Bear World 2013

Yesterday we went on our annual trip to Bear World. We arrived right when the gates opened, which ended up being a good choice. The morning was still cool and the bears had just been fed so they were really active and out walking all over. One was even climbing a tree:

We passed a bear that was scratching his backside on a pole, and Cooper dubbed him "Agent Scratchbum". (He's on a spy kick). After we drove through the park we stopped in at the gift shop.

We visited the baby bear cubs and watched them wrestle and fight with each other. I would've watched them all day, but the kids got "bored" so we headed to the petting zoo.

After shelling out quarters for animal feed, the kids fed the very friendly deer and goats. The animals would nip and chew at our clothing until we got some feed to give to them (very difficult with two deer nudging your hand our of the way so they can eat right from the dispenser). Cooper fed the deer and then chased the peacock, who would have surely pecked him if I hadn't distracted him with some chickens.

After "a long time" (12 minutes) in the petting zoo, the rides were open, so we headed over there. Bear World has five rides--very tame--but you would've thought the kids were in Disneyland. They rode each ride, a few of them twice, before the crowds got so big it wasn't worth the wait anymore.

After two more drives through the park we left Bear World. We had a lovely lunch at Wendy's (thanks for the coupons, Mom), then took a 45 minute bike ride. Everyone had fun, got sunburned, and very tired.

 The rest of the day we ran errands, visited the library, read outside, and lazed around to "rest our pooped legs", as Cooper said. It was a good day!

Please visit Amelia's blog for more of her experiences in Bear World.

Career Change: I'm Gonna Be a Bon Jovi Roadie

Have you ever had a life-changing moment? An experience that alters the very path you have set for yourself? A short window of time when something happens that's so profound, so soul-touching, so infused with complete and total rightness that you simply can't ignore its influence?

I am quitting college to become a Bon Jovi roadie.

Okay, that's stretching the truth a bit, but I truly had the most fun I have had in years at the Bon Jovi concert Wednesday night. It was my very first concert, and will likely be my last.....I just don't see how anything can possibly top those two and a half hours. But, let's start at the beginning, shall we?

My friend Shari and I arrived in SLC about 4pm, checked into the hotel, and quickly glammed ourselves up for our night out:

Good thing we took a picture here, because the Idaho wind followed us throughout the night and wreaked havoc on our carefully styled hair. we traversed the massive City Creek to find Cheesecake Factory where I had possibly the best sandwich I've ever eaten and cheesecake with strawberries as big as golf balls. We made our way to the arena and saw this:

Yep, that's the line.Luckily, we found a much shorter one on the other side of the building. After going through a metal detector, we found our seats by 6:45pm, ready for the 7:30pm show. By 7:20, we noticed the lack of people in their seats. Upon asking the usher, we found out the show had been postponed until 8pm. So, we left our seats and walked around a bit. I thought about buying a t-shirt, until I saw it cost more than a tank of gas, so I opted out. Memories would have to suffice......and oh, they do.

We found our seats again and got ready for the show to start. Having never been to a concert, I was amazed at how LOUD everything was. People, speakers, instruments, etc. There was little I could do other than be just as loud. The band came out on stage and rocked the place for a solid two and a half hours. Let me tell you, the phrase "you had to be there" is all I can think of. The roar of the crowd, the songs, the jokes, the atmosphere, EVERYTHING added together made it just flat out amazing. Wish I could've recorded the whole thing to re-live over and over!

This is the best picture I have of the concert, and it doesn't even begin to do it justice. Bon Jovi may be "up there" in years to some, but I'm here to tell you they can still rock out just fine! Jon really knows how to play to an audience (he's had 30 years of practice). Also,  I'm pretty sure he pointed to me a few times and winked when heard me screaming his name.

After the concert we got back to the hotel along with a few groups of fellow (inebriated) concert-goers. If someone yelled "Bon Jovi!" They would yell "Yeah! Woooo!" That was almost as fun as the concert.

I am soooooooo grateful I could go and experience the most fabulous 2 1/2 hours I've had in a long time. Thank you to my parents for watching my kids so I could go. I will truly remember it forever!!

Cooper Turns 6!

Cooper Flynn turns six years old today! Let me tell you, the last six years have been full of fun, laughter, excitement, and frustration. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. Cooper is such a funny, quirky, mischievous, and good-hearted boy. He gives the very best "Cooper hugs" and treats his sister with kindness and love in between teasing and antagonizing her. He is the best son a mom could ask for and constantly pops out with funny comments or observations. I can't imagine how dull our lives would be without Cooper! LOVE YOU!

Cooper, 4 months.

Cooper, 18 months.

Cooper, age 2.

Cooper, age 3.

Cooper, age 4.

Cooper, age 5.

Cooper, age 6.

                                          He's a superhero in my book! Happy Birthday, Coop!

Easter 2013

The Easter Bunny came on Saturday, which also happened to be Amelia's birthday. It was a full, crazy, fun day. Here are a couple pictures of the kids:

I just want to point out to all of you who truly know me......I didn't say a word about Amelia wearing a pink top with red pants, although my anal-retentiveness/OCD was going nuts. Be proud.

                We also went to get Amelia's pictures taken in Idaho Falls. Cooper was quickly bored:

After the pictures, Cooper went back to Nana and Bompa's house with them and Amelia and I began the marathon shopping experience. I tried to get her to pierce her ears. but as we walked into the store a little girl was getting it done and just sobbing. Amelia took one look at her and vowed she's be 35 when she pierced them. Not a bad idea....once she's been through child birth ear-piercing will be nothing! After shopping we went to Blackfoot to have cake, ice cream, and pick up Cooper.

Lynnli. We are BFF's....as long as I don't have on my boots. Or they're laying anywhere in the vicinity. She had been really sick with RSV and an ear infection for about two weeks before we visited. Personally, I just think she missed me.

 

Sunday was Easter:

Cooper and Amelia in their Easter clothes. We tried to get Cooper to wear a yellow tie, but he was firm in his belief that yellow is a girl color.

Amelia isn't more than three inches taller than Cooper....she just had on one inch heels!

Ah, sibling love.

Life is moving right along.......it's finals week, Cooper's birthday on Saturday, the BON JOVI the week after!! WHOOOEEEEE!!!