mothers day & the zoo

mothers day was a little bit different this time around. i was surrounded by mothers but my children were hundreds of miles away from me! in a way, it was lovely (and i appreciated them so much more when i did get to see them!) but it was a bit sad not to have them around on such a special day.

church was at nine, and when the building isn't right down the street, you have to leave 30 minutes early! something this utah girl isn't quite used to :) but it was great, and the girls sang so well in their primary program. mike even sang with the elders quorum! he was full of surprises this trip.

after church, we had lunch, lounged a bit and then headed to the temple! it was another gorgeous day. we walked around, ate a yummy snack of popcorn, and took more pictures :) 

the whole group, minus mike & bekah. love little lainey!

i just realized the above two pictures are almost identical! just with different grandparents :)

love each and every one of these special "moms" in my life! so thankful for them.

sunday night, we celebrated sally's 3rd birthday so while the girls were napping we set up another fancy banner and got the cupcakes assembled into a castle! i also got to skype with my sweet family!! highlight of my day right there.

monday morning (our last day in OK) we packed up, and then headed to the zoo! when i told max i was going to the zoo the night before, he was really sad he had to miss out, and wanted to come with me. but i've promised him a trip to the zoo this summer...not quite the same, but almost :)

i haven't been to a zoo in a few years and i was surprised at how much fun i had! i felt like a little kid again. we got to see a peacock "trumpet" (they are loud!) and spread out its feathers, big huge grizzlies swim and scratch their backs on a tree (just like baloo on the jungle book!), elephants do all sorts of tricks, and a baby monkey with one arm swing in a tree. i had a blast :)

two komodo dragons peering out the window :)

told you! just like baloo.

we were so close to them at one point! it was crazy. they look so nice & soft!!

waiting for the elephant show to start & enjoying some lunch

rhinos are awesome!

and just like that, we were back on the plane flying to the beautiful state of utah!! i sat next to a very chatty guy from washington who i was able to share a little bit of my testimony with! it was neat. i was really bummed that i didn't have a book of mormon with me...you live and you learn! next time i fly, i will take one with me :)

by 7:45 pm i was reunited with my kids!!!! and it felt so good to be back.

congrats again, mike & bekah! so happy i was able to come celebrate with you.