Lagoon -- It's What Fun Is

The girls could barely contain themselves today waiting to go to Lagoon.  We didn't meet up with the Boston Bennions there until 2.  It was killing them!

But it was all worth it.  The day was filled with a TON of rides.  Even the little ones got in on the action and had a ball.

 Big sister-little brother time.

 Puff!

The boats were a fan favorite.

 And it's just not a Lagoon day unless you ride the Log Flume.  This was these little one's first time.  Izzypop only cried for a split second after the flume.  Then she realized she was having fun!

What I was not expecting was that Rattlesnake Rapids would be the kids' favorite ride.  The little ones weren't big enough to ride (much to Little Chief's dismay -- he was MAD), but the other kids took the dads on and came off screaming like maniacs.  They were so enthusiastic that they were even able to convince the moms to take them again.  We were all pretty wet.  So worth it.

What a great day.  Thanks again, Boston Bennions, for another successful Lagoon day!

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.