Monkeying Around

I have been to the zoo many times and I do not ever remember having this much fun.  My eyes hurt from all of the laughing tears.  As my kids get older they get funnier, your not laughing at how cute and funny they are anymore, they actually say and do things that are funny.  They crack me up, especially teenage comedy.  The animals at the zoo were also very accommodating to our desire to laugh.

Knuckles to the pesky Peacock that joined us for lunch.  He was doing laps around our chairs.

At the amphibian building we found this great big bullfrog and out of the blue Maggie said, "I miss dad" (he was still in Prescott Valley).  It took us awhile and then we all started to sing, "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog".

There were so many babies at the zoo!  So cute.

This Orangutan gave me some extremely valuable parenting tips.  The kids said CPS should come in and take her baby but I say it's all part of the great circle of life. 

The polar bears had a pattern of action that I wasn't aware of so the kids taking advantage told me to ask the polar bear if I should be President to which he shook his head "no".  After that Spencer asked if he should be president and the polar bear shook his head "yes".  We had a lot of fun with this bizarre repetitious polar bear behavior.

They were encouraging Matthew to get on the statue with them and he was trying to convince them of how stupid they looked.  I was just trying to capture memories (and laughing).

Along with other funny encounters the gorillas had us laughing out loud.

Such amazing creatures!  We were always cautious though because the sign said, Beware the gorillas may throw things out of their exhibit.  I think we all secretly hoped that it would happen, never did, just some funny sounds and faces.  Can't forget the chest banging and nose picking.

We had a fantastic time that was unfortunately followed by an hour of being lost in Albuquerque.  I am truly grateful for the good times and hope with all of my heart that the kids forget the getting lost times.

Memories?

I want to say that going to the rollerskating rink brought back memories but there are NO memories of my past that include me trying to keep a 6 year old girl on her feet the entire time.  It was more of a reflection of motherhood than a trip back memory lane.  It made me reflect on all of the times I just want to break free and skate my butt off, just kidding.  I reflected on the magnitude of motherhood and how no matter how hard you try your kids are going to fall (and sometimes they bring you down with them, and it REALLY hurts and not just your pride).  However, Miss Kendal got very good at roller skating and eventually I am certain she will give me my hand back and roll on her own two feet.

We all had a great time, I love that we can laugh at each other without offense.  Each of us took our turn to do something absolutely ridiculous and totally note worthy.  I also caught my 14 year old picking his siblings up off the ground more than once, not taking into consideration the fact that he may have helped them get to the floor he was very gracious to stop and help them up.  I really think we have a good thing going here!

All Things P.V.

As the year comes to an end we usually take the time to reflect on the year left behind.    Oops this didn't get out when I had hoped.

Our time in P.V. has come to a close, so I want to take this time to reflect on all things Prescott Valley that we will miss.

Family
We moved back to my home town and were able to rekindle some great family relationships.  Of course there was drama but our last hurrah with my family at my brother's wedding in Laughlin will always be in my heart.

Hiking
The Prescott area is beautiful!  We love finding new hikes and revisiting old ones.  One of our favorites is at Lynx Lake, where the kids have the best time exploring, boulder climbing and bridge building.

 This particular hike we had just finished the Book of Mormon and decided to go to the woods and pray about it.  We had a little family testimony meeting, awesome experience.

Kayaking
This is our favorite summer past time.  A couple of our homeschool friends bought kayaks too and joined us for the fun.

Mountain Biking

Those trails in Prescott aren't just for feet!

Homeschool Friends
We have met the most spectacular families in P.V.  I am so grateful for the mom friends that I made and worked with during Project L.E.A.P.  They have been a fantastic home education support group as well as awesome friends.  The kids have enjoyed learning and interacting with their kiddos too.

Falling Leaves
Oh, how I love the Fall colors in P.V.  There is nothing like driving around the town and taking in the beauty of the harvest season.  The kids have learned the many ways to have fun in the leaves BEFORE the clean up begins.  I will miss my magnificent tree that I love to watch change colors and eagerly await for the leaves to return.

Snow
There is nothing more beautiful than the snow falling from the sky.  We open all of the curtains and blinds so we can see it everywhere we turn.  Cold weather outside and cozy fireplace inside.

Small Town Parades
There are some fun benefits to living in a small town especially when your dad's job puts you in direct contact with the town council.  We were invited to join his workforce in walking the parade and giving out flags.  The girls LOVED it!

Valante Academy of the Arts
We will miss Jan Luke, founder of Valante Academy.  She has been a wonderful piano and voice teacher.

My House
Oh I loved my house.... I will miss it dearly!

Goodbye Prescott Valley and hello Rio Rancho.