Six Little Monkeys Playing At The Zoo

The cousins are here! The cousins are here!  And to celebrate the occasion, we rallied the troops and ventured out to check out the new exhibits at the Zoo.  Can you believe there are this many of us?!?

First, we had to take a ride on the train. Skeeto thoroughly enjoyed the "choo choo".

 There were a few shoulder rides....

 ...mischevious glances...

... and lots of girl time.

 There may have been a few Grandma Hugs!

 And a leisurely ride on the carousel.

 The new Rocky Shores exhibit was so cool!  The kids were mesmerized by the seals and the polar bear.  Skeeto was none too happy when I pulled him away from the glass.

This may be my favorite picture from the day.  I can only imagine the dialogue that is happenng here:

Skeeto: "I suppose if we are to share a stroller, we must be civilized with one another."

Little Chief: "Agreed."

Skeeto thinks: "Plus, he's a lot bigger than me.  And I probably can't outrun him." 

Izzypop is having one of hopefully many sleepovers with Abizella in the coming weeks.  They are two peas in a pod.  More Bennion fun to come!

Mommy Daughter Date

Today was Izzypop's last day of Kindergarten. We had to take a picture with her teacher Mrs. Adams whom we love. She has made Izzy's Kindergarten experience wonderful.  We will miss you, and we'll be sure to say "Hi" next year.

To celebrate, and since I will be gone for the next week to Florida for a business trip, I decided to take Izzy to the salon for girl's day out.  We got pedicures and our nails done.  It was so fun!  Then we went to McDonalds (Izzypop's choice of course) for lunch.  What a great day!  Love you Iz!

Blue and green...who woulda thunk it?  I was banking on pink and purple.

Has It Been Ten Years Already?

Ten years ago today I married my best friend.  It was easily the best day of my life.  The wedding was beautiful, the food was great and the one I love looked dashing.

Now, two degrees, a house, a dog, a deployment, a home renovation and most importantly two sweet little ones later, I cannot think of a better way I could have spent the last ten years.

Thank you, Brian, for giving me the life we have together and the best ten years of my life.  I love you.  Happy Anniversary!

Engagement photo and wedding announcement.

Wedding day and wedding party.  Left to right: Alex Gorecki, Megan Perry, Brad Bennion, Missy Bennion, Brian, me, Jerry Street, Ashley Street, Layne Orr, Callie Orr

Stone Soup

Izzypop was in her first school play on Friday.  She was a narrator and a chanter.  She remembered her lines and did such a great job!  Way to go Iz!

Spring Hansen Reunion

My mom's cousin Patty is in town from Florida.  We haven't seen her in 20+ years.  So my mom threw a party...imagine that :)

We had a great time out at the old farm.  Grandma planned some really fun games.  The pie eating contest was Izzypop's favorite, I think.

Then we gathered round for Uncle Lavar's rendition of The Wide Mouthed Frog, something I haven't heard since I was a little kid.  It was great.

It was great seeing our relatives who we hardly ever see!  Have a safe trip home, Patty and Lavar!

Updated: Patty posted this picture on Facebook and since I didn't get one for myself, I have stolen it :).  This is a picture of my grandpa and his 5 siblings L to R: Darlene, Deloris, Blaine, Clive (Grandpa), Carl, and Lavar.  Pretty cool, huh?

Easter Portraits

Since Skeeto was turning two and Easter was coming up, I thought it was about time we did some new portraits. Thanks, as always Steph.

Easter Weekend

We had such a great Easter weekend. The weather was beautiful and we were able to see almost all of our favorite people! (Missed you Grandma Sherrie and Boston Bennions)

We started off Saturday with some serious egg dying.
After that, we went on a special trip to pick Izzypop up a sweet new ride.

Skeeto is even enjoying the pink and purple hand-me-down.

On Sunday morning, the kids woke up to a trail of candy that had been left by E.B. They searched the house and the backyard for their goodies. Somehow, we only got video and no stills. Amateurs.

Our first post-church stop was Grandma Sandi and Poppa Bennion's. We munched on some delicious lamb and/or Tizzy cupcakes.

Of course, the Easter Bunny had a few things waiting.

The next stop was a wonderful visit with Grandma June.

Then an early dinner and egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa Orr's.

Some baseball with Uncle Layne and Grandma Orr.
We want a pitcher, not a belly itcher!At the next stop, Grandma and Poppa Yo-Yo's, we got down to business. Brian and I were able to secure a big win and the Great Devilled Egg Showdown of 2012. Wahoo! Here are the judges deliberating.

The kids even had some fun and got to go on a scavenger hunt and egg hunt.

We are so lucky to be around so much family. We love you all! Happy Easter!

My Heart Is Broken...

This is what happens when you say "No" to Izzypop.