Life Goes On

I took a break from blogging as most of you know.  I am not sure why I did it.  I think we all need to just step back sometimes.  I found that blogging was becoming less enjoyable and felt more like a chore than something I wanted to be doing.  

At the end of May, I lost my Grandpa Jim.  He loved his grandkids very much and even more, loved his great-grandkids fiercely.  He always had a smile and a piece of candy for Sera and Gabe.  I will always have fond memories of him as my Grandpa, but even more special are the memories I have of how much he loved my children.  I did not feel that I could not post something about his passing.  

 The love of my life, Ryan with a lady who is very special to me and I hold very close to my heart, my sweet Grandma Diane.  She is one incredible woman.

 And despite the sadness that come with a loss like this, there is so much life to celebrate.  Particularly in the arrival of my handsome and wonderful nephew, Noah "Hank" Larsen.  Here he is meeting is cousin Sera for the first time.  She is such a tender and loving little girl when it comes to babies and little ones.  

I know I have said this many times before but, I hope that I will get back into blogging on a regular basis.  There are so many wonderful things in my life and I want to record them for my kids.  One day my memories will fade as will so many of the stories.  This blog is my way of making sure that my kids can look back one day and remember all the happiness that has always been a part of their lives.  

Talk to you soon Internet.  Much love to you all!

Something Is Missing

Gabe got on his Dad's big boots and was ready for the cold weather.  Well, except for the whole no pants issue.  Much love to you all!

Rocking and Rolling

This past weekend we took the kiddos bowling which they have both been asking to do for a couple weeks.  I don't know what it is with my kids and bowling but they LOVE it.  Oh wait!  It is because I suck at bowling.  That must be the reason.

 Family Photo!

 This was supposed to be silly faces and most of us seemed to get that concept.  Gabe tried but got distracted by something. 

I love spending time with these 3 people even if we spend it doing something that I really suck at.  

Much love to you all!

Chico Guapo

Just an average Sunday night wearing a luchador mask...ya know, like ya do.

 

Mucho amor para todos ustedes!

Happy 11th Birthday Sera

Sera turned 11-years-old on January 5, 2013.  It is crazy that she is so grown up.  Ryan and I wanted to get her something really special, something that she would really remember.  Christmas was only a couple weeks before and we didn't want to just get her more stuff so we decided to give her an experience.  So for her birthday we got her an animal encounter at the zoo.  She got to go in to the small animal building early in the morning and help the keepers get the food ready, put it out, do some animal counts, and pet some of the animals. 

 

Here is a picture of Ryan and the kids just outside of the small animal building.  The wolves pen is right outside the door and the 2 wolves were really active.  Ryan was really excited about that and I so I got quick picture of him and the kids. 

 Here is Sera petting some creepy snake that I was staying far away from.  She was not scared one bit and answering a lot of the questions the keeper was asking.  She is so smart!

 This is the sloth that lives in the small animal building.  She is a very old sloth and according to Sera, her top fur is a little rough but the deeper fur was really soft.  I have now learned something new about sloth fur.

Mmmm...a nice breakfast delivery for the animals from a very adorable waitress.

 And here we are in the kitchen where the food for the animals is prepared.  Sera was so happy because she got to add in the meal worms.  Oh joy!

 After the animal encounter we headed over the cafe where Ryan and the kids had some hot chocolate and french fries.  I had water and a reduced fat cheese stick.  Sera is showing off her sticker that informs everyone she was a V.I.P.

I really hope that Sera's visit to the zoo is one that she will always remember.  She is getting so big and mature.  She makes Ryan and I so proud.  I hope that she knows just how much her Dad and I love her and want nothing but the very best for her.  Happy Birthday Miss Sera.  We love you very much!  And much love to you all as well.

For Fun

Yes, we had Christmas.  Yes, it was fantastic!  Yes, Gabe is suffering from a Christmas Hangover.  But since I don't have time to go into detail right now...enjoy our silly faces!  It is now almost impossible to get Gabe to take a normal picture. 

Hope everyone had a safe and blessed Christmas.  Much love to you all!

Festive, Fun, and FREEZING!

Tonight we bundled up and braved the 38 degree weather to take Gabe to Hogle Zoo to see Zoo Lights.  At Christmas time, Hogle Zoo goes all out by putting up thousands and thousands of lights.  We have never been before but now that Gabe is REALLY into Christmas this year, we figured we would give it a shot.

 What we didn't know is that Santa was making a special visit to the zoo tonight.  While we waited in line, Gabe wrote up a list of the things he would like for Christmas-the first thing on his list was candy.  We had a little bit of a wait because Santa was extra friendly and took the time to really talk to each kid.  It was very special.

 Gabe was overwhelmed by all the beautiful lights.  We had to keep reminding him to stay with us.  But of course, even with all the extra things to look at we have to stop at his favorite places too.

 I will admit that I kept getting a little distracted myself.  For example, I loved the peacock lights.  I think Ry and I need one for our house next year.

 And this is the bridge that goes between the Rocky Shores exhibit and the Asian Highlands exhibit...this picture does NOT do it justice because I thought it was breathtaking. 

 Even better was that Gabe like the bridge just as much as I did.

 And the night wouldn't have been complete without a ride on the carousel.

 Another shot of the lights that doesn't really convey how gorgeous the zoo looks.

 I think these two figures were Gabe's favorites: a giraffe and an elephant.

So despite the fact that my nose is still trying to defrost, Zoo Lights was a lot of fun.  If you can find the time to get up to the zoo, you should.  Just be sure to dress warm and pregame with some hot cocoa.  

Much love to you all!