-06:00

I love that we live right by BLM land. Sooo nice to just walk in open space. We've been spoiled here.
Half of Rocket City in all its finery
Emmett showing his treasure
Showing Emmett what the wind is about to do anyway
It has its own beauty

Part 3ish: Medford Oregon

2011-08-04T18:09:00.005-06:00

We had such a fun filled time in Medford. Jet skiing, hiking, horse back riding, my mom's broken ankle....I digress.

Mom talking to the kids after most of the people left on a long hike.

Our hike - although not as long - required as much gear!
Afterwards we went for ice cream at an adorable shop in Jacksonville. I love that town!!
Three tired kids!
After swimming in Grandma's pool they warmed up in the hot tub.
One of many meals at Grandma's house. This one is my Dad's famous french toast. They are AMAZING.
Alex doing his engineering games.
Alison and John (aka Spankie and Jiggity) with Ellie Belly.
Dad and Emmett jumping. Emmett was not the happiest kid around but he was happy when he got to be around my Dad!
The kids playing with their uncle Ryan.

Part 2: Bonners Ferry

2011-07-29T14:04:00.006-06:00

Bonners Ferry had perfect weather when we were there. There were even some scattered showers (my favorite). We of course went to Alex's grandma's Ranch. I LOVE the ranch. It's something out of a movie - just picturesque.

Emmett found a motorcycle helmet and wouldn't take it off. This kid is so serious about "boy" stuff that it just makes me laugh.
Emmett is pretty shy too sometimes, but his cousin Davey came by wearing his baseball attire and played soccer with him.
Too much of a good thing. He played and played and played :)
E & Z picking Grandma's strawberries. That is their FAVORITE thing to do at Grandma's house by far.
Again...Emmett playing baseball with cousin Travis.

Zoë washing the car. Surprisingly she loves doing it and begs us to have a "washing the car" family home evening.

Alex took the kids on a crazy long hike. It was 3 miles straight up a mountain. I wasn't there or I would have said no. Not shockingly, Emmett had a meltdown 200 yards into the trek and decided he wasn't going to walk. They made it miraculously though. Zoë was amazing and walked all the way there.On Aunt Darlene's pond trying to catch turtles.

Zoë was feeling pretty big being with all the older girls.

This was me most of the time. I have just relished the alone time with Ellie and love when I can spoil her with my undivided attention.
The kids really wanted to go fishing.

Ellie and Grandma
Going swimming
She was turning purple so they went back into Grandma's hot tub and thawed a bit.

Part 1 of the Super Trip

2011-07-26T14:46:00.006-06:00

After almost a full month away - I thought I'd give the run down on our "Super Trip". By the end of the 25 days, we accumulated enough miles on our car to drive from Wyoming to Guatemala.

First stop...my aunt Vickie's house in Ogden!
Then to one of the most beautiful sites of my childhood (ok it still is!). I practically lived there all through my childhood, and both my parents lived there. I LOVE Malad. And we were lucky enough to arrive during Welsh days :)

Malad 2nd Ward has an amazing church!

We stopped in a beat up town along the way. It once looked like a quaint little town, but it was completely desolate. It did have a nice little park we stopped by to eat our sandwiches and head on!

This was the farm my dad lived/worked on a child.

Seaside Beach

2011-07-14T09:01:00.003-06:00

As part of our super trip, we stopped in seaside for the day and stayed at a hotel by the beach. It was amazing! The weather was perfect - I didnt plan on the kids getting as wet as they did!! Alex pitched a tent for Ellie and I to stay in and so I could nurse her. Such a great idea! More pictures to come of the trip - these were just readily available!

Grandpa's Gift for Father's Day

2011-06-22T16:06:00.002-06:00

The Big Secret

2011-06-21T14:21:00.004-06:00

All growing up I didn't really enjoy kids. I didn't really want to babysit, and I couldn't really see myself being a mom. Even when I was engaged to Alex I thought I wouldn' t have kids right away and didn' t know when I'd have the desire to even start!

All that changed. I love kids! I love MY kids! I love babies! Every time I turn around they are bigger and I say, "oh this is my favorite age". I have horrible pregnancies and have made it known that Ellie is my last. Which is probably why I am just cherishing these moments. I think it's my little secret that I am just crazy over my kids and find them hilariously wonderful.

Visitors

2011-06-14T15:20:00.003-06:00

We had several family members come and stay with us despite us just getting over our sickness. The kids love to have visitors and someone else to play with.

Alex's brother Will came with his soon to be wife, Hillary. We love her! The kids loved her too and it is SO nice to have another girl in the Winn family! The went to Pilot Butte with the kids while I did a craft project.

My mom came and surprised me and stayed for two days. Emmett usually is a little bugger with my mom, but CRIED when she left. Ellie was a little concerned at first. Honestly she screamed when my mom picked her up and we all had a good laugh. Obviously she warmed up to my mom pretty fast : ) Mom bought a hilarious book for them too. I had tears streaming down my face while reading it.

Pictures and how I feel

2011-06-09T16:58:00.004-06:00

There are so many great and funny things about Zoë. One of them is her insatiable desire to draw. She loves it. And she often works through her anxieties, frustrations, excitements etc.. through drawing.

Once a week at preschool Zoë drew Matman. It was a basic shape of a person (i.e. the stick man). She soon bored of the basic instructions and drew princesses, girls, family and then one day she drew this:

The morning before preschool she got busted for something that I can't remember. And she went to school upset. So...this is her...being upset with her big ol' eyes looking at me and her pony tail sticking straight up out of her head.

Zoë hates bugs. H-A-T-E-S all bugs except butterflies and ladybugs. So when Alex asked the kids to go on a hike with him, the first thing out of her mouth was, "Will there be bugs". In Wyoming, there aren't many bugs. It's one of the bonuses, if not THE bonus, of living in the high desert.

Well...half way through the hike there was a swarm of mosquitoes. Alex said it was crazy. So the turned and RAN back to the car. Zoë is allergic to their bites and was swollen and itchy. Poor thing was so traumatized by it that she drew this picture for me. As you can clearly see, she is running back to the car with bugs chasing her and one on her back. So sad - yet what a funny picture! Love it.

Zoë's Graduation

2011-05-26T15:09:00.005-06:00

I don't know why my computer is being stupid.

Hopefully this will work. I'm feeling really technically challenged at the moment.

We had Zoë's preschool graduation today. Alex was just confused the whole time as to why it was happening. (sigh) Just one more thing he was deprived of as a child :)

The teachers at Zoë's school are just amazing. AMAZING. I can't say enough good things about them. They really made her feel happy, confident and loved. The outfit Zoë chose was special in it's own right. I did draw the line at spiderman socks though because #1 they were Emmett's, and #2...they were Spiderman socks. They were bright red and went up to her knees.

Ellie was less than thrilled. She finally got so hungry that I had to miss half of Zoë's slideshow and nurse Ellie. Get this...I asked a lady who worked there if there was an empty classroom I could use to breast feed. She looked like I threw up all over her and said, "maybe a bathroom". What a piece of work.

Zoë getting her diploma. Again, Alex was confused.

Emmett was either rolling around the floor or calling out for his sister Zoë.

A Walk in Spring

2011-05-01T23:58:00.003-06:00

The kids and I went to my sisters house for dinner and a family walk.

I am not biased - these kids are adorable

Happy Birthday

2011-04-16T21:19:00.002-06:00

This was actually another present from my sister for the kids to open.

It had hats, plates, streamers and balloons and directions to throw a

birthday party for our animals!

The kids were elated!

We spent the morning making cupcakes and frosting. Z wanted pink cupcakes with purple frosting and E wanted blue with yellow frosting.

We are still so very sad about missing our precious kitty so Z brought our her little kitty to remind her of our cat. She prays every night to help him come home to us.

Countdown

2011-04-09T15:00:00.005-06:00

My sister Katie mailed me a huge box when Zoë first got sick.

Each day, the kids open a present from the box and there is enough until

we fly out for my sister's wedding.

They LOVE it.

Here are a few of the things they have received:

Emmett and his whistle

The bandaid is covering a gash in his face the barely missed his eye.

A bracelet with Z's name.

Emmett not sharing

Emmett being Emmett

They were sent painted eggs. Which broke about 2 hours after they opened it.

So they made their own.

Emmett was actually pretty dang gentle with his

Z was definitely more artistic in mind and tried several different ways of decorating

Ellie bellie

General Conference

2011-04-02T13:00:00.003-06:00

Scarlet fever aftermath...

This was all over her - from the top of her forehead to her ankles.

These are still on my counter

Ellie is off oxygen and Z is over the worst, so we went for a WALK!!!

Ellie is wearing Anya Crace. She makes the cutest stuff :)

Z and E cuddling. I didn't let much cuddling happen because of all the germs.

We read in the Friend magazine about these bunny buns and made them.

They were SUPER yummy

Just in case you were bored....

2011-03-25T16:12:00.003-06:00

Ellie has finally started taking naps during the day - which was the perfect opportunity for mono, strep AND scarlet fever to set in Zoë's tiny body.

Her face pretty much says it all...

But before all the crazy, I did have time to make these yummy chocolate dipped cake leprechaun hats. They looked waaay better on another site...but... beggars can't be choosers right???

Our friend IS from Ireland. He has the coolest accent and dressed up as a leprechaun and came over and gave the kids gold chocolate coins. They were terrified. They thought that now he was a leprechaun, he would come in and mess our house up.

Happier days :)

We have had time to be more ethnically minded though.

She saw a lady with them on and was obsessed with looking just as beautiful.

She can pull it off actually.

Since Zoë can't run around, she watches a lot of movies. Inevitably they are Barbie ones, and Emmett...well...he hates them.

Ellie is super chubby and super cute.

I can't believe she is 12 lbs already!

Oxygen

2011-03-09T11:18:00.002-07:00

Ellie is off of oxygen!! As of today, the oxygen tanks are gone.

I am still getting used to freely walking around the house.

I'm so so SO glad she is breathing better.

Ellie can't be without her binkie

Emmett is WAY into baseball right now.

He practices for an hour at least a day.

This is what Z looks like when Emmett tries to teach her how to throw the ball so he can hit it.

And this is what E looks like

Somewhere Only We Know

2011-02-19T21:23:00.005-07:00

Yes...it is time for the annual music video. And what better time than when my 3 sisters surprised me yesterday by coming to visit this weekend? Oh yes...here it is!!

Welcome Baby Ellie!!

2011-02-06T10:18:00.002-07:00

We have a new addition to our home!

It has been a little more eventful than I would like,

but she is happy and healthy so we are EXCITED about that.

She was thankfully born in Ogden or else we would have had a life flight out of our little town right after she was born. She is on oxygen and will be for a while.

Emmett gets mad if you call this anything but a vacuum.

My two little girls

My awesome Dr. Alejo

Ellie weighed in at 6 lbs 10 oz and 19 inches long - but lost about a pound in the NICU when she stayed for a week. She has gained it all back!

My family visiting me right after the birth. I stayed for a full week at the hospital nursing little Ellie.

Christmas!

2011-01-07T10:51:00.007-07:00

We had SO MUCH fun this Christmas. It was relaxing and full of family time.

My brother Eric flew in from Oregon and the kids were in heaven. They could pile 10 books on his lap and he would read them all.

We had a Christmas Eve program. Emmett was supposed to be Joseph, but was adament that he should be the horse.

PJ present the night before. Emmett wore his for 3 seconds.

Christmas morning! All three couldn't fathom a morning where morning routines weren't followed. So...teeth were brushed and beds were made!

Emmett was in LOVE with his Mac truck with Lightning McQueen cars.

Z was totally into her makeup, fancy clothes, and princess things.

Eric got a Wagga Wagga shirt. Long story - but classic reaction.

Eric gave us DVDs of church videos. It took him a million hours and the kids loved it!

Alex got a band saw from my dad. I don't really know what it does, but Alex was beyond excited!!

My beautiful picture that Alex got me. And yes, I look very tired and pregnant.

Cuddle time with Daddy after presents. Emmett opened 3 presents on Christmas and decided that that was enough and refused to open anymore. So we have some bday presents all ready :)

Dance Recital

2010-12-17T21:54:00.003-07:00

I found this picture on my table today. She drew this herself! I love the three wisemen on the right and the shepherds. How precious is this picture?!!

I let her "pose" and tell me when to take the picture. This first picture is when she said she wasn't ready. Love it. She was so cute in her dance recital. As soon as I picked her up she asked when she can go back on stage and perform.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-02T22:24:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving was so COLD!! I think most everyone had a pretty chilly holiday and thank goodness no one got in an accident on the way to visit us. I did have cousin and his wife whose car broke down half-way here though. Bummer.

Another cousin drove ALL the way from New Mexico...yikes. And that's with 2 little kids.

Playing in the snow:

Emmett waiting for Thanksgiving food:

My cousin Anya made an awesome ABC blanket for my baby:

Alex's Brother BJ came up for the day too - and even washed all my dishes.

Thanksgiving crowd minus 3.

(I was taking the picture and Jared was taking care of the baby)

And yes - those are mismatched plates. I was going to get out my china and then I realized I had 3 yappers to worry about - and decided that mismatched plates with plastic bowls made everyone feel more at home anyway.

2010-10-26T15:11:00.001-06:00

I would post more pics... but I'm SO TIRED!! This is probably all you'll get for another month.

End of Summer

2010-09-15T14:41:00.002-06:00

The last pictures of summer.

Winn Family Reunion

2010-09-04T19:23:00.006-06:00

We went to North Idaho for our annual Winn Reunion.

The kids were IN HEAVEN.

There were tractor rides from their uncle Dave...

and so many boy things like bikes, basketball hoopes...

Emmett found a bike from his big cousin Jake and wouldn't get off of it.

They all took turns wrestling and playing different smashing games.

My personal favorite to watch was the bronco rides from their uncle BJ.

I would have been so overly sensitized by all the kids touching/pulling/hitting me that I would have screamed. BJ just took it in stride and the kids love him.

They even went on a big family hike.

On the 4th of July we went to a private lake owned by Alex's cousins. It was sooo beautiful and so much fun to ride around on the ATV. Emmett didn't get off of it the whole night. Cousin Trav just laughed at Emmett because he was SO excited about it but was awesome and took Emmett on his first ever ATV ride.

Cousin Reed. Funniest little kid. And ALWAYS is getting messy. Those are marshmallows all over his hands and face.

Alex taking a few kids out. Usually my mom radar is off the charts on danger possibilities, but the kids were so happy to be out and riding.

Fireworks. The kids loved it - until all the big loud fireworks went off.

This is the big firework: A propane tank that was blown up by a sniper rifle. Did I mention we were in North Idaho?! haha

Driggs/Tetonia Idaho Reunion

2010-08-30T16:23:00.003-06:00

We had a reunion for my mom's side in Idaho. It was pretty incredible.

A couple from New England bought my Grandma's property and restored

the old cabin. It is TINY and my grandma was actually born inside that

small, one room cabin. They had dirt floors and two windows.

Beautiful backdrop and cute little boy!

My mom's cousins still live around the original property and have farms.

The kids were SO excited to go into the chicken coup and pick up eggs.

My little girl was excited about it until the rooster chased her.

Dad had to take the kids out for me. Chickens smell SO bad and pigs aren't any better.

I opted to hang out inside the house.

This dog must have been 16 years old. Followed Emmett around the entire time.

The other kids were terrified of it.

Proof that you can actually fit more in a Honda Pilot than you think.

This was after we unloaded all the luggage. Impressive huh?

Portland Wedding

2010-08-26T12:22:00.003-06:00

We started our summer vacation in Portland at my cousin's wedding.

I was pretty sick that day - you can tell in my picture I look a little less stellar than my sisters. But that's pretty normal form me anyway :)

New Bikes at the Park

2010-07-26T11:58:00.004-06:00

It is actually hot here so we took the kids to the only

park in town that has shade.

They love playgrounds and Z wanted to go on a certain part

of the playground that I said was a little too big for her.

Of course she had to try it!

It took her a few attempts but she got the hang of it

and then went down about a dozen times.

She is such a funny kid - if something scares her, she HAS

to try it. And she'll do it over and over again until she

conquers her fear.

Then they went down the slides...

Which then led to riding their new bikes.

I had no idea they made such little bikes

for Emmett. He looks so cute cruisin' around.

For their 3rd day on a bike, they did AWESOME!

Dance

2010-07-22T18:39:00.004-06:00

My mom came down to see our little girl dance.

They have her read a million books...

of course make cookies...

and show off all their sweet moves.

Soccer Star

2010-05-10T15:03:00.004-06:00

This is the hardest part for 4 yr olds to get. Having them try to high five EVERY kid is like asking me to have a clean floor everyday. Doesn't happen.

Having her try a game face...maybe that will work?
Then she forgets and just looks cute
This is what she understands about the game of Soccer:
If the ball is remotely close to you, run like crazy...the opposite direction.
Do NOT, by any means, touch the ball.

Leave the heavy running to someone else.

That way you can practice your dance moves, sing, or possibly catch someone

else's game from across the field.

(she's the one in the middle)

Emmett's Birthday

2010-04-20T20:45:00.004-06:00

Emmett had a great birthday filled with family and friends!

Alex's parents drove down from Idaho. One of Emmett's favorite things

was to pull all of his Grandpa Winn's pens out of his pocket.

Even though they don't like dogs much (an understatement),

We went to the dog park. Rowdy LOVED it.

Brannen drove from SLC with his girlfriend.
It was so nice to meet her and I'm glad BJ was brave
enough to introduce her to the family.

This is a typical shot of my little princess doing her signature pose.

Emmett blowing out his candles. Good thing he didnt' know that his big

sister was actually the one to do it, or there would have been LOTS of screaming.

This is what a party looks like at our house.

Try to contain your excitement.

Will drove over from Idaho and our buddies from town came over.

The BEST present ever for kids. It's really a glorified cage.

Emmett loved his train.

The kids would have Grandma Winn read to them for

4 hours straight if she could!

Typical look

Their uncle Will leaving for a summer internship.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-06T16:31:00.004-06:00

Easter weekend was so great! Except for the massive amounts of snow drift of course :)

The kids loved their easter baskets.

We had a little Easter party at my house with a few kids.

My kids just love to have other yappers over!

More pics to come...

Lauren and Parker Visit

2010-03-30T10:07:00.005-06:00

My sister Lauren and her boyfriend came to visit us in Wyoming. It was so fun to see them and we went on a great hike on one of the very few days it's been nice!

Fire Department Day

2010-03-25T22:02:00.004-06:00

Zoë decided that she wanted to make cookies for the Fire Department last week. Sooo....she made cookies and we went down. (I called ahead and talked to the fire chief) It was SO cute and the guys were awesome!!! They took us all around the fire department and just pulled out all the stops for the kids. Emmett was just so overcome with awe that he put his fingers in his mouth and didn't take them out until we left. Zoë ate up the attention of course and got to try on all the clothes, sit in the truck and use the speaker phone! We don't have any pics of Emmett though because he wouldn't leave Alex's side and wouldn't be close to the fire truck. Go figure.

A 4 year olds Birthday Party

2010-02-06T19:36:00.004-07:00

She couldn't wait for her birthday party! Everyday she'd ask me how many days left. Finally the princess party came and she was in heaven! They were all princesses (except for one of her boy friends who was a dragon of course).

After 3 hrs the chandelier was finally ready to hang.

She looked vaguely interested.
Party with her friends:

She told me exactly how she wanted the cake to look.

And I made it with fondant! So fun!

Pretty much how Emmett's been acting for the last 2 weeks.

Getting ready for the party.

Emmett's not into dressing up -

except if it includes something to do with baseball hats.

She didn't know WHAT to do when they sang to her at Applebees. It is her favorite restaurant. She calls it Appleberries.

Christmas

2010-01-31T13:14:00.003-07:00

Matching Pjs. You can see why Emmett outweighs her. She has little chicken legs! A beautiful canvas painting by Greg Olsen that my parents gave us for Christmas.

Hammock swing in our basement. It actually can hold Alex AND the kids without breaking.

Emmett loving the rocking horse.

And of course the basketball hoop.

Yes I know these pics are waaaaaaaay past due.

4th Birthday

2010-01-24T13:22:00.004-07:00

My beautiful little girl turned 4! She has been such a blessing in my life and constantly makes me laugh. She has such a quirky personality and bursts with life. I can't wait to see what this year will bring for her! She had a princess birthday party with a few friends and couldn't contain herself she was soooooo excited!!

Anxiously awaiting Christmas

2010-01-16T22:19:00.004-07:00

Since I'm a slacker and I've been busy, I'm just getting around to posting pics of Christmas. Before I do THAT, I have to post pics of us waiting it out in the bitter cold of Wyoming.

Notice Zoë's snow baby she's holding. Don't we all look comfy?

The before launch:

After:

The effects from too much snow fun

Snow drifts actually got more than 1/2 way up our 6' fence line!

Muggin' for the Camera

Dance Recital

2009-12-22T20:35:00.006-07:00

Zoë L O V E S to dance. This is her practicing her moves before the recital:

As you notice, she is more excited than all her fellow dancers.

Emmett did great because he was juiced up on Fruit Snacks.

She was SOOOOooo cute down there. She's so tall and is one of the youngest in the class! She's the furthest to the left.

Christmas at Temple Square

2009-12-12T21:42:00.014-07:00

Christmas at the Temple Square in Salt Lake City is one of my earliest memories. It's so amazing to see the lights and to see the nativity. It just overflows with the Christmas spirit for me and I really wanted to take the kids (plus Alex has never been).

The Christus statue is at the visitor's center and is just incredible. Emmett was enjoying himself - especially when two girls sat by him. He did NOT know what to do and looked back and forth at them. Funny kid.

Alex's brother Brannen and his roommate Kelson came down and met us. It was SOOOOoooo cold so it was nice to have some help with the kids while I tried to warm my hands up.

Alex and I cuddling the kids. Did I mention cold?

Amazing white paper bags lined up with the words joy or peace in dozens of different languages.

Love this

Something added since I was a child: Different nativities - I loved this one.

She was so happy!

Amazing! I have no idea how the string lights on every single branch. We can't even get them on our house this year!

This is the Assembly hall. Such a cool building.

Thanksgiving Awesomeness

2009-11-28T08:14:00.003-07:00

Pictures to come later!

We had such a fun time this Thanksgiving with my cousins and brother and sister. Whoop came from Utah State, Eric flew in from Oregon, Joey, Mary and Ray-so came from Provo. I laughed SO hard making this video. Yes - we made them do this video during forced family time - but it was WORTH IT!

Balloon Boy

2009-11-13T20:50:00.003-07:00

This is Emmett on two bowls of ice cream!

SLC Trip

2009-10-29T21:55:00.018-06:00

We went to an awesome farm in Salt Lake. It was so fun for the kids to get out and see the animals....and the trees. I can't call them city kids really, because...well, we live in Wyoming. So, they're desert kids. Pretty sad - but entertaining when they see LIVE animals. Not ones mounted to walls on people's houses.

Why didn't I wear makeup? Oh ya - I lost it for the 20th time.

Emmett's favorite animal is the cow.

Not big fans of the pigs though. Sorry dad.

Loved the geese

And loved all the cool tractor stuff - which is another of Emmett's favorites.

Isn't this tree awesome?!!

Most of my shots were from behind because she was so freaked out that there were bears hiding in the forest somewhere.

Emmett loved every minute

Emmett heard something - he's excited - she's ready to run.

Another pic of me thinking I need an additional 6 inches off.

She's just holding tight because of the bears.

Emmett was so excited to see trees. It's sad really isn't it?

We met up with my dad in Park City for the quickest get together on record yet. I think he drove 1 1/2 hrs to be with us for 30 minutes. It was SO fun though and the kids were pumped to see him and to get these awesome light glasses.

If you notice - Z is busy using my dad's iphone while Emmett is listening to my dad do his classic Donald Duck impersonation.

Vernal Trip

2009-10-18T22:13:00.011-06:00

Vernal Temple was beautiful and really old. It was built in 1907 as a tabernacle but then remodled as a temple in 1997.

Dinosaur Museum

Yes we are at a Dam. We got there late but I heard that the dam tour is pretty good.

Wild Horses

Pumpkins

2009-10-11T22:44:00.006-06:00

We actually carved pumpkins this year instead of me just having the kids paint them. It was messy but a lot of fun! Emmett couldn't believe that I let him cut stuff up, and Zoë just really wanted to watch "Hairspray" so she wasn't into the cutting part.

Alex did the bat one and I did the ghost.

Zoë of course wanted a kitty. Emmett actually helped with his pumpkin's eyes.

I was going to decorate more - but I'm thinking for some reason it looks scary enough.

September Fun

2009-10-08T15:13:00.019-06:00

We did a million things last month and didn't have time to post.

So....here's the run down:

Zoë trying on Alex's work boots. He's been gone several times and opened up a new store in Rifle Colorado. NO we are not moving.

We went on a hike and saw wild horses, Zoë played with old shot gun shells, Emmett fell down a lot, and I stressed about climbing a big rusty ladder with kids.

On Labor Day, Alex's brother and sister (Emily and Will) came by and played.

On a windy day there's not much except get really dirty painting with pudding.

Emmett became fascinated with washing his hands in the toilet - which then became washing other things in the toilet as well.

After he got into trouble:

Another hike at a park.

Grandma's Magnum Opus: She sent
Zoë a purse with REAL makeup and candy.

While Alex is Away....

2009-09-07T14:41:00.006-06:00

Zoë was 3 before she had an ice cream cone. I've made up for it this summer!!!

Everyday for 2 weeks they had an ice cream cone. This was day 1 of the slobber fest.

Zoë wanted me to take a picture of HER.

Of course she told me she had to pose first.

Clarkston

2009-09-07T14:00:00.012-06:00

A few weeks ago I took the kids to Ogden, Logan and Clarkston while Alex was away at work.

This is the house that my dad was raised in. Awesome.

This was taken at a friends wedding. It was SO hot. Emmett's face was bright pink but my mom was distracting him with her iphone.

I think these are the Box Elder Mountains?

I don't know why I liked this playing field. Something out of a movie I think.

An old church in Beaver

She obviously isn't afraid of horses.

My GREAT Aunt Bernice

At the Zoo in Logan

Medford Trip

2009-08-25T15:50:00.010-06:00

In no particular order of our Medford Trip:

Zoë LOVED going fast on the wave runner. She always surprises me!

Playing dress up at Grandma's

Gettin' er' done

Zoë and Aubrey on the Ferris Wheel.

Cousins at the Enchanted Forest.

At least one of them was having fun cuddling : )

Emmett after breakfast

Emmett waiting for Zoë to get off the rollercoaster. Another surprise that she liked it!

Alison's Wedding

2009-08-25T15:36:00.013-06:00

Alison got married in the Portland Temple.

No...I don't have any pictures of her because I was busy being IN the pictures when she came out. So these are the pics of us waiting.

Lame but true.

And these are on Facebook - I just put these on for my family/friends who are not quite into the groove of the 21st Century.

Sam, Alex and Emmett

Zoë playing in the water
Lauren and Ray-So contemplating marriage

Emmett getting back his "precious"

The Strong Allen Family Gene
Cousin Jamie, Mom, Kathleen (aka Aunt Kathy) and Anya

Zoë dancing

The many family faces: Emmett just drooled all over my shirt.

Emmett being reverent for Grandpa

Me - since I rarely ever put a pic of me on here.

My 2 favorite guys.

Emmett trying to wait.

Uncle Craig taking a walk with Zoë

Another 14er

2009-08-02T22:11:00.006-06:00

Last weekend, Jared, Em and I took out another 14er - Mt. of the Holy Cross in Colorado. It was a really pretty hike, perfect weather, and a great time besides the mat I bought that doesn't agree with bony hips. Em's first summited 14er - she was happy about that. Amazing view - oh, and better cell phone service at the summit than most of the state of Wyoming!

Kids Rooms

2009-07-27T09:55:00.008-06:00

Zoë's room is almost done. I just have to get curtains for her room, a chandelier (I'm way more excited about that than she is I'm sure, and a bed skirt.

Emmett's room is done!! I MADE the curtains too. They look really easy, but doing them without a pattern or help was a challenge for me...but hey! They work!

Winn Reunion

2009-07-24T13:31:00.020-06:00

Our trip to Bonner's Ferry:

Always includes a trip to Montana to visit Alex's Grandmother's Ranch.

On a "quick hike" that lasted from 10am to 4pm. The kids did great though - mostly because Alex and I carried them the whole way!! If Emmett had his way he would have walked by himself the whole way up and down. Zoë wanted to be carried.

Gorgeous view - and one cold little girl.

Emmett with Grandma Winn - eating of course.

The Buddy boy getting in the mud.

When Alex finally took him in he bawled his head off.

Me hiding behind Zoë because I dont' want to have a picture of me in a bathing suit.

Women understand right?!

Looking out over the lake. I had such a WONDERFUL time!

Doing his best to drive.

This is the family in normal mode:

This is the family pretending to be normal:

The lake at sundown

The Grand Tetons:

Our trip took 2 1/2 days on the way up - so we decided to drive through the night. Great in theory - but the kids woke up when we put them in the car at 10pm and stayed AWAKE until 15 minutes outside of home.

The kids finally passing out. I would have taken a picture of Alex and I but I was too busy pinching him, slapping him, and laughing (all in the name of staying awake behind the wheel of course!!!)

Why My Mom is AWESOME

2009-07-14T21:52:00.003-06:00

This is how she entertains the kids on Skype. Hey - it STILL makes me laugh!!

Guessing Game

2009-05-31T20:41:00.000-06:00

Can you guess what this is?? Did you guess an hour and half of Alex's day cutting out the putty stuck in the carpet - that we finally can't avoid cleaning up any longer because we are moving? Good guess! Thanks Zoe-Zoe.

Green River Lakes

2009-05-31T07:31:00.001-06:00

If you ever get the chance to go hiking in Wyoiming, there are some really neat places; Em and I took a trip with a friend, John out to the north end of the Wind River range - absolutely amazing range of mountains. It's one of those hidden secrets quelched by the ever-popular Jackson/Tetons area which rise about 100 miles northwest of the "Winds."

Fun Weekend

2009-05-17T19:41:00.000-06:00

Zoë had her first dance recital last night. She was SO cute - and LOVED the crowd.

My dad came over and watched her dance too. She was a rock star for her recital.

Zoë loves her Grandpa

Emmett trying to get down so he could rummage through my Dad's car. (He saw a pop bottle in the front!)

She traded Alex her hat for the umbrella and

soon was flying away - Wyoming wind never stops.

Looking at the ducks

Zoë loves Emmett's cowboy hat. She was a little mad I didn't want to carry

her all the way back to the truck though.

Buddy Boy always makes this face. He likes to say "mooo".

Salt Lake Trips

2009-05-14T09:12:00.000-06:00

Our Trip to Salt Lake City

Don't these trees look like the whomping trees from Harry Potter?

My old roommate Brooke with her cute little baby girl.

Bridal Shopping with Alison:
Whoop, Katie, Baby Grace, and So-Very.

And So very happy because Spank found her dress!

Spankydoodle and So

Me and Whoop: Really Tired and Hungry

Zoë's Project

2009-05-10T21:03:00.000-06:00

So - Alex and I get bored if we don't have a project or are in the process of moving. And since we have 3 weeks until we move...we built Zoë a bed! It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. I'm really happy with how it turned out and how STURDY it is. You can see Zoë jumping on the bed just to test it out.

On to the move now I guess...and the laundry!

Wyoming Home Show

2009-04-22T20:11:00.000-06:00

Enjoying the beautiful weather!

Not surprised at all to see these at the show - just that they were so clean.

The coveted Lollipop: She'll take one lick and put it on her plate - she's determined to make it last until next year!

Emmett found the lollipop and quickly licked it to death while she was taking a nap!

Snow Day

2009-04-16T09:49:00.001-06:00

We had about 5 inches this morning with another 6 inches coming through tomorrow morning. The kids were SO cute today. Emmett sat motionless in the snow for about 10 minutes before deciding that the snow wasn't toxic waste. Zoë was helping Emmett realize the snow wasn't scary - after she planted a snow ball squarely on his face.

Emmett's 1st Birthday

2009-04-10T21:17:00.000-06:00

We had such a great time for Emmett's birthday. My parents, sister, cousin, aunts and uncle came down and Alex's family came down as well (it was during General Conference). My awesome Aunt Vickie had us stay at her house and we had tons of food, candy...and more food. My uncle Rod even filled a bazillion easter eggs for the easter egg hunt.

The General

The food

The cake:

Are you sure this is edible?

Doesn't Like it

Loves it

Any more??

The Loot

What was actually incredible is that he got on it the correct way you get on a horse! The first time! That's my boy.

The fun just doesn't stop

2009-03-18T11:59:00.000-06:00

We were looking for houses in the area - and let me tell you - some were REALLY interesting. Maybe I'm the one with the weird taste?

This little fella is called a weeping boy or something similar to that.

I guess it's the hip thing to have around here - seriously.

This fabulous carpet looked like a dog house had been placed in the middle of the room and the dog just did laps, peeing and drooling his way along. Sick.

The owners wanted the decadence without the price...so they put up PINK columns with fiberglass/foam stuff. This house was built in the late 90s!

This beautiful chandelier was probably won at church bingo night.
Those are horns by the way.

The owner finished off his own basement...I guess the electrical was a small oversight when he put the walls up.

The railing in this loft is about 3 ft tall. I wouldn't even walk over there for fear I would trip and knock myself over.

This picture is not deceptive.

The basement actually dipped significantly downward on the right.

When the kids get sick in cold/horribly windy Wyoming, this is about as fun as it gets: (it's flour by the way)

Rats

2009-02-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

We've been so busy, I almost forgot to post about "the rodent." It has been a few months now that Anna's vehicle has been making the most awful sound when you turn the fan on - sounding like something is stuck in the fan. We finally took it into the Honda dealership to have them scope things out thinking we'd be in and out. What they found was the remains of an "unusually large rodent" and his nest. The strange thing being there was never any smell (thankfully). Oh, and thanks for nothing scrappy - the dumb thing was so big it broke half of the components in the system and cost us almost $500!

Stimulus or ....?

2009-02-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

You know what bugs me? Hearing about the stimulus plan and never seeing the actual breakdown of where our money is going. What also bothers me is that there are so many fluff items on the plan. I'm sure that an average educated American could cut an easy $200 billion from the budget with a quick glance.

Check out this website - it's a great overview of the "stimulus plan".
http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/appropssummary.pdf

One thing that caught our eye is that we are giving $650 Million in DTV coupons - ummm....that's not helping the economy. Those converters' prices were jacked up by the guys who make them - so that $650 million is going to one company - one guy - one pocket. And I don't like paying $650 Million so people can watch more TV. Get off your couch and go to work.
On the flip side - they are giving $360 Million to new Child Development Centers. With the rate of children with Autism rising the "stimulus plan" gives twice as much to the TVs.

$1.15 Billion is given to border patrol. That's for everything from security, to buildings, to scanning items for weapons. $3.1 Billion is going to Lands and Parks. Really?? Our most vulnerable area of our country - the ports and border - is given a 3rd of the amount that our parks are given? Wow.

What do you think? Even if you are an Obama lover - how well do you think the stimulus package will work?

Anniversary

2009-02-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

After 2 kids and 6 houses later Alex deserves a lot of anecdotes of love and appreciation. And even though I know he REALLY wants me to write a mushy love letter to him on my blog - I'll surprise him and just tell him Happy Anniversary.

Happy Birthday Zoë

2009-02-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

Zoë had her 3rd birthday this month. Actually she had 2 birthdays - one during Christmas and one at home. Now she thinks that birthdays should come around every 3 weeks or so. She's such a vivacious little girl - definitely packed full of personality. We are so lucky to have her for a little girl - and my future children will thank her for being the first so I can be refined with fire at the beginning of parenting and not the end! (hopefully) She loves to dance, sing, draw, act like a princess, poke the kitty's eyes, and mother Emmett to death. She is a VERY girly girl and only wants to wear dresses, wear my lipstick, and anything pink or purple.

Who said it Ain't Purdy in Wyoming?

2009-01-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

Alex got all of us to go on an adventure (which usually means drive until we get lost and try to find something to see on the detour). But this time - it was pretty cool. We saw the Flaming Gorge and drove on some back roads and found this random pod of ice fishermen. I've never seen guys fishing on ice before - and these guys were really into the sport and had professional drills and everything.

Alex taking the yappers out on the lake - and two seconds later, Zoë fell down.

It looks like Zoë pushed my last button...actually I was just swinging her around, but it looks like that ice fisherman in the background is running to the rescue.

Ice Fishing on the Gorge

Frozen Green River

Growing Up

2009-01-06T10:11:00.001-07:00

Zoë had her first day of preschool on Monday. She was really excited and barely waved goodbye when I dropped her off. There are only 3 other kids in her classroom and everything is decorated in a bear theme. I got home - put Emmett to bed and had a WHOLE HOUR to myself to pay bills and make phone calls.

This is what happens now when I ask her to smile...

Emmett is getting around really well. I'm starting to panic though because I thought I had a little longer to prep my house for a little boy. He really wants to walk. In my aunts words, "KNOCK HIM DOWN!!" :)

I'm an awesome sister

2009-01-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

This entry is for my personal entertainment. My sisters never look at my blog or comment, so - what the heck! - I might as well have fun right?

The Oldest Sister

The Younger Sister

The Youngest Sister...click on it!

SOLD

2008-12-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

We sold our house last week!! We are just so happy and feel incredibly blessed. It's so nice not having to worry about the "if's" and "when's" of selling our house in Denver. Now on to the bigger and better things in Wyoming!! :)

- As a side note - we had a rare snow fall that stuck to the valley floor in Southern Oregon today. We had so much fun making snow men and running around. My dad nailed me pretty good in the face though with a snow ball. He better be watching his back......bwa hahaha (evil laugh).

Crawling?

2008-11-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know what you call this - but I'm pretty sure it looks like full push-ups. Emmett can even do them one handed (seriously) if he tries to grab a toy - or Zoë's hair. He isn't really moving forward all that much, maybe a few inches, but it's still impressive. Zoë' is even trying to teach him how to crawl.

To Dream the Impossible Dream!

2008-11-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

We did it! The house is on the market. We are now in Wyoming renting a townhouse that does NOT have mold (a tall order around here obviously). We've been trying to explain to Zoë what's going on and showed her our house in Colorado online. She replied "That's a better house" and started to cry. Nice.

To View your dream home - click HERE!!!

Check it out - Tell your friends...and send me some lexapro or something!! : )

Don't worry Ryan and Alison - I'm just kidding. I'm actually doing really well considering the fact that everyone ran away from us at church and wouldn't talk to us. (A quite funny long story that I'll post in a blog later)

Out with the old in with the new....er

2008-11-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

So we went to Wyoming and stayed at an apartment for one week. The night we got in I started itching like crazy - the rest of the week the kids and I were sick. Alex had been complaining that there was always water on the counter tops - and I knew I didn't spill anything. The day we left he took a shower - and sure enough - more water on the counter tops. So I of course took a LONG shower - and practically came out to a flood in the kitchen. Come to find out there was a significant leak in the walls of the nasty apartment and black mold EVERYWHERE!!! We packed up and left. I called every available place to rent and everything was taken. On the way out of town, Alex was talking to a Realtor and she had a townhouse open that day! So....we got our house on the market in Colorado and are now renting a townhouse. Yipee!

- Luxury - (the nasty apartment)

Playing dress up with Emmett.

Emmett begging us to stop :)

Zoë was a ballerina for Halloween. We went to a trunk or treat at the local Stake Center there and I swear there were over 150 cars!! We obviously didn't get to everyone. It was pretty chilly too - so she had leg warmers. Two words: Flash Dance!

Trying to entertain ourselves building towers. Emmett was pretty ticked that he couldn't quite reach over and knock it down.

Emmett jumping (what he did most of the time)

Another free advertising moment:

Get out and Vote

2008-10-30T21:35:00.000-06:00

I stole this cartoon from Alex's cousin's blog - but I thought it was appropriate. GET OUT AND VOTE!!

Sunflower Farm with Daddy

2008-10-26T12:03:00.000-06:00

Alex took the kids for me a few weeks ago to a cute little farm in Longmont. I got a break and the kids got to spend time with their daddy!! I think we should to that WAY more often (Alex? hint hint).

You can tell her love is NOT with pigs. That's about as close as she got.

You know it's crazy - I guarantee that she would have been screaming her head off if I would have left her alone on that pony. One more reason to have Alex go it alone.

Zoë is scooting as far away from this lady as possible.

Emmett likes the attention

Climbing up

Thinking of climbing back down

Once again, Zoë was playing it shy when a little girl was trying to play with her.

She actually looked like she knew what she was doing!

Free advertising:

Children's Museum

2008-10-22T22:10:00.000-06:00

Last week we went to the Children's Museum in Denver -
Right outside of the museum there is a cow.

Zoë of course doesn't know if she should run away screaming or consider the animal harmless. (Look at my previous post of the aquarium's shark!!)
So in typical fashion - she stares it down.

I'll just say she wins.

Emmett was thrilled as usual.

There was a train center there - and from that moment on,

Zoë was singing "Thomas and His Friends" song. She did it while being the secretary at the Veterinarians...

While she painted...

But took a quick break to give the fire engine mutt and big hug. She did NOT want to let that thing go. She wasn't a big fan of the sirens or lights on the truck- but stayed because of the "dumb mutt" (as my family lovingly refers to them).

I'd have to say - I think she liked the Aquarium better than the museum - but maybe the Zoo more than the Aquarium. The Zoo is tied with the Butterfly Pavillion. I'll have to take her back to the Butterfly place for a second opinion! (The first time I almost had a panic attack that one would land on me)

Alex??

2008-10-19T20:19:00.000-06:00

Alex's brother sent this picture - I don't know about you but I think Alex has a "side" job. Hmmmm

The Denver Zoo

2008-10-14T09:24:00.000-06:00

"Fun" at the zoo:

We went to the Denver Zoo with my cousin Anya and her little boy Owen last week. The yappers all went on the carousel too. Emmett hated every minute, and Zoë and Owen were business as usual.

I'm sure you aren't supposed to do this, but Zoë fed one of the geese an animal cracker. Now I know why it's discouraged - that goose was CRAZY! I had to step in between that stupid thing and Zoë because it was coming after her. Of course I had to take a picture first!!

Last time we went to the zoo, Zoë was all about the monkeys. This trip it was a tie between the elephants and penguins.

Almost made it to the car until she saw the giraffes.

Isn't she a pretty little girl? I'm not biased of course.

I don't think Emmett was really enjoying it though. This is how he looked when we finally arrived back at the house.