Thankful for the Zoo

Just had to document Ivy's cool duds. Rocking the leg warmers quite well.



I mean this face I tell ya has all of us smitten over here. Other news Paisley calls Luke "Gook"


Except for Abby in the middle, the rest of these children were birthed by my sister and I alone. Quite a feat don't you think. Looks like a bushel of them. We played hooky at the zoo today. Is hookie spelled hooky or hookie? Hmmm....



Its quite amazing that I got to see the elephants with Lindsey finally since we've walked around the construction of the exhibit for years and years before!



Kid road block



Baylie really really didn't want to walk anymore. She just invented that spot. She has been quite 'stubborn' last few days and before we left I just got mad at her. Had a discussion (in a very loud voice which I shouldn't use) that she needs to be my helper and not make it harder since she is 4 1/2 already and in McCoys years thats like 14 or something. Just kidding, we just need able hands over here! Darby pulled the vacumn up the stairs and cleaned her room. Luke loaded the dishwasher and hand washed the rest (which was a big deal since he's normally an empty dishwasher only guy).



Oh Luke, the lone boy of the bunch. He loves the attention. The girls like yelling his name.

We loved going to the zoo with our cousins, it was so fun and the perfect California weather day.

And we saw an zoo lady (ya know those volunteers?) making the condor dance. Thats what I want to do when I'm like 75, help at the temple and the zoo.

We are getting ready to go to Arizona.

We are super thankful over here. Thankful for healthy bodies, for jobs, for a great dad to this bushel of children.

But definitely at the top of the thankfulness chart is:

1. I am thankful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is everything to me. I am grateful for my Savior and for forgiveness. For His Atonement and for grace. I am grateful for prayer and miracles and the Holy Spirit. I need it all, every day.

2. I am thankful to be married to wonderful Jason. He is a great partner to have, the perfect match for me. Not too bad looking either ;)

3. I am thankful for my five beautiful, smart, funny, kooky, kissable children who I adore and love very much. I am lucky to be your mom. Thank you for loving me back.

I am grateful for this life we have been given. To make mistakes, to learn, to grow, to help each other. Its such a fragile thing.

I am grateful for my family ...all of us spread out all over. I love you and miss you! Big hugs from us over here.