Hoogle Zoo

Me and my buddy

All of us on the train that takes you around places in the zoo you wouldn't see otherwise. Of course Mason loves the train. CHoo Choo
Joe and Katie on the train

Rob Izzy and Melissa

The same weekend that Joe came home we decided to take the kids to the zoo. They talked about it for weeks and were really excited. We knew it was going to be pretty hot so we loaded up the water and the kids and went. Some of Robs family came along and we enjoyed our time together. We rode the train which you can see and we also got to ride the carousal but I didn't think my camera was with me and so we didn't get any pictures. Mason rode on a otter and Isabelle rode on a zebra. It was their first experience on a carousal and their faces just lit up when it started to move. Mason was reminded of Mary Poppins.

Cooper loving the zoo animals

Cute baby elephant Zoe

Mason and Izzy on the lions

Their favorite animal to see is hard to say. They loved the elephants and also the giaraffe probably the best. Mason got excited when he saw the lemer because of a show he watches called Zooboomafoo and the animal Zaboo is a lemer. I thought the cheeta was awesome he was prowling the gate back and forth and was gorgeous.

Joseph coming home

The end of June was very exciting for us and Robs family. Rob's little brother Joe came home from his mission serving in the Omaha, Nebraska mission. We were all very excited to welcome him home. We went down and the day before he came home, Richard (Robs brother) and I made huge signs to hang on the house and to take to the airport with us. When we got to the airport the anticipation was high. Mom, Karla, started water works early as was expected, but then when Joe came through the gates I will admit to shedding a few tears myself. Joe was 13 when Robert and I got married and to see him grown up and home from a mission was really awesome. I am really glad my kids have the good example from all their uncles of serving the Lord. We had a great weekend and we are excited to send the last missionary off (Richard) in September to the Independence Missouri Mission.

backyard swimming

Every summer we buy a pool for the kids to swim in, in the yard. This year we wanted to get one that was big enough for them and a few friends to swim in at the same time. We went to Wal-mart and bought a pretty good sized rectangle pool that was three rings high. Well the kids couldn't get in it very good and after one use the top two layers wouldn't hold air. We took that pool back and got a bean shaped one that was only two ring high. It seemed to be the perfect pool except after one use the top layer wouldn't stay inflated. So we took that one back and thought third times the charm and it was. We the same bean shaped one and it has been the best money ever spent. Mason and Isabelle and their friends swim sometimes two times a day. The best part for me is I can sit on my bed and listen and watch them from inside and stay out of the heat.

This Summer

So I know it has been forever since I have posted anything new so I decided maybe I would try. We have been having a great summer, and haven't had any great adventures, but we have had fun.

This last May we moved to a new house that was literally two houses down. The house we were living in was handicap accessible and was needed so when another house came available the managers asked us to move. We agreed thinking it wouldn't be so hard. It ended up being a pain in the you know what. I hurt my back and couldn't do much. Fortunately I have the best friend in the world Audrey who is always willing to anything to help me. She is such an amazing friend and I couldn't thank her enough for all she does for me. Love you Audrey. We love our new house even though it is smaller but less to clean for me.

Mason and Izzy have loved the move because they found some new friends who we have come to know and love. The kids McKay and Kylin are really close in age to ours and it has been awesome to have them entertained. Rob and I have come to be really good friends with their parents and love to have someone to hangout wth.

As for me and baby number 3 we are doing pretty good. She is growning in spite of the low to no weight gain for me (hooray). She seems to be right on track and moves like a little gymnist. I am feeling okay despite the horrible headcold I got over the weekend. We are very anxious to meeting her and having her spirit fill our home.