Zoo

We recently went to the zoo. We were able to purchase a membership so I am planning many more trips to the zoo during the summer break. These are only a few of the pictures that Matthew took but it was a great trip! The zoo in our area has several interactive exhibits that I can't wait to take part in...like feeding the giraffes or riding a horse(pony) for the kids. This was also the first time Matthew and I had seen a Galapagos turtle live and moving!

I included a picture of Xavien. He is growing so quickly. Loves animals and everything that is related to boys...but Xavien also has a sweet, soft side. He loves to dance, is suprisingly gentle with younger kids, and still loves cuddles. Xavien starts school in the fall and it will be a bittersweet time for both of us. I know that he will have a great time but Ivie and I will miss his antics during the day.

Baby Sea Turtles

When I was a sophomore in high school I had to make a working model of a sea turtle. Ever since I have a special place in my heart for sea turtles. I find a lot of peace and relaxation watching sea turtles swim. My kids have inherited (or been forced) into a love of sea turtles too. We are planning a beach trip this summer to watch a sea turtle hatching. I can't wait! Each of them have their own stuffed turtle and play countless hours of pretend play with the turtles.
Xavien and Ivie play 'baby sea turtles' everyday. Their turtles have names, personalities, voices and everything you can think of. I love that all my children have such a love for animals. I love the creativity I get to witness when they do not realize I am watching or listening.

The sea turtles in the picture includes Aunt Heidi's turtles as well.

Birthday Girls

Kanayla and Ivie have their birthdays in April. It makes for a crazy busy month!

Kanayla Stats-
Favorite color purple
Favorite animals cats, lemurs and bats
Favorite series of books Rainbow Fairies
Loves games and crafts

Ivie Stats
Favorite colors pink and red
Favorite animals giraffes and horses
Favorite books Rainbow Fairies
Loves to play 'baby sea turtles' , my little pony and coloring

My Oldest in 8!

I have no idea where the time has gone but Kanayla is 8!!! She was baptized April 17 at our local ward building. We were blessed to have both set of grandparents as well as her uncle in attendance.

Kanayla is so sweet and earnest. The day after her baptism we went to ChuckECheese with Matthew parents. While there Kanayla picked up a token that belonged to another person. Once she realized what she did she returned the token and then said 2 prayers in order to repent. Kanayla informed me that the first prayer wasn't long enough! :) While I know these sweet innocent moments will go by quickly I am so glad that she has such a strong desire to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We love you and are SO proud of you Kanayla!

Canada and Palmyra

Last week was action packed with a wedding, driving, Niagara Falls, and Palmyra NY. It was alot of fun but I missed my other half and kiddos. Luckily my husband is a more than capable man and was able to keep everything under control while I was gone. In fact I think he did a better job than I do. I'm not sure that is fair but it is the way it goes! :)

I have been incredibly blessed to see the sealing of all of my siblings. They all have managed to find wonderful spouses for themselves! Joe was so happy on his wedding day. I am sure he and his wife will have a wonderful life together.
Niagara Falls was beautiful!


Palmyra was a very spiritual place. I really enjoyed seeing some of the Church's historical sites and hearing the testimonies of the sister missionaries in the area.

I'm a Survivor

1. 6 days without my wife (at her brother's wedding in Canada)
2. 6 days with just the kids
3. Gave them baths twice this week
4. Took them to work for 3 hours one day
5. Still was able to work from home all week
6. Went to the store twice this week
7. No injuries
8. No sicknesses
9. Fed the kids at least 2 meals everyday (never succumbed to the fast food itch)
10. House is cleaner now than when Kristina left (there's a joke in there somewhere)

Either I'm just completely awesome or my kids are well-behaved.

Things to improve on next time:

1. Take the kids to the pool (I hate swimming)
2. Take the kids to the park
3. Do the laundry (sorry, it slipped my mind)

New News

Obviously I am not great at keeping up with our blog.

We have had a busy few months. School ended, we moved further south, visits with family...next week I have a wedding to go to in Canada! :) Then school will be starting again.
I will try to post some new pictures soon!