Butterflies!!

Last weekend, after the big surprise, we took all the kids to the zoo!!

We were also joined by a long time friend of Aunt Melissa's and her 4 kids! While our group was large, we still had a lot of fun! And I think all the kids enjoyed it! (At least Skyler did - she took a 2 1/2 hour nap afterward!!)

One of the favorite stops along the trail at the zoo was the Butterfly Pavilion! At some point during our stay, all of the kids caught at least one butterfly!

 Even Grandma and Grandpa had a great time!

SURPRISE!!!!

For the last few weeks I've been conspiring with Ryan's Sister and Brother for a surprise party for their parents! We sneaked their wedding album to make copies for decorations, as well as to create a replica of their wedding cake. I called them Friday night (from my parents house a few blocks away) to let them know I'd made it home all right.

Then Saturday afternoon, Kevin and Jacob took Grandma and Grandpa Mini-Golfing, while Skyler and I met Melissa and her family at the house to decorate and set up!

 Finally, it was time! All the boys hid behind the counter (Skyler and Dianna were held, so they'd stay happy and quiet for the big surprise!) 

As they walked in, we all jumped out!!

But there was one thing we hadn't planned for...

Grandma had gone to check the mail! We'd only got Grandpa... So quickly, the boys scurried back to hide again!

3... 2... 1...

SURPRISE!!!!!

After the initial shock? Everyone was thrilled and it was a great time! We had dinner, and then the kids ran around in the backyard having a ton of fun! We even managed a family picture, with ALL the grandkids!!

To see all the photos from this adventure - HERE is the album!  (Be warned, lots of giggles and cake are involved. But no animals were hurt in the capturing of these photos... No little boys either. I promise. )

Pink Pajamas!

One of my favorite childhood memories is singing "Pink Pajamas" at Camp Kitaki!

So I'm just thrilled that Skyler loves her Pink Pajamas (and the song) as much as I do!)

To tune of the Battle Hymn of the Repbulic:

I wear my pink pajamas, in the summer when it's hot.
I wear my flannel nighties in the winter when it's not.
And sometimes in the springtime and sometimes in the fall,
I jump right in between the sheets with nothing on at all.

Chorus:
Glory, glory, Hallelujah;
Glory, glory, What's it to ya?
Balmy breezes blowing through ya,
With nothing on at all.

Little Cowgirl

Hi guys! It's Skyler again!!! I had the funnest afternoon ever yesterday and really REALLY wanted to tell you about it! It was so fun, you're going to be jealous you weren't there. (Really. You will be.)

My Grandpa Brad took me to see my 2nd Cousins (Alesa and Alan) ride their horses while they chased cows around. Mommy said they called it Team Penning, I think. It was so much fun, Cousin Alesa's little boy (Quinten) was there too. He is going to be 2 in October, so he's just a little bit younger than me. And Alan's little girl was there too, she's a lot older though. She is almost 3.

But I'm missing the really REALLY important thing.

Wait for it.

I know you're excited!

Ready?

Are you sitting down?

This is really good.

I got to ride a horse. Not one horse, I got to ride 2 horses!!

The Three Amigos

AI finally updated my family tree blog! (Although it's short...)

Yesterday we got to go hang out with Nathan and Taylor in Manitou (Joe needed a babysitter, and I was happy to help out!) I think all 3 kids had fun at the park!

We went up and down the slide countless times, collected 3 large piles of acorns, and just had a great morning!! Skyler was so worn out, she took a 3 hour nap!!