Serenity Now

A couple of weekends ago our family was given the opportunity to go to the zoo on a special night. We started out looking at the monkeys and the Madagascar animals. On our way back to the pavilion for dinner which was provided for us we bumped into a giant germ and some other friendly mascots.






no... Wannabe did not want to touch the snake...




The boys were determined to have their faces painted. Most of them chose tigers but Sheriff wanted to be a bear.






As Smiley was getting his face painted I was trying to determine what zoo animal his makeup artist had chosen for herself. Or perhaps she was going to a wedding later. Right April? hahaha!!!


We had a great time at the zoo and there just wasn't enough time to see and do everything. The boys really enjoyed the bird show of course and the elephant show where the elephant showed off her tricks.

Brett wasn't able to go with us because this evening was special invite only and we were given 5 tickets (you could not purchase additional tickets). I must say that I was a little nervous about taking 4 boys to the zoo without backup (Brett) but I managed just fine. I would have been MORE nervous to send Brett with 4 boys. hahaha!!!! (I know Brett will read this and say "HEY!!!!")

This past week was a Lake Powell marathon. We went down with friends and then we were joined by family at the end of the week. Lake Powell is an integral part of our summer fun and this was our first family trip for this year.

Although I try to get there as quickly as possible (I HATE the drive) ... once there, I'm not in a hurry to do anything. We do things at a more leisurely pace. There is no rush to relax.... just kick back and do things like...

play -






go off the slide -





ski -


molecule -




chill out -





cliff jump -


go for a boat ride -


fish -



This is a view of Navajo canyon when our boat was racing down looking for a great place for a canyon lunch.



This is a view of Navajo canyon a couple of days later as we were being towed out when our boat broke down.



I not only survived 8 days at Lake Powell (I don't usually go that long) but I had a great time. Thanks to friends and family for coming and making it a great trip!

I'm creating my own saying... Desperation is the mother of invention. I'm tired of Smiley's clothes being all over the floor of his bedroom because he has no dresser anymore. I purchased a dresser from Ikea last weekend but with going between two homes trying to move things, paint, and unpack, assembling the dresser has not been top priority on Brett's list and frankly I can't read instructions of ANY kind. I can't assemble toys, furniture, or even a coordinating outfit.

So it is no wonder that a pile of this...


is very intimidating to me. Instructions of any kind are gobbldigook to me. Sheriff can assemble Bionicles and that to me is amazing. Don't ask ME to do it.

Brett assembled the frame to Smiley's dresser last night and I helped him with one of the drawers. It was getting late however and we turned it for the night. I wondered this morning if I could remember how to assemble a drawer and decided to try it out with these tools...


I didn't have a hammer so my meat tenderizer had to do instead. again... Desperation is the mother of invention (our hammer is at the old house.)

No one was more surprised than me with the result...


Actually I think Brett will be pretty surprised. Come to think of it the boys were probably wondering why I was ignoring all of their screaming, crying, toy throwing and messing around for an hour. They probably thought my super hearing was broken or something. Remember ... all moms have a super power... mine is super hearing.

I think we sometimes surprise ourselves when we try something new. I certainly surprised myself. I was also surprised with what was left over...


hope the dresser doesn't fall apart!!!