Olympus High School Class of 2000 Alumni Website

So many pics and I could post a ton more. Best trip EVER!

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Best trip ever!

My parents gave us a zoo pass for Christmas and the girls and I have been dying to go. On Wednesday we bundled up and headed up to the Hogle Zoo.
A lot of the zoo is under construction right now since they are in the midst of completing a whole penguin/seal/polar bear habitat called Rocky Shores. We walked by the fence and saw all the posters with renderings of the finished area and it looks super cool. Can’t wait to visit this summer and see it for real!

Despite the chill, it was sunny and nice. Amelia was in heaven watching all the monkeys. She kept saying, “woo, woo, hee, hee” (her monkey noise). We were excited that a lot of the animals were up and moving around. There were also a lot of keepers in the areas with the animals- cleaning and feeding. We got to say hello to one keeper while she fed the big tortoises.
Lyvia thought that was neat to see the people who take care of the animals. She asked a lot of questions about what it takes to be a zoo keeper. I think we’ll be looking for some books at the library about this!

The tigers were especially active and we got to see them walking around, having a drink and playing with each other. So cool! They are huge and it is neat to see them so close. (And not sadly pacing the bare concrete cages like when I was growing up!)

The elephants were also out eating and Millie was thrilled with the baby elephant. She really wanted the baby to get the big ball…but the baby wanted nothing to do with the ball, he was busy eating. Amelia kept yelling, “Baby- BALL!” No reaction from the elephants, but lots of laughs from the other zoo patrons!

Of course, the whole time Lyvia was begging to go to the giraffes. Lyvia loves giraffes. I don’t know how or where it began- but she loves those tall guys! The giraffes did not disappoint! The zookeepers had attached big tree branches in the food pens for the giraffes to snack on.

It was so cool to see their long blue tongues break off branches and strip the leaves. I sat on a bench to rest the sore foot while both girls watched, completely fascinated, for a good 40 minutes. (For some reason, Lyv did not want to look at me for a picture. “I’m watching the giraffes, Mom. I can’t look at you.” Oh well, you get the gist of it.)

Then we had a little snack while watching the giraffes, imagining who was the mom & dad, what their names were, if they would grow any bigger and what their spots sort of looked like.

We finished off the trip with a ride on the carousel. Amelia riding the bear (how appropriate for Millie Bear!) and Lyvia choosing the speedy Kangaroo (they’ve been learning about kangaroo’s at school this week).
All in all- a wonderful day at the zoo!

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chillin’ at the zoo

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My budding model

 

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Christmas 2011

It finally snowed and I am happy. I was happy before but the happiness factor has jumped since the white stuff fell.

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Just cleaned the bathroom and tossed all the rubber ducks and squeeze toys into the trash. Over the past few months they have been developing some nasty, black scum on the inside. So whenever the girls would squeeze them- gross stuff would shoot out. Sick. I tried to bleach it out-but then realized that you can get 10 bath toys at Target for $5. New toys it is!

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While cleaning the bathroom, I also discovered that we have 6 mermaids in the tub. Amelia and Lyvia love playing “wild mermaids” in the tub. They each have a big mermaid and two “baby sister” mermaids. I love watching them play happily together!

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I made it to 29 years old before ever having a cavity. I cried when the dentist told me I’d have to get it filled. He felt bad breaking the news to me. He even apologized! I’ve now recovered and recommit to good oral hygiene for life.

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Pintrest is now sucking in all my computer time. I need to set my timer for 45 minutes and then walk away from the Pintrest! That being said- I LOVE it! I’m finding all sorts of yummy recipes, great crafts and easy sewing projects. Oh, it’s good stuff.

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Had a 40 minute chat with one of my best friends today. I love talking with friends. She really lifted my spirits.

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A question: Painting the basement TV room is high on my list. But moving all the furniture out is low on my list. Will this ever get done? Answer: probably not.

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Another question: My upstairs bathroom needs paint as well. We have sort of a blue/grey counter and bath surround. Any good ideas for a fun color?

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Found a bunch of cute valentine ideas for Lyv’s class and our friends & family. I think I’ll take some pictures when we start crafting….stay tuned.

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Must…finish….Brisingr….soon. For some reason this book is moving so slow this time around- but the last volume, Inheritance, is calling my name. I have two books from the library on my Kindle and there is a time crunch for reading them, too.

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All my Valentine decorations are up. My favorite thing is the red wooden mailbox my mom gave me a few years back. It’s perfect for “secret mail” between family members during February.

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I hope it snows again. Tonight.

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brain dump

Jake went to a figure drawing class yesterday, for the first time in a few years. And I stayed home and painted, for the first time in a few years. Turns out, we both still really like them. This is what I painted. It’s the van we lived in when we first traveled around New Zealand. So many good memories.

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We Had Fun Yesterday…

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Yep!

The Walk-In Tub: No worries about slipping in the bath and causing an awkward rescue from aforementioned neighbors.

The Chair Elevator: Really this is just a preventative measure for me around the home.

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am I old?

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T is for Tiger

A roaring fire…

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A few Pictures of a Sunday Morning…