just because

 Random happenings in the past month:

 This kid just keeps getting bigger and just so dang cute - even the drool is sort of cute... :)

 This is what happens when you jump off older sisters' bunkbed ladder to touch the light cords and then land on Kirsten's head with your nose. Daddy then spends the next 10 minutes researching 'broken nose'. You then spend the next week with light bruising under the eyes and breathing slightly louder than normal. Alas, no broken nose and it has not slowed him down a bit!

 Dad wears a do-rag, we all wear a do-rag and glasses to work in the yard.

This is how we spent the first day of swim lessons:

 we're in the water......level 1

 Lucas complained the whole drive to the pool, then threw up in the parking lot - eggs, yuck.

Then threw up on the pool deck - sorry guy who got to clean it up, at least it was mostly clear (the chunks were in the parking lot - sorry Hales)

Threw up a few more times in the cooler - don't worry I emptied it first

 and........cue the tears...what?!

 at least one of us was having fun!

Day 2 was only slightly better - no puking, but there was crying the entire lesson by Abbey. I moved her on day 3 to an earlier class with smaller kids. The kids in her original class were at least 7-8 years old, much bigger and could stand - while she clung to the side of the pool. She now LOVES, LOVES swim lessons and we have had no puking. Fun, really good teachers too - always helps.

Mickey Mouse clubhouse, come inside, it's fun inside.

 Abbey turned 3!!! She wanted a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse birthday - not Minnie Mouse, definitely Mickey Mouse. Okie, dokie.

Come inside our clubhouse and play!

 Honestly, sometimes I amaze myself.... :)

 Decorated Mickey ears and played 'Pin the Ears on Mickey'

 Just so happens I have a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Yahtzee game. Each time they rolled a Clubhouse or a Mickey, they got M&M's. It was hard to convince them to keep rolling to get more. All about immediate rewards. :) (and a sneak picture of my 'mom' friends.) Miss Erin and Amy

 Happy birthday dear Abbey!!!

 presents!

 Lucas and Lea made her a bunch of cards and pictures - sweet

 Blake, Ammon (aka 'Big' Ammon), Abbey and Ally

 Most of her gifts, kept Lea and Lucas busy too.

 Buzz Lightyear goggles and phone

 Grandma sent her a pretty sparkly backpack

Daddy bought her some sunglasses and she got a new swimsuit, cover up and swim shirt - ready for swim lessons! Love ya Abbs!

Zoo time!

Hoyt's invited us to the zoo on Stake Conference Saturday since both Jeff and Andrew were to be gone all day, we decided to have fun too! :) So Stacy and I and 7 kids under the age of 7......quite possibly bringing the zoo to the zoo.

 Giraffes were being fed on the other side of the habitat

 yea....for the zoo??

 Lucas wore the wrong sandals and they caused a blister before we even got in the zoo....Drew, Abbey and Lucas

 random peacock

LOVE the spider monkey exhibit

 Barbara wanted to go see the new Orangutang exhibit. A 'baby' - 5 years old, momma, dadda and the oldest orangutang at 50+ years old. Most lounged in the shade, but of course the 5 year old wanted nothing to do with sitting still - he was climbing, swinging and having a great time. Wonder if they would have noticed my red-head in there?!

 To the splash pad

 

 Lucas and his sweet friend Barbara, Drew

 Love the zoo now - out of that stroller!

 Abbey and Drew - not really sure what to say about these two - they're so fun together!

 where'd everyone go?

 'And then I did this, then that and my arms went like this.....!" crazy kid.

 brothers

friends

 Barbara and Stacy

 Back to the Orangutangs

 Caleb was DONE.

The kimodo dragon - this statue was close to the exhibit and on the way out. Lea caught a glance at it and jumped! Thought it was the real thing -  OUT. of it it's cage.....

Stacy assured her it was just a statue.......
Had a great time and the kids were exhausted!

While we were sleeping

 None of these photos are posed - this is how we sleep. :)

 Guess his teeth were bothering him and the crib side is as good a teething toy as any.

I went to find my camera, turned in on and found this picture. Nice. It was warm and I like to have my legs propped up - helps me sleep better. Guess Abbey felt the same way. :)
Probably the only picture Jeff has ever taken with our camera on his own - without my prompting. haha! :)