We made the trip back from Grandma's house this morning. After picking up Amos from "the big house", the kids spent some time decorating the Christmas tree. I decided to let them do it however they wanted this year and I'm so glad they enjoyed putting their special ornaments up. These days go too fast. I'm glad we can enjoy them.
What a game! In my mind I can still hear Kent Pavelka (yes, I know he's not announcing Husker football anymore) yelling "Touchdown, Touchdown, Touchdown!" I am usually not one to get into football games because I think it's silly to get that emotionally involved in something that is supposed to be considered a game. That train of thought was slightly altered this year as one of my sons participated in football, HOWEVER, I adamently refuse--or thought I did--to get emotionally charged up for a game that is on television. I even went so far as to ignore most of the first half of the game in spite of the tingles that began as we drove down "O" Street passed all the Husker Fans heading for the game. Just moments before this, our oldest son and his uncle made the decision to exchange watching the game on TV for taking it in from the bleachers at Memorial Stadium. At almost the last possible moment, they hopped into Grandma B's car and headed for the shuttle to try and get some tickets. They got the tickets and the rest is history. It was an exciting game and was rehashed from every direction at Grandma B's house later that night.
I'm still feeling the warm fuzzies from being at the zoo this past weekend. It was great to experience it with some of our extended family! Here are some of my favorite shots of the day...
The birthday boy and Caleb.
The love of my life...
Hannah's butterfly.
Uncle Dirk and Noah.
Trouble working its way out.
Chloe.
The youngest and the oldest of the cousins.
I know I have a strange sense of humor but I couldn't stop laughing at this. And I even understand that you probably won't understand but trust me, it's funny. 
This is just cool. It's family and it's great.
You probably thought this was a post about life at our house, huh? After all, if you know us at all, you realize that often times our house seems like a zoo. Crazy and interesting, that is for sure.
Actually this time, I'm posting about an actual ZOO. :) We had the best time taking Will to the zoo on Saturday. It was so exciting to FINALLY get to take him, since he's been wanting to go for several more years than I care to reveal. He is an animal lover and he plans on working at the zoo someday. I pray that God will give him the desires of his heart because this is a such a big part of who he is.
Just going through the jungle part of the zoo made me homesick for Belize. The birds were beautiful. Who would have thought I would enjoy taking photos of birds?! I guess that is one more reason I'm happy with my age. I've reached the mark where it's okay to be 'different' and not care too much about it.
Now, you CAN NOT tell me that God does not have a sense of humor. This animal is just plain strange looking! *Thanks, God, I'm so glad you smile too.*
The piccary are some nasty creatures. We had them in Belize and usually stayed away from that part of the zoo. They are some of the nastiest smelling creatures I've ever known. But they still made me homesick. :)
Ah, the Jelly Fish. Another unexplicable creature. I could watch them for hours. But then the kids would probably lock me away.
After yesterday, I'm thinking there will be more trips to the zoo. Even if the kids have to do painful things like grow up and leave home, I'm thinking a trip to the zoo will always be something to consider. There is way too much beauty there not to go back and see.
Happy Sunday and God bless. By the way, have you been to the zoo lately???
I'm having a hard time acknowledging that my middle child is turning 15 tomorrow. Why does it seem like yesterday he turned five? I miss the little boy but I'm honored to know the young man. 
He doesn't need help with putting on his shoes and he quit drinking milk out of crayon cups a long time ago. But his eyes still sparkle with mischief and there isn't an animal that he doesn't love.
We celebrated part of his birthday tonight since we will be heading for the zoo in the morning. His brother and sister got him some great gifts--money from Cole and the next book in his current favorite series. Mom and Dad were a little more practical this year but a Wii game did get thrown in for fun.
Happy birthday, Buddy. Enjoy being 15!
It was a great day to have a day off of school and we made sure we enjoyed it! Ally couldn't seem to stay out of the kitchen, which is still a blessing no matter how messy of a cook she is. She had a few unrestrained moments as well. The guys hung out together and watched a long awaited movie and we even had time for some family games. 
