President's Day

If I were President...I would make a rule that said no littering and no throwing trash.

By Carter
1st Grade

Piggy Tails and Tootsie Pops

We finally tried out piggy tails in Josie's hair. They really look like little pig tails because they curl up just like the pigs. She has lots of natural curl in her thin little hair. She had a very firm hold on the sucker.

Holes

We have a very large sandbox in our backyard. Ok, that's all we have in our yard is sand. :) Our kids, especially the boys, love to go out and dig holes. Carter knows that someday he is going to find a treasure. He is very diligent in digging for this said treasure. Kind of cute that they are wearing matching polo's. Carter has to wear polo's for a school uniform and so that is all Mason will wear also. He really admires his "big brother."

I love the determined look in their faces.Look at the strain in those muscles!

Oh, the strength of a lion!

I can't wait to get some grass for the kids to play on, but I think I will

miss seeing them work so hard digging.

Mom & Dad's Bed

When I was growing up, my bedroom was the closest to my parents. I liked it that way, because I would often wake up and feel afraid. As I would lay in my bed shivering, I knew I needed to get to my parents bed, but that would mean having to dart from my room, through the living room, small hallway, and into their bed, and who knows how many dark scary shadows between here and there. I would eventually reach the point that I couldn't be brave anymore, so I would make a run for it. I was always welcomed by a warm bed in between two warm parent's bodies. At last I would feel safe.

I knew that I wanted my kids to have the same security of "Mom & Dad's Bed" that I felt growing up. We received a king size bed from my parents when we were first married, and that seemed like plenty of bed for kids...and parents. Well, our kids do come into our bed often and we are grateful. However, we didn't know how small a king size bed really is. We have resorted to making one rule and one rule only for "Mom & Dad's Bed." That is...you have to start out the night in your own bed and then at any point during the night you can come get in our bed. This works nice, so that Matt and I can at least get a few hours of rest before our bodies have to kink and bend in order to fit all 6 of us.

Whatever makes our kids feel safe...we will make the sacrifice. We know that someday, that bed is going to be too big for us.

Hosting the BYU Young Ambassadors

The BYU Young Ambassadors came to visit Rio Rancho, New Mexico. A sign-up sheet for Host Families was sent around the Relief Society in our ward. I decided to sign-up thinking it would be fun for the kids. At first they didn't need us to host, but at the last minute they had some families cancel and so they asked if we would be willing. We were excited, but besides me, no one was really sure what they were all about. Matt took Carter and Chloe and looked them up on the internet. http://pam.byu.edu/similarpage.asp?title=Young%20Ambassadors They watched a few of the songs and got excited to see who would be the ones to stay with us. Silently, they each picked their favorites.

As the day of the show arrived, we found a babysitter for Mason and Josie, while the rest of us went off to be entertained. We sat in the balcony and had a great view of the performers. Carter was glued to his chair and didn't utter a word...I often wondered if he was even enjoying himself. Chloe played musical chairs a little bit, but loved the singing and dancing. I think she is an aspiring Young Ambassador. :) The show was wonderful and we had many highlights to the afternoon. One of Matt and my favorites was "Defying Gravity" from the Musical Wicked. It was really incredible. I really liked Unwritten also. The theme was "The New Music Makers" and they sang songs from several eras. Matt said it was a life changing experience for him...he had never seen anything like this. (I seriously need to get him out more often!!) Too bad he wasn't around to witness us in Madrigals. :) Just kidding!

Anyway, the night was lots of fun. As we left the show, feeling inspired, we asked the kids what their favorite parts were. Chloe liked when they sang Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen. Carter said his favorite part was the girl in the red and blue dress from Act 1. I wasn't sure who he was referring to, but Matt said it was the girl they had seen on the internet. We talked about who they hoped would come stay with us. Any guesses who Carter hoped for? You'd be right...the girl in the blue and red dress. (I must mention that during intermission Carter was very studiously studying the program.) Chloe said that she hoped for several of the girls, including the one with blonde curly hair.

Well, we got home and then had to wait several hours before we could pick them up and bring them home...they had another show to perform. Carter and Chloe wanted to wait up to go with daddy to pick them up. Anyway, they eventually fell asleep and when Matt came home from picking up the girls...any guesses who he brought with him? We were assigned the girl in the blue and red dress (which was also the girl that he had watched on the internet days prior) and the girl with the blonde curly hair! We couldn't believe that it worked out so great for the kids. We went to bed knowing that the kids were going to be ecstatic!

Since we have afternoon church, we all slept in. When Carter woke up I asked him if he wanted to know who daddy brought home. I told him it was Dani and Annie. (I know...too cute!) He seemed a little disappointed and said, "Oh, I was hoping for Frogley." I grabbed the program to look and see who Frogley was...after verifying the name and I asked him to tell me what Frogley's whole name was. He read Danielle Frogley and then got an enormous smile on his face. He wasn't the same the rest of the weekend. Shall we say, a little "girl crazy!" He is so shy that he was embarrassed to even be near her, but all could tell that he was a pretty happy boy. Chloe was just as thrilled to have Annie in our home. She didn't leave her alone or her side the whole weekend. Thankfully the bathroom door had a lock on it. :) Annalece Boothe was the daughter of the director and so we felt extra special to have her. :) So, here are a few pictures of our new friends.

Chloe soaking up the love from Annie. She has a new hero.

Mason wanted some extra attention, so he threw his basketball and hit Dani in the head. :(

Dani was so sweet, she took it with a smile.

These were their cute church outfits. They said they have matching outfits everywhere they go.

Mason was laying on the kitchen table enjoying himself, while Dani was running her hands through his hair. By the time I got the camera, he realized we were giggling about him and he turned around embarrassed.

Chloe posing with her new hero. (Annie knows Charpay from High School Musical!!) Notice the TV in the background. High School Musical was playing because Dani was in the 1st and 3rd movies. Wow, to be associated with 2 people familiar with our very own HSM stars! This is really big! :)

Josie hopes that one day her curly hair will be as beautiful as Annie's...

for now it is just wobbly bed hair.

Josie and Annie making funny faces at each other.

Mason pretending to be shy, meanwhile soaking up the attention. He is a ladies man for sure.

Carter wanted a picture with Dani, but he was too shy, so I took an angle shot and got Dani with both boy admirers. :)

Funny Faces...:) or in my case...scary! :)What a privilege it was to host such sweet, kind and fun girls. We really had a great time and hope to keep in touch with them. Our new resolution is to broaden our horizons and visit more musical events.

Valentine

Since I didn't get my wife flowers for Valentines day, I would like to give her some here.

So, Alice had her version of our Valentine evening. I promise, my version will be shorter. I must confirm that she is exact with the description. I am normally impatient when it comes to waiting for hours to eat. This night was different. I was just thrilled to be with her. I just love being with her. When you are with your best friend, what more do you want - right? Many days go by and we rarely get to just be together. There is always something distracting or demanding our attention. I feel we have a common bond that gives us security in our friendship and marital relationship. I have really put our family in a long and exhausting travel of life. Trying to lead our family has not been an easy thing to do. I know that without Alice being my cheerleader, my confidant, my support, and my friend, life would be very difficult to endure. She may disagree with me, but she really is the most essential person in my (our home) life. I wish I could write in words the love I have for her...I am an artist, not an author! With that being said, it will preface my poem I wrote for her...forgive me if it is innacurate or doesn't follow literary or rythmic laws. Here goes:

Laughter invites investigation
Harmonious familiarities
Your presence captures my soul
I surrender my loyalty to the One

Frequent encounters
Eye to eye contacts
Stimulating heartbeats
Forsaken feelings

Letters of friendship
Anticipation for arrival
Distant flights
Finally home

Anxious proposals
On bended knee
Security

Best friends
Love

Eternity is Ours

I love you Alice.

Simple Truths

Sometimes it is a struggle to get the kids to do the things we want them to do. (And for us adults to do the things we know we should...) Today, I said something simple and maybe even cliche', but I think it has a lot of truth. It might be another popular saying in our home from now on. It is something for even Matt and I to live by...

"If you do it, Then you'll get it...If you don't, Then you won't!"

Chloe was excited because it rhymed...I hope that she, and all of us, will soon understand that sometimes rewards come as a suprise, AFTER we do things just for the sake of doing them in obedience.

This has really got me thinking and applying to all aspects of life...oh, to think like a child...

Happy Valentine's Day at Zio's

What a fun day Valentine's Day is. I didn't take any pictures because our camera is giving us problems...very sad day! I hope that someday very soon, we can get a new one and proceed on with our picture taking. It seems that all the real "picture moments" happen when the camera isn't working...oh well.

The kids were excited about Valentine's Day and were thrilled to get a little bag of treats. We spent much of the rest of the day picking up little wrappers. It always brings a happy feeling when simple treats bring a smile to the kids' faces.

Matt and I traded babysitting with some friends so that we could go out on a date. Our friends went out Friday night and we went out on Valentine's night. We knew they made the smarter choice when we were greeted with all the crowds waiting in line at the restaurants tonight...

We had about 4 hours to spend together and we spent the first 2 hours waiting to be seated...about 45 minutes eating, talking, and watching all the "young budding lovers" (wow, I came up with that all on my own!)sit close to each other with glazed over eyes, and then we called it a night and picked up our kids early.

Anyway, did you catch the part where I mentioned we waited 2 hours to be seated...well that was a long and funny story. Ok, maybe not so funny, it was definately a story though, and maybe one not really worth remembering, but here goes.

The just of it...we were told that there was a 1 hour 30 minute wait to be seated. We figured that we would waste time traveling from restaurant to restaurant and be told the same thing, so we decided to save ourselves the hassle and just take the buzzer. It had my lucky number 24 on it, so we felt like it would be a lucky night for us. Well, we stood against the same column in the doorway and made many new friends while waiting for the first hour. We saw many people come and go, being told the wait was 1 hr. 30 min., then 1 hr. 45 min. and finally 2 hours. There were some very funny looks on people's faces when they heard the news, yet some like us, still took their chances. We also saw the seating hostess arguing with many people about how they had been waiting forever and their buzzer never went off and they didn't hear their name being called. We felt sorry for the hostess and sorry for the guests waiting to eat. We just kept waiting for our turn to be called. After we waited 1 hour 30 minutes, I decided to go and see how many people were still ahead of us. The hostess said about 5 couples. We continued our wait and had a great time watching the wide range of couples and families coming to eat. Our favorite was the lady with a ruby-red flapper-type dress with a bleached blonde mullet with dark roots grown out. She had really red high heels and was taking this holiday VERY seriously. It was cute to watch her, with her husband and 2 kids. They were some of the first to argue with the hostess about their long wait. We felt like the husband was a little sturn, but like us, figured they were hungry and tired of waiting.

Well, since I am trying to give the Reader's Digest Version of this very long story...I will continue to the meat of the story. :) We saw many more people go to be seated. I finally told Matt it was his turn to go and ask about our waiting status. When he asked the hostess, she said that they had called our name a few times and we didn't respond so they skipped us. OK, this is where Alice steps up to set the record straight. (I know, "Watch out, here I come!") We had heard this excuse several times that night...mind you, because we were standing in the same place (5 feet from the hostess and directly in front of her)for the past 2 hours. I also have a buzzer in my hand that has not flashed a single light nor vibrated in my hand...some lucky number!!! Her manager came up and proceeds to tell us that they called our name...I boldly told her that they did NOT call our name because were standing right there...I point at the column holding our 2 hour leaning print. I also told her that some of the hostesses calling out names were so quiet that nobody could hear...so they needed to start speaking up if they wanted people to hear their names. Anyway, to make a long story longer...we were immediately seated. FINALLY! We should have been the squeaky wheel an hour ago! We couldn't believe that we had sat right there watching, all night, these things happen to other people, witnessing that the hostess was really struggling to seat the reservations and walk-ins...and then for it to happen to us also! She had to see us standing right there all night. Sometimes, you just wonder...

In case you were wondering...the meal was delicious and I will go again...just not on Valentine's Day! :)

Loved to spend time with Matt though. He is a wonderful husband, father and he definately is my best friend. Happy Valentine's Day!

The Call ~ No need to say Goodbye

The beginning of October 2008, I heard a talk from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that really impressed me at the time. He spoke of how God knew the challenges we would face and how lonely and troubled we would sometimes feel while in this mortal life. He then mentioned that "from the beginning down through the dispensations, God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children...usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times."

He also shared a story about his friend Clyn D. Barrus.

Referring to his childhood on a large Idaho farm, Brother Barrus spoke of his nightly assignment to round up the cows at milking time. Because the cows pastured in a field bordered by the occasionally treacherous Teton River, the strict rule in the Barrus household was that during the spring flood season the children were never to go after any cows who ventured across the river. They were always to return home and seek mature help. One Saturday just after his seventh birthday, Brother Barrus's parents promised the family a night at the movies if the chores were done on time. But when young Clyn arrived at the pasture, the cows he sought had crossed the river, even though it was running at high flood stage. Knowing his rare night at the movies was in jeopardy, he decided to go after the cows himself, even though he had been warned many times never to do so. As the seven-year-old urged his old horse, Banner, down into the cold, swift stream, the horse's head barely cleared the water. An adult sitting on the horse would have been safe, but at Brother Barrus's tender age, the current completely covered him except when the horse lunged forward several times, bringing Clyn's head above water just enough to gasp for air. Here he turns to Brother Barrus's own words. "When Banner finally climbed the other bank, I realized that my life had been in grave danger and that I had done a terrible thing--I had knowingly disobeyed my father. I felt that I could redeem myself only by bringing the cows home safely. Maybe then my father would forgive me. But it was already dusk, and I didn't know for sure where I was. Despair overwhelmed me. I was wet and cold, lost and afraid. I climbed down from old Banner, fell to the ground by his feet, and began to cry. Between thick sobs, I tried to offer a prayer, repeating over and over to my Father in Heaven, 'I'm sorry. Forgive me! I'm sorry. Forgive me!' I prayed for a long time. When I finally looked up, I saw through my tears a figure dressed in white walking toward me. In the dark, I felt certain it must be an angel sent in answer to my prayers. I did not move or make a sound as the figure approached, so overwhelmed was I by what I saw. Would the Lord really send an angel to me, who had been so disobedient? Then a familiar voice said, 'Son, I've been looking for you.' In the darkness I recognized the voice of my father and ran to his outstretched arms. He held me tightly, then said gently, 'I was worried. I'm glad I found you.' I tried to tell him how sorry I was, but only disjointed words came out of my trembling lips--'Thank you...darkness...afraid...river...alone.' later that night I learned that when I had not returned from the pasture, my father had come looking for me. When neither I nor the cows were to be found, he knew I had crossed the river and was in danger. Because it was dark and time was of the essence, he removed his clothes down to his long white thermal underwear, tied his shoes around his neck, and swam a treacherous river to rescue a wayward son."

After listening to this talk, I felt a great love for my son Carter who was turning seven. I thought of the responsibility of a seven year old riding a horse to gather in the cattle. I felt grateful for the angels in our lives that watch out for and protect us. I also felt the great love between the father and the son as they embraced knowing prayers and faith were answered by God.

Exactly one week and a day after being impressed by this talk, I got a phone call that my dad had passed away due to a major heartattack. Today it has been four months to the day that I received this phone call. I have done a lot of thinking and listening in the past months.

The last time I saw my dad was August 11, 2008, which marked the 3 year anniversary of the death of Matt's brother Mason, my brother-in-law, killed in a head-on collision going to work. I don't think there is any meaning behind the date, just coincidence I suppose. But it has made me think a lot more about Mason. Also, January 9th, 2009, my sister-in-law's sister was in a car accident with all of her family. Two drunk young men ran into them and killed their two little boys ages 6 and 11 and caused serious damage to her and her husband's health. They had already lost their middle son due to premature labor, many years ago. All three of their children have been taken home to our God. So, this has also caused me to think about mortal life here on earth.

I watched Narnia - Prince Caspian, which really has nothing to do with this conversation at all, other than the song at the end which really caught my attention. I searched it out and have listened to the words over and over again. They have great meaning to me now.

I think about Elder Holland's talk about angels and how they are among us. I have reflected at the timing of his talk one week prior to my dad's death. This talk has helped me realize that my Dad, Mason and these boys are more alive than they ever have been. They see things more clearly than ever before and they are near us whenever we need them and probably more. The words to "The Call" help me realize that they are there when we call them. I have found much comfort in these thoughts and it helps me seek out quiet opportunities to listen and try to feel them near.

When things are hard and I start to feel despair in the tragedies that have happened in their lives, effecting each of our lives, I remember Elder Holland's following words and seek comfort in them. Elder Holland says, "I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight our battles, our children's battles, and the battles of our children's children.' And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing. Then all things shall work together for our good, if we walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith we have covenanted.' The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants."

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that gives me Hope. The ray of sunlight peeking through the darkness is the hope of Jesus Christ that I seek after, because nothing else can lift me up out of the darkness.

I just realized that the phone call I received of my dad's passing was like this song "The Call" there really is "no need to say goodbye." We will see them again. "See you Soon." Those are the words I last said to my dad as his casket closed. (Matt looked at me and asked why I said that...he has been freaked out ever since.)

I like the words to the Hymn "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." Those words ring truth to me.

7 Things

I just got tagged by Karen Beach...Thanks Karen, I have been a little "out of sorts" with blogging lately. So, I need a good reason to get my mind working again.

7 things I can do:
1. Clean ~ I used to think I loved to clean, but I think I just like things clean. (Don't look too closely at my house because it is not up to my expectations!)
2. Organize ~ Another thing I used to call a talent, but again, don't look too close!
3. Sew ~ I can, I just don't ever find the time!
4. Sing ~ Something I need to do more of...
5. Cook ~ If I really have to and Matt's not home.
6. Run long distance ~ I grew up thinking I was only a sprinter...I have loved learning that I CAN run several miles all at once.
7. Make a Mess ~ I think I make just as many messes as my kids...it seems that I get distracted so often each day that I only start projects that create more messes...I know, it doesn't make sense with my #1 & #2, but it is true since I have added 4 kids and a husband to my life.

7 things I can't do:
1. Sit still
2. Stop eating treats
3. Watch sports on tv...it is such a waste of time! Sorry if that offends anyone.
4. Waste time...there just isn't enough time in the day to sit around and waste what time I do have.
5. Drink a glass of milk...disgusting!
6. Watch my kids get hurt and bleed...I panick.
7. Think of life without my family.

7 things I say often:
1. Mason! Get down!
2. Carter have you practiced the piano today?
3. Chloe, turn it down...the music.
4. Josie, What do you want?
5. Matt, can you help me?
6. I am so overwhelmed!
7. Because I Can!

7 things I love about Matt:
1. He is good at everything!
2. He has a beautiful singing voice.
3. He says the funniest things that can make me roll on the ground laughing.
4. He is an amazing cook...we rarely have the same meal twice...he doesn't cook from a recipe.
5. He has gorgeous blue eyes that see right through me.
6. He is a handy man through and through.
7. He is a beautiful artist.

7 favorite foods:
1. Chinese Food
2. Mexican Food
3. Italian Food
4. American Food (I think that consists of everything fried.)
5. Thai Food
6. Dessert Food (Chocolate...sweets...ice cream)
7. Every other kind of good food. I think that pretty much covers it.

7 people I tag:
1. Matt
2. Mandy
3. Zonnie
4. Rochelle
5. Melissa
6. Julie
7. Shannon

San Francisco ~ Here I Come

Sometimes life has a way of really getting you down...That's when you need to take a vacation!

I have been in serious need of some alone...me...adult...quiet...thinking...figuring-out-life...personal...relaxing...remembering who I am...TIME, so Matt and my dear brother Kipp talked and arranged for me to go visit him in San Francisco, California.

No need to twist my arm!!! I flew out on Thursday February 5th and didn't fly home until February 10th. Yes ~ 6 Whole Days for myself!!! I was excited to go alone, thrilled to spend time with Kipp and Lance, nervous to leave Matt alone with the kids (he is a real trooper!!!), afraid for Matt's sanity, anxious to travel all alone on an airplane by myself for the first time, sad about leaving the kids for so long, worried about Josie since I had never been away from her ~ especially since I just weened her days prior to leaving, but most of all ecstatic to have some time to myself!

At first I wasn't sure I would be able to sleep (yes~all night long) in a bed all by myself without being woke up, kicked out, wet on, pushed to the edge, uncovered and needless to say squished by 4 kids and a husband. There is a reason we have a king size bed, although I have had thoughts that we should get a twin size bed soon...(I did say "A" twin bed. Matt and I could share one...we are not ready to have our own beds!)

Ok, without further delay, I need to get on with my absolutely wonderful VACATION!!!

So, Thursday finally arrived and with my ONE suitcase and ONE small purse in hand, I got on the airplane and soon arrived in California. (I wasn't sure I would survive not packing 5 other suitcases and a diaper bag this trip!...I survived!) These are the stairs to Kipp and Lance's 3 story home. They rent the main level and it is gorgeous. Lance is an interior architect and does beautiful work. They live in the same area as the "Painted Ladies". In case you aren't sure what they are I have included a picture and some information about them. One of the best known groups of "Painted Ladies" is the row of Victorian houses at 712–720 Steiner St., bordering Alamo Square Park, in San Francisco. This block appears very frequently in media and mass-market photographs of the city and its tourist attractions. It is sometimes known as "Postcard Row." The houses were built between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh, who lived next door in the 1892 mansion at 722 Steiner St. These houses also appear in the opening credits of the television series Full House.

The following are some pictures of the inside of Kipp and Lance's home. I wish I could afford to pay Lance and Kipp to come decorate my home. :) So, on Friday I went to Kipp's ~ Maru Hair Salon in Berkeley, and spent the day meeting his clients and getting my own hair cut and styled. This was one of the best treats of visiting him. I have never found anyone who can cut and style my hair better than Kipp. Yes, he is my brother, but he definately is good at what he does. It is a real shame that I live so far away from him because I have to "settle" for someone else touching my hair. I must say that I still haven't found anyone I am truly satisfied with...ugh. Friday night we went to Downtown Oakland and visited the Awaken Cafe' where his friend Cleo Vilett was having an art show. It was fun visiting her art show and getting some inspiration of my own. The Art Show Theme was:
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Walking Oakland
Artist Statement

"This series was inspired from the many big and little “treats” I discovered as I walked around Oakland. Many of the views were happenstance, discoveries I found on a natural, daily path between my studio and the gym and back. The more I noticed, the more I chose to seek, and my path began to widen and radiate outward.

I soon found a momentum carrying the feel of the show in a direction of its own. The medium used in these pieces may weave a common thread through a variety of subjects, but they are all very much here as part of this place. Tying our outer boundary of the bay, and eventually the ocean, to such an urban environment may not have happened consciously, but I doubt it was an accident either. "
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We went to dinner at a place called Flora. The food was great and we ate way-too-much! http://floraoakland.com/

Saturday Kipp had to work so I spent a lot of the day with Lance. We had fun laughing as we scared a dog with screetching tires trying to back up the parked car after taking pictures of Lombard Street. http://www.sftravel.com/lomabardcrookedstreet.html We went to the top of Coit Tower, where Lance was given a nice compliment from a lady "listening-in" as he gave me a great tour of the view and history of San Francisco. I had already decided that I wanted him to take me everywhere because of all the information he has stored in his head. We then walked down China Town and felt a little overwhelmed because they were celebrating the Chinese New Year and there were lots and lots of people...everywhere! As we went back to the car, we were grateful for the kind people who were looking over our shoulders and offered help when the parking ticket machine swallowed up Lance's bus pass. We surely witnessed a miracle! :) We decided to go home and wait for Kipp while getting ready to go eat at...THE BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT...EVER!!! I am serious! It was located in an industrial area of town and it was called Tres Agaves. http://www.tresagaves.com/ I will go back there someday and take Matt because it was mouthwatering. I am beginning to salivate as I type! I had carne asada tacos and I couldn't even eat them all. They were so tiny and cute. We also ate these delicious meatballs for an appetizer and the sauce was so good...we asked the waiter for a spoon. :) Again, we ate until we were stuffed; course we ate more than last night because our stomaches were stretched out from Flora. Anyway, Sunday we had brunch with some friends and Lance made a delicious breakfast casserole. (He promised me the recipe, so I need to remind him.) We then went to the California Academy of Science located at the Golden Gate Park and got to see them feed the cute little penguins. That was lots of fun. We had sandwiches for dinner...I mean linner. Then we relaxed while watching the Secret Life of Bees. (Very good movie!) We were interrupted with a power outage that lasted for quite a while...so Kipp and I played some games. It was a nice relaxing day.

These were cute little blue and red frogs called Bromeliad Frogs. They live in the rainforest and we thought they were very cute.This was a rope for the leaf carrying ants. They gathered the leaves from the top of the tree and carried them all the way down the rope and into their hole. At the bottom you could see the ants busy at work inside the dirt. It was really neat.

These are the cute little penguins that we watched during their feeding.
Monday morning Lance had to go to work, so Kipp took me shopping in the Big City. We went to Union Square and shopped until we dropped...literally. We had a big Korean Lunch and had to go back for gelato. It was fun spending the day with Kipp. I can't remember the last time he and I were alone together shopping.

Tuesday morning Kipp and I stopped at McDonald's for breakfast because it was our dad's birthday. Dad loved to take us McDonald's breakfasts when we were kids, so we thought we would honor him with a good pancake breakfast. I can't really say it was good, but it was tolerable and it was a good thought.

I got back on the plane to head for home and spent the rest of the day pondering my time with Kipp and Lance. It was a busy weekend, but somehow very relaxing at the same time. I am grateful for a brother and friend who are so thoughtful to entertain me for a weekend. I really enjoyed my time getting to know each of them better. They are great men and I love them dearly.

Thank you Kipp, Lance and Matt for taking the time to lighten my burdens! I love you all!!!