in june

In June

We got a zoo pass~

We went twice in one week-

I went with Laura to the mall with the twins

these two are so much fun...and really busy.

(crew on the left- finn on the right)
Joey had a birthday!

Joey

Johnny

Lola

Charlie

Finn

Crew

Clair

Tony made these really awesome cars & Megan made this amazing cake.

(Can you tell Joey was just a little excited to be three?)

Brian & Jack took the twins & Trent fishing- brave or stupid?

Chloe made a drastic change & got a pixie cut!

She donated 15 inches to Locks of Love

She LOVES it & so do we!

June has been a good month~

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.

graduation~ Chloe style

Chloe's graduation was a big day & huge accomplishment.

All the speakers were really good- really-

but there were seven of them.... oh my goodness. 

It was long- the longest by far of all five graduates so far.

We were so thrilled to have Grandma & Grandpa Messer with us!

It's been a long time since they have visited because of so many health issues at our house.

Sad- but we just couldn't handle company for a time. Oh so glad 2013 is behind us.
When Chloe's name was read off- she jumped up & did a heal click... awesome.

 Someone who doesn't get enough credit - who went through all the hard times with us- and in some ways it was even harder for her... is Caroline.

and now I start to cry...

Caroline & her wonderful sister Lily have stuck by Chloe through thick & thin.

Visited her countless times at home & at the hospital, defended her, sent packages & gifts & cards & letter. They have prayed for her, fasted for her- I can't even explain how hard it is to feel like you are losing a daughter. But how was it she was losing her best friend?

It was scary at times.

I love you Caroline.

Thank you for never giving up.

These two girls- I adore them!

Hailey! She too- has stuck by and supported not just Chloe

but here dad & I this past couple of years.

I just feel so grateful for her- she is really amazing. 

And

Camille- Gosh-

Chloe is so blessed with such great friends!
Camille is another one of those friends- the kind that are just amazing...

After Graduation we went out to dinner at our traditional place.

Roosters in Ogden

Chloe was pretty excited it was her turn to eat there.

The tradition started with ballet recitals then Jack's graduation & we have never looked back

IT's fabulous!

Chloe is named after this beautiful lady-

It's so good to have them together.

Grandma has Alzheimer's I respectfully don't write about it here.

It's not fair- it's just not.

We love you Grandma 

As we left the restaurant this was on the brick holding the door open.

So appropriate. 

We had a little graduation/birthday party the Saturday after with some family & friends.

Brett turned 50 this year!

These boys were SO EXCITED ABOUT THE CAKE!

They helped Papa blow out the candles, I think...?

I'm not really sure what happened- but I love Joey's face in the next picture.

He went to take a big bite out of the side of the cake & Megan stopped him real quick. I kind of wish he would have been successful & we could have gotten a picture of that. I love it.