Bonnie Springs

We took a recent family outing to Bonnie Springs to visit the petting zoo and see all of the animals. We skipped the Wild West Town this time, because it was $20 to get in (and there was only 1 show left) and we were all super hungry and wanted to go eat after seeing the animals (at least I was). We hadn't been in a few years, so long in fact, that Megan and Jackson did not even remember us ever going.

Megan told me that she is so happy she has a little sister.

Megan and Jackson with one of the peacocks. Right after this as we were walking in, one of the peacocks took off in flight and landed on the gate fence. It scared me almost to death.

I often see Eric carrying at least 2 kids like this. They all prefer him to carry them. I tell myself that it is because he is taller and can give them a better view, not because they like him better.

Sadie is my real animal lover kid. If she felt 100% better I am sure she would have been walking around with all of them. But instead she settled for some petting and waving to each of them that were in their cages.

This horse was huge. Like really, really big.

Me and the kids on the train. Eric and Sadie were on too, but Sadie threw a royal fit so Eric had to get off with her. Apparently train riding is not her thing.

As I mentioned I was starving, so we stopped at Fudruckers and ate. Could Sadie be any messier?

We were gone for about 4 hours and Jackson had 6 bathroom breaks (One on the side of the road, just off the free-way). His bladder is killing me. However, one good thing did come of it. As we were leaving the restaurant I had all 3 kids in the bathroom with me. An older lady was in there also and said to me, "Those 3 kids can't be all yours, you don't look any older than a teenager." Let me tell you, when I was much younger these comments used to annoy me, but now that I am in my 30's I'll take them whenever I can get them.

I don't know if any of you listen to JACK FM, but if your formative years were during the 80's and 90's then you should. So the best part of my day came on the way home where I heard Patience (Guns N Roses), Shake Your Booty, and Jack and Diane. How happy am I that I have a husband that puts up with my crazy car singing and does some of his own.

2 American Kids Doin' Best They Can

And So It Begins

I attended a coupon class a couple of weeks ago. At the class I ordered 4 weekly Sunday papers and have been anxiously awaiting their arrival. As you can see from the picture they only delivered 3, but make no mistake I will be calling to make sure I get my 4th one! See that $256 in the corner? I am going to be saving so much money.

An Even Year

Today is my mom, Myra's birthday. Here are some pictures of us over the years:

Growing up my mom was always totally cool. We lived in a small conservative town but she was never afraid to try a different hair color, or dress fashionably. She was always her own person. I vividly remember my mom coming to elementary school with me and the kids asking me if she really was my mom. She just looked so different from the other moms. Many times when we would eat out they would ask us if we wanted separate checks since she always looked so young. Not only was she "totally cool" but she has always been "totally supportive." I always know that if I make a decision she will support me 100%, no matter what. She exudes love.

Happy Birthday Mom!
I Love You!!

Survival Kit

Here is the General Conference Survival Kit I made for the women I visit teach. To see my friend Rachael's click here. The original idea came from my favorite blogger that I have never met named Jill. Here are the things I decided to put in mine. Reader beware that I added quite corny sayings to accompany the items.

Pad of yellow paper and pen with the saying "Did you know President Monson's favorite color is yellow?"

Sponge: General Conference-Soak It All In

Popcorn: Gain Kernels Of Knowledge By Watching General Conference

Tissue

Soap: Feel The Cleansing Power Of Conference

EXTRA Gum: Pay EXTRA Attention Today!

Hawaiian Punch: The Prophet's Message Can Really Pack A Punch!

Raisins: Spirit Shriveled? Watch Conference
I just realized I forgot to take a picture of the water bottle. It said: Quench Your Spiritual Thirst!

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4: Finished Product

Crime Prevention Day

Today was Crime Prevention Day at pre-school. During the first part, the kids had a visit from McGruff The Crime Dog, which Jackson pointed out to me was just someone dressed up in a costume. During the Crime Dog visit, the parents went to a class about keeping our kids safe. It was pretty much geared towards parents of teenagers, but very interesting none the less. When I asked Jackson what he learned about during his class he said "guns". With a little further prodding I found out it was about gun safety. Much Better! After our classes we saw:

a S.W.A.T. car

The Mounties

The D.A.R.E. Truck

And the K-9 Unit

Once again I have had a sick child, so Sadie was not incredibly happy to be there. Don't worry she is not contagious and her fever is gone.

Jackson wearing his police badge.

The Muck Family

The other day on the way to eat, Megan was entertaining herself and Jackson by drawing pictures. These pictures depicted crazy characters that were all part of a family. The first series was called The Muck Family. Here are a couple of them:

The second series was the Luck Family. As photographed here:

But suddenly Eric and I heard something disturbing coming from the back seat. Apparently the third family in the series was the F **k Family. Oh my! There is nothing quite like hearing your 4 year old saying the F**k Family over and over again. Apparently it was time for a lesson on this particular swear word. How surprised am I that my 8 year old had never heard the word? She was genuinely shocked. Eric and I were genuinely shocked also, but we also got a good laugh out of it. Luckily no pictures had yet been drawn detailing this particular family.