zoo days

It's no secret that if you know me...

You know I LOVE a trip to the zoo.

I have fond memories of walking to the The Woodland Park Zoo with my cousins- no adults- when I was a kid. Can you even believe that? In the winter (if I remember right?) the admission was free. We would wander around & one time we even got to feed the elephants peanuts by hand. It is a sweet memory for me. It's amazing how much the world has changed.

This year for the first time in over a decade- we bought a zoo pass again!

I am so excited about it.

When we first moved to Utah 18 years ago I bought a zoo pass & was so- very- disappointed.

We had a zoo pass when we lived in Washington & Denver-- great zoos.

Utah's Hogle Zoo was in deep need of improvements

GUESS WHAT?

They have done it--- it's so good now!

They have truly done a fantastic job with the remodel.

 It's been a long time coming & it is fantastic.

 I really mean that- and I am a tough zoo critic.

(first up-- a ride on the train of course- these boys were so excited)

Two weeks ago we met up with Megan & the boys & had the best time!

We had so much fun- later in the week after running errands in Salt Lake City- Chloe, Trent & I went again! Just to see some things we missed & go to the bird show. Loved it. It's so nice to have a pass & no pressure about seeing everything etc.

Most of the animals were out - they have improved the habitats so much it was great.

The carousel was an absolute joy.

Just look at this face!

He was beaming the whole time, loved it. 

There are fun little water areas & statues to climb on- 

we had a blast.

As we were getting ready to leave we spied the rhinoceroses eating just outside a little secret underground window. It was awesome.

I'm looking forward to going more this year.

It's a good thing.

It's a good year.

boys r us

These are our twinners-

Finn & Crew

They are super excited for dinner!

Are they precious or what?

They are absolutely perfect in everyway. 

Such a joy & only a mile away... for now.

I adore, adore, adore them. 

They are smiley & giggly & have the softest skin. 

Oh they are darling.

As you can see

Finn was fitted with a helmet last month & will probably wear it for another month or two.

It's amazing what doctors can do & so quickly!

This was the first day he got it- didn't even bother him.

These are the sweetest babies- not fussy at all!

Crew with-- Sofie the giraffe.

Having these two miracle babies around has been an absolute joy.

Truly a gift from God.

It is amazing what happiness & perspective & hope in the future

 comes with the birth of a new child.

Matching outfits- HA!

(July 2013) 

I am beyond pleased to announce

(it's been announced by megan on facebook, instagram, etc. months ago...)

She is over 18 weeks now & guess what?!

IT'S A BOY

We are loving the boys around here!

Are you on Instagram?

I am & I LOVE it! 

follow me at pjmesser

lots of changes

I didn't mean to stop blogging.

I really didn't.

Life just got a little crazy. 

So...

Tonight I am posting a little update.

Sometime after my last post (Easter) Megan & Tony called to announce:

that Tony was offered an amazing job here in Utah!

I KNOW- best news ever.

Within 4 weeks they were here!

They had it all planned out- and that plan worked!

(My plans don't always work)

Their home in Arkansas sold in the first 24 hours of being on the market and they moved into our basement to settle in, start working, and then find a new home.

These next pictures are from the first couple of days they were here.

at the park with Nana

learning about chickens & gathering eggs

singing songs & eating cookies out of the bucket on the kitchen floor

getting really comfortable with chickens & deciding they are really fun to tease

and that their whole oats taste pretty darn good

Charlie even came to my very last cooking class.

Yes, I quit teaching the kids cooking class.

Hey- I've got a house full of fun for a bit & I don't want to miss it.

Soon - July 11th they will move into their new home and we won't wake up to their sweet voices everyday.

But- they are close. One hour away. Not too bad- I am thrilled.

So- now I am trying to do some blog catch-up

I hope if anyone is out there you will let me know and....

here we go again!

updates

On January 19th--

Megan & the boys came to visit!

Tony was chosen to be on the recruitment team for Walmart (he was down at a BYU job fair) so they came a couple of days before he did - then stayed a couple of days after he left.

It was SO GREAT TO HAVE THEM HERE!

Grandpa picking up Joey at the airport.

Joey only wanted Papa.... 

It was late & we went home & put the boys almost immediately to bed.

The next morning we headed right out into the snow!

It didn't last long & I didn't get very many pictures-

Joey stuck his hands in the snow & started bawling.

Charlie was just too cold.

It was bitter cold in the teens- can't say I blame them.

They got plenty of snow time when their daddy came up & it was a little warmer.

Chloe was still in the hospital so we went up to visit everyday.

She came home later in the week. It's been quite a January. 

waking up aunt Hailey

Playing in Chloe's chair--

then finding her new bbgun she got for Christmas.

Oops I had to quick put that up in the closet.

What is it with boys & guns?

A three year old boy could find the last gun in the corner of the universe- I swear it?! 

We played the piano lots

and played with all the old toys.

 

It was so refreshing to have them here.

We are back to quiet now.

Well, if you can call our house quiet with Trent around?

More to come- I promise.

I have a lot to catch up on- but I'm just so emotional these days.

working on it