St. Louis Zoo

 A highlight of the trip to St. Louis, was the zoo.  It really is the most amazing zoo I have ever been to, plus it's free.  Favorites were the baby elephant, the hippos, bushdogs, sea lions, penguins, red panda, and I can't remember the rest.  We all got ice cream and Anna had to eat her cone with a spoon.  The 1904 World's fair was located in St. Louis, so some of the zoo originated then.  Great architecture.  Lots of waterfalls.  Great animals.  We all want to go back sometime soon.

Maggie's Lunchbox

The weekend before school started, we ran up to St. Louis to do a some school shopping, have a little fun, and hit the temple.  First stop was Maggie's Lunchbox for breakfast.  Really good food, literally nothing left on anyone's plate, and I think Maggie found a new car.   

Lawn guy

Jill's sunglasses + baseball socks and cleats + Zach = the greatest lawn guy ever.

first day of school 2012

 Back again.  Can't believe it.  Fourth time in Mizzoo.  Absolutely crazy.  

Even though we have done it before, we had some big changes this year.  

It made for some serious anxiety, but I think it will all be fabulous.

Sam headed off at 6:15 to make it to seminary with a little sunlight peering through.  Then, he was off to high school.  Whoa.  I can't wait to hear all about it. I'm sure he will be happy to share every detail.

 And, it finally came.  Jill started preschool with Mrs. Cawvey.  She has been waiting three long years for it to be her turn to stay and play.  She was absolutely thrilled and bursting at the seams.  Love that we drop her off to such a warm, safe place.  Half-way through class, Jill told Mrs. Cawvey that, "This class is way better than I thought it was going to be."

Mags has a smile on her face and I am super proud of her.  When I dropped her off, I asked her if she was going to be ok and she said, "Yah, I get to sit by Maddy."  Small things can be big miracles in our house. 

  

Case was excited to get Mrs. Kerley and even let me take his picture with her on the first day.  New record!  It usually takes a while to warm up, but not this year.  

 Zach took a lock to school to put on his locker and felt kinda big starting middle school.  

He walked in and I didn't see him again.  Guess that is a good sign.

 Anna had to be a part of pictures and asked if she could stay with Jill at school.  When we went to pick up Jill mid-day, I forgot to take Zach's lunch that he had forgotten.  I turned around and Anna screamed, "I don't want to go home.  We have to go get Jill."  Sometimes it's hard to be the youngest, Anna.

totally unexpected

After finding out that three of the Jones cousins and their families were going to be participating in the Nauvoo Pageant, the kids and I decided to take a totally unexpected trip.  It was a quick up and back, but definitely worth it.  We figured out that it had been seven years since we had last been face to face.  Crazy how time flies.  It was great to catch up and I had lots of laughs with Sher. (Like remembering how bad she used to scare me when we would sleep out on the tramp.)  Her kids are all great and I loved seeing Sher reflected in her two older girls.

The pageant was definitely a highlight.  I loved how the temple was the focus.  I gained a greater appreciation for how hot the pioneers were and my heart went out to all of the volunteers who had to wear flannel bloomers, petticoats, and pioneer dresses.  Yikes.  Sher shared some of her feelings about their week experience and I found myself in awe as she showed me the numerous chigger bites on her legs.  Wow.  

The pioneers sure did it all.  

Highlights were some of the same:  Trail of Hope, blacksmith shop, and pioneer games.  The fair before the pageant kept all 6 of mine completely engaged and we had such a great time catching up with cousins that gave up much to be a part of such an amazing event.  Thanks to the Jones clan for letting us invade and peer a little into a week of extraordinary things.

Silver Dollar City

 The kids have been waiting for three years to take Ron to Silver Dollar City, so when we had a chance, we whisked him away for an evening visit.  We got soaked, ate horrible fried food, got sick on the giant swing, whooped it up on the roller coasters, and laughed till way too late.  The highlight was Casey going on the biggest, fastest ride and barely living to tell the tale. (not the ladybug he rode for jill)  

We decided it is kinda fun to have a little time away with our dad.

Catch up

While in Utah, we were able to meet up with LaNae and the kids.  They are all wonderful and our kids fell back in love immediately.  Anna took to Weston and the girls thought the big girls were something pretty special.  It was fun to see them in person and hear about all of their dreams and plans for the future.  Thanks for letting us hang at the park and find a cool place to catch up.