Afternoon at the Zoo

Today was a great day to head to the zoo, so we packed some lunches and headed out.
Mary and Tyler met up with us and we had a great day. First we had a picnic. Funny thing about packing a picnic...my kids will eat what you pack. They eat things they won't eat at home-weird-but it works! Then we checked out the petting zoo, monkeys, new komodo dragon (really cool) and then we were done.
The kids were all happy and friendly which is always a bonus. :) Thanks for the fun day Jacksons!


Sammie, Tyler and Cole.

Big sis showing her brother the way.

Checking out the sheep.

Samantha really wanted to milk this cow!

Snow Day

Yesterday we got up and got in the car, drove up to Grandpa's cabin in Prescott and had a snow day! It was the perfect amount of snow-just enough to play but now so much that you can't get around.
Samantha absolutely loved it. Once she got used to walking around in all that gear she had a blast. Cole, not so much. He mostly liked watching what was going on. He went down the sled a few times but cried a lot. Poor thing had no idea what was going on!
Samantha was a very busy girl, sledding, snow ball fights, making snow angels, and of course building the snow queen. And yes, we brought the tiara and neclace from home (Susan!) She was the most beautiful snow queen I've ever seen--the only one I have ever seen but hey-it counts.
I think Grandma and Grandpa had a great time watching the kids frolic and play. It was just a really great day.
My favorite memory of the day...on the way home I asked Samantha what her favorite part was and she said (very sleepily) ,"Everything".


Ready to roll...

"Snowman"

Happy sledders.

Grandpa and Cole.

What in the world???

Loves her Daddy.

Big girl.

Snow ball fight!

Good helper.

Working with Daddy to get her together...

Finishing touches.

I love you snow queen.

Up and down...

Snow angels.

Funny kids.

Snow tastes good...as long as it's white!

Daddy and the kids.

Is this a soccer ball?

Happy family.

A new year...

Day one of a new year-check. Samantha and I had a lunchdate with Susan and Ana, then some playtime at Tumbleweed park. 3 hours of nonstop running, riding and loving life with her BFF! Then home to play in the backyard with Cole.
Favorite memory of the day: Samantha laid down to color on the patio-so what did Cole do? Lay down in the grass to color. So funny.
Here's to another beautiful year with great family and friends all around.

Merry Christmas!

Another great Christmas is on the books. Other than Sammie having a horrible stomach bug on Christmas Eve, we had a great holiday this year. We just stayed home and family came and celebrated with us. We had fun opening presents ALL day:) We hope you all enjoyed the day...and are recovering from all of the excitement!


Early morning loot.

It was a sporty Christmas for Cole.

Aunt Tracy, Cole and Grammie cookin.

The fam.

Let Christmas begin...

Grammie and Grandpa arrived yesterday and had early a very fun early Christmas presents. 2 tents that are connected with a giant tunnel!
It's a big hit. The kids went crazy playing in the tents last night and poor Grammie was trapped in the tent with Sammie for hours.
Thanks Grammie and Grandpa for the awesome new toy:)