Pioneer Day at the Aquarium

In celebration of Pioneer day Grams, Grandpa and Uncle K invited us, well mostly they invited the kids they just let us tag along, to the new aquarium.

There were just a few other people in the valley that had the same plans. I was a little worried about how crowded it would be when we saw the parking lot but it didn't feel over crowded at all.

We hadn't been to the aquarium in quite a while and not since they moved into their shiny, big new building. I'm pretty sure the old one was a transformed old supermarket, but we enjoyed it none the less.

We were very impressed with everything! They really did a great job with the layout, the enclosures and the variety of fish and animals on display was wonderful! Enough to keep us all entertained for most of the afternoon. In fact I had to be the party pooper and tell them it was time to leave so I could be back for work.

Who can resist hugging and shaking the fin of a giant orca?

There was a room where you could view the penguins from underwater and it was so fun! The girls were enthralled. I can't blame them, it was really fun to watch their fat little black tuxedo bodies swim around.

I happened to catch this image of Sadie, I know it was pure luck but I love it.

Then we went upstairs to watch the penguins from the top view. Hayze loved being up close.

And, another photo opportunity. Gotta love Miss Sadie's crazy eyes.

Little moments of wonder.

The ocean is such an incredible part of our world. There is so much that is unknown, somewhat frightening but utterly beautiful.

Mya was feeling brave and wanted to try and pet a ray, her cute little arms were just a little too short. I was happy to see her becoming more adventurous.

Just proof that I was actually present for this adventure. Sadie was less than thrilled to be in the shark tunnel and Mya, well I think Mya is trying to smile.

Little Mister could feel that there was something up above him. He was giggling but holding pretty tightly to Cody's arm.

Thanks Grams and Grandpa for a wonderful afternoon!

Quotes from the Girls

I have been saving some of the funny things the girls have said. I was surprised to discover that the first few were from over a year ago.

 ~ Upon seeing a RV parked in our neighborhood Mya said: 'That's a big car! You could carry lots of children!'

~ Mya when someone didn't answer their door: 'Maybe they have deaf ears.'

~Mya wanted me to make cookie dough. We told her that if she had three more bites of pork then we would, but if she didn't then no cookie dough. She wasn't too thrilled with this deal but told me that we could 'Suprise her with cookie dough if we wanted to.'

~Sadie: Mom! Look at dis ant! he has a big long hair on his face!! Dats cwazy!

~ Me: Sadie, do you want pancakes for breakfast? 

Sadie: NO, those slide off my fork. I want eggo waffles.

~ Once I threw away one of the many, MANY colored paper ponies the girls had made. She caught me and  came in holding it and said: 'Mom, you're a killer!'

~ Sadie: ' I can't do up my buckle with my winter coat because I'm all fatted up!'

~ Mya : 'Sadie!! You're being to rough with me and Hayze! I'm just old!! I'm an old kid!' 

~ Me: 'Why do we have Christmas?'

Mya: 'Because it fills our hearts with joy.'

~ Mya was quite distressed on Christmas eve morning when she woke up: 'Mom! There are no new presents under the tree and no stockings have been filled!!'

~ Mya: 'Dad, are you the leader at your work?'

Cody: 'Yeah, I guess so.'

Mya: 'Why?'

Cody: ' Because no one else wanted to.'

Mya: 'Awesome.'

~ Sadie:  When I say 'I love you.' and you say 'I love you' back; it makes my heart happy and your heart happy.

~ I was trying to point someone out to Sadie while we were sitting in church. She was getting a little frustrated.

Me: 'See, she's right there in the blue and green skirt.'

Sadie: 'No! I just see the black skirt next to that human!'

Summer Dance Recital

Mya had her big dance recital on June 7th. Sweet little Miss was so cute! She was so excited to get all dressed up in her costume. She was not excited that she had to wear mascara, but we managed to get some on her long little lashes. The day before she had a dress rehearsal and as we were walking out to the car after she seemed a little sad. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "I'm just nervous because sometimes I forget some of the steps." We chatted, and we decided to say prayers that night to help her remember the steps and not be nervous. Every prayer included this request.

Her performance was the best I had seen her!

I went to get her after she finished her second dance because she had told me she wanted to come and watch the rest of the dancers. When I turned the corner and she saw me she ran right to me, threw her arms around me and hugged me more tightly than she has in a while. She looked at me and said proudly, 'I remembered the steps!' My mommy cup was overflowing and my heart was so full at that moment. I love this little darling girl with all my heart. I am thankful for the opportunity for her to see the power of prayer work in her life.

I am so proud of her!

The newly engaged Uncle McKay and Megan came to support her. Pretty sweet of them to give up their Saturday to come.

I love this picture of Mya kissing Hayze.

Grams and Grandpa are fantastic! They brought her flowers which was thrilling for her. Grandpa was on Hayze duty which was a lifesaver! Little man was less than interested in the dancing but was thrilled to wander the halls with grandpa.

I'm so happy that she has found something that she loves! It's darling to watch her, to see her at class wondering if she is learning or even paying attention, but then to see her at her performances and watch her little talent grow.  She has informed me that she wants to take two classes next time and so we shall.