Arboretum Walking

We have GOT to get out of the house and take our minds off things.  Some time at the Arboretum always helps.  Come along and enjoy our walk --- we tried to get a few pictures with new perspective.

The test gardens

Ophelia is Four -- Family Time in Utah

10th -  Ophelia is FOUR today.  I cannot believe it.  Honest.  Our morning starts out quiet with a nice coffee and visit with Jen before heading over to Cassie's house for the day.  We have new swim outfits for the girls and a few things for John Paul too.

The BEST Birthday Surprise

8th -  It's another up, up, and away day.  We are en route to Utah and some time with Cassie for Ophelia's birthday.  Mister booked an unusual afternoon flight so our morning was calm and relaxed as we prepared to leave.  Now, we are on our way and we both have a great laugh at the map in front of us.  Do you see it?  Sure, sure -- ya'll see Douglas Pass, but how about Dolores River?  Hahahaha -- that is Mister's Mom.

Once we land, get our rental car, and check into the very large house Mister rented (???), Cassie calls and wants to meet at a restaurant for an early dinner.  Sounds great and after discovering that we have a waterbed in our room (to much giggling), we are soon on our way to discover that Amanda (with Abe), and Jennifer are there too.  What a wonderful surprise!!!  Through the course of our meal, I find out that Rhiana and Matt are on the way as well.  My sweet Mister put together this weekend as a birthday gift for me.  Now the big house makes sense.

Sunday Zoo Again

We absolutely have done what we said we were going to do yesterday.  We are back at the zoo and waiting for the hippos.  It is a BEAUTIFUL day out - nice and cool -- especially compared to yesterday.

As we wait for the hippos to enter, the water tech is standing nearby and we are able to talk with him for quite awhile.  He explains about how the power was off yesterday and in just that short time, they lost the clear water and it would take a few days to get it back.  He also explained how difficult it is at the zoo when they lose power.  Crazy.  Fortunately, he also has the inside track on a lot of the goings on with the hippos and could share a great deal of info there too.  Score.

Finally, here they come.

Saturday Zoo Morning

We have a weekend all to ourselves and have opted to combine some walking with some animal watching.  It's a member morning weekend at the zoo, meaning we can get in early and have some special moments.  It's a plan and off we go.

Upon our arrival, there is an encounter in the warthog habitat and thus our direction is set.  As we pass the elephants, one stops to stare right back at us.  Seems fitting.

The warthog keeper is full of fantastic information and we stay for almost 45 minutes gleaning as many facts as we can.  We remember when one of these was just a baby and can't believe how much time has passed since then.