Week 37- Hogle Zoo

We're so lucky that all Maddi wanted to do for her birthday was go to the zoo, and invited us to come along.

We had our adventure on a weekday, so Couper couldn't join us, and we had some...set-backs on our way down (haha mom), but we made it! I was so glad it turned into a warm (borderline hot) September day!

Em hadn't taken a nap...and didn't trust the bronze gorilla, but you can tell there was never a dull moment with Amber, Levi, and Maddi in tow.

I think lion's (and tigers!) are incredibly beautiful animals!

Em wasn't about to get so close to such a big cat, but the kids (and I) were in awe to have just a pane of glass between us and the beautiful beasts.

By the time we reached the leopard, Em understood why we wanted to be so close. At one point she pointed to a spot on the ground two inches from the glass, declared, "Right here!?" Sat down, and didn't want to leave.

Her original fear of the large, live animals did not stop her from wanting to enjoy a merry-go-round ride with "Simba"!

 The bears were so cute and fun to watch. You can see why we cuddle with teddy bears at night.

The ADORABLE baby elephant played in the water with a giant log for a long time and everyone was mesmerized.

We weren't impressed with the train ride..well, I wasn't, Em thought riding in a locomotive was the coolest. We loved watching the giraffes but somehow didn't snag a picture. There were a few exhibits closed that we were really hoping to enjoy (ie. the sea lions) but we were very impressed with the new construction and the kids were in love with the new splash pad; even Em got brave for a little while.

Upon our return home, Emelia would constantly ask to see the "elephant" and "bear" pictures for weeks afterward. And I'm pretty sure amateur photographer Amber got more, and better, pictures than I did..too bad I don't have them.

Week 35-Ducks

I really didn't feel like posting pictures of our de-junking process at the moment. 

Although, that's what is consuming our day-to-day. 

Six+ years. Same location.

You get the idea.

Instead, I will share some adorable pictures from one of Em's favorite past-times this summer. 

Feeding the ducks.

I understand that most children love this activity, but it's fun and cute all the same.

We had our first duck feeding outing at the very beginning of the summer and have been sure to speckle more periodically throughout the summer months. Because we started the summer off right, Em can ALWAYS make an association back to the desired activity:

-I hand her a rubber ducky in the bath she excitedly takes it and says/signs, "Mom! Quack, Quack, Duck eat bread! Where? " (meaning, where are they now and why am I not feeding them?)

-Hand Em a slice of bread (same response).

-Ask Em if she wants to go to the park or on a walk (same response).

-Em sees the little duckies on her cushy-tushy toilet seat (same response).

LOVE IT.

If we are out on a walk and she suddenly remembers there could be ducks, she asks/signs for bread with a concerned look on her face. She's worried about her ducks getting enough carbs. Sometimes I'm so inconsiderate. 

PS This little lady is 20 months old! Looks and acts more and more like a little girl (instead of our BABY!) everyday.

-LOVES Pooh Bear, which I think is pretty great. She'll often be caught tapping her forehead saying, "Think, Think, Think" or holding something over her head saying, "Tut, Tut. Tut, Tut." Both quotes followed by a pleasureful giggle.

Week 14- Horses

For conference weekend we spent time at Gramma and Papa's Erda farm.

Emelia started signing "horse" earlier this year, but to Papa Gregg's joy, she became obsessed with horses this trip! She was already asking to go "outside" every two seconds now that it's warmer, but the horses were additional incentive and leverage. This girl can't get enough when it comes to animals!

Papa Gregg & Graycee. Can't wait to meet Graycee's colt sometime this spring!

 Taking care of the goats. We were beyond grateful that the weather cleared and warmed up a little so we could get some fresh air on Sunday.

Lots of cuddles and kisses from Gramma Nec! We were so grateful the fabulous food we had all weekend. We were all very well fed, especially Em.

 An uplifting conference weekend ;). The Brethren just have such soothing voices. In all seriousness, LDS General Conference is a time we always look forward to, and this spring was no different. I am beyond grateful for the talks I heard and the Spiritual promptings I received.

Quality cousin time. We were so excited that the Gelters could come out for a few hours each day to play with us. Porter loved our "baby" Em and kept giving hugs. Priya loved sitting right next to her cousin and striking up conversation. Every little noise or move Em made Priya was giggling and saying, "You're so funny EmEElia, do it again." They were adorable and I look forward to more cousin gatherings as the weather continues to improve. 

Em was rough on sleep the first night away from home, but warmed up to everyone and everything a lot faster than in the past..guess that means she's growing up a bit. I was so glad we got to spend some time with Landon and Natalie too! Emelia is proud to announce that she is OFFICIALLY A WALKING GIRL! All-in-all, it was a great weekend!

April

April is really here already!

I welcome spring with open arms!

March

March

oh yeah.

Yoga?

Cheers to sisters giving the most creative and thoughtful birthday gifts :)!

How can dogs doing yoga not make you grin? These photos make me smile every time I walk into our office/spare room. Sometimes, I may even get the giggles. Which is why, figuring all of you are lacking in the area of dogs yoga-ing, each month of 2012 you are going to be uplifted and inspired through the help of my calendar.

January

February

Oh yeah, they've got skill.