The John Family Blog

I've known for a long time that there was a privately owned zoo nearby us, but finally decided to break down and buy a year-long membership for a few reasons.

1. Mikey needs somewhere to roam free outside and I'm tired of the park.
2. Once he turns three I'll have to pay to get him in so now is the time.
3. They just finished adding a huge aquarium.
4. It really is close. Just about the time Mikey is freaking out in his car seat, we're there. 15-20 mins tops.

Because daily admission is twice the cost of the phoenix zoo and the economy is down, sadly and happily enough, its like having my own personal zoo. It was a little busier on Tuesday, but today not so much.

The giraffes were really hungry when we went this morning. If I had three hands I would have fed him, held Mikey and taken a picture at the same time. Gross as it sounds, It was so exciting to be slobbered on by a giraffe. They have pellet dispensers and I used up our quarters feeding this guy.

Mikey and this little girl Emma followed each other around the aquarium. They really liked the penguins.

Mama pauses for a picture, Mikey says, "Lets go see more!"

Kangaroo walkabout

This hornbill followed us around as we looked at the ostriches. I think he was bored. His mate was hanging out with the antelopes.


Anyone is welcome to come with us sometime. Not that it helps that much, but I have $3.00 off coupons. I am planning on wearing out my membership before it gets too hot.

I so wish I had gotten more pictures. Same old story. This is Michael on his blessing day. His cute outfit was made by Josh's mom and Aunt Connie. It's the same one he wore in the temple for his sealing. Although he makes me crazy, I am so enjoying Mikey as a toddler. It goes by so fast.

Mikey found these the other day and insisted on putting them on. I think he looks like a go-go dancer.

I have a lot of random photos so I thought I would use them to give you a taste of a what Mikey and I like to do during the day.
Chris and Brooke lent us a lot of baby stuff when we first got Mikey (Thank you, Thank you!) and as far as I know, Mikey is the first kid to put some miles on this car. Its more like a Lazy-boy for him, and of course he needs the dog pillow as a back rest so he can curl up with a good book.

Mikey is fascinated with the dishwasher and I really wanted to get the dishes done so I just handed him the plastic stuff and let him load it while I washed the pans. Not bad for under two.

I can't believe I'm sharing this one, But on a bad day Mommy just lets Mikey play with the printer and put stickers on his face and whatever else he wants to do. The paper tray goes back on after all.

Mikey and I like to walk down to get the mail or go to the park. He remembers everywhere he's ever heard a dog or seen a cat.

Mikey loves shoes...a lot. If we come over and your shoes are missing, he's probably wearing them.