Zoo outing with Grandpa Peless

 

While daddy was hard at work studying for his class we decided to leave the house so he could have quiet time. Grandpa took us to the Saginaw Children's Zoo. Micali and Eli loved the train, and carosel the most. We went in the afternoon and it was pretty hot. It seemed that most of the animals were sleeping. It's a great place for the kids, there are a combination of zoo and farm animals and there isn't too much walking. My favorites are the kangaroos and the monkeys. Elijah rode the carosel 3 times and was so sad when we had to leave. I think we will be going back there to visit before we leave Michigan.

Nauvoo Family Reunion

 

We met up with part of my family in Nauvoo. We rented a huge bunkhouse and had a great time all staying together. THere was lots of late night partying, yummy food, talking, ice cream, wrestling. A great time was had by all. Sad I didn't take more pictures but was preoccupied with a sick Eli. Now 2 weeks later and another Dr. visit I think that his ears should finally start feeling better and hopefully we can all get some sleep.

Random Roadtrip Pictures

 

We have been traveling........
We drove from Utah to Kansas, Kansas to South Carolina, South Carolina to Virginia, Virginia to Indiana, Indiana to Illinois, Illinois to Michigan. Along the way have have seen lots of great places and soooo many great people. It has been great spending time with so many friends we haven't seen since getting married. The kids did great traveling. In the picture you can see that KFC macaroni is not a good choice for eating while buckled in. Oh well it kept him happy for a few miles.

Myrtle Beach!!

 

 

 

I don't have time to do this post justice but I just have to say that Myrtle Beach was AWESOME. We totally loved it. I know it helps to have great friends to vacation with but this place was totally family friendly also. A great place to visit with young kids. We had a blast soaking up the sun. I think the pictures show just how much fun we had.

Marie Samyn Westhoff

 

My grandma Westhoff died on June 1st. We were fortunate to be in town to attend her graveside service. She had a very contagious laugh and taught us all the importance of hard work. I remember going over to her house and sheering sheep, milking goats, and her HUGE garden. I am happy that she can no reunite with Grandpa who has been gone for nearly 20 years.

Preston's Birthday Party

 

WAY back on Memorial Day we were able to go to Preston's birthday. It was great to see family and Micali especially liked feeding and riding the little calf.

Three going on Fourteen

Micali is growing up way to fast. She has been surprising us lately with a few things she has decided to do on her own. My favorite of which is listening to her say her own prayers.

She started last Wed. at lunch when I we had just sat down to eat. She said “Mom, let’s pray. I will say it all by myself.” She did it! Her prayer was very simple. She was thankful for the food and wanted Daddy to come home soon. Since then she has prayed by herself at some meals, before bed, and in her class at church.

Last week in church she was also suppose to say the scripture in her primary sharing time. It was John 14:15- If ye love Me, keep my commandments. I was trying to help her practice it.

Me: If ye love me

Micali: IF I love you

Me: Keep my commandments

Micali: Keep your mandments

It made me smile. Eventually she realized she was suppose to repeat exactly what I said. After a few times she had it memorized and went around the house saying it all the time. She was so excited when it was her turn to get up and say her scripture however, just like the prayer and the talk she was suppose to give, I ended up saying it while she stood at the pulpit with her hands over her face. I am sure one of these times soon she will surprise me and won’t even need my help when she is asked to do something in primary.

This morning she asked to take her own shower. She is totally afraid of me washing her hair when she takes a bath. On Sunday she showered with me and washed her hair in the shower with out any fuss. Today she did the same thing---all by herself. Totally surprised me. The only thing she needed me for was to turn the water on and then off when she was done.

She came out, got dressed and asked me to blow dry her hair. My little princess is growing up so fast. It is fun to see her gain self confidence and realize how much she can do with out mom and dad’s help.

Here she is this morning after getting her hair dried:

A summer buzz for Eli

I held out as long as possible in cutting Eli’s hair. I was enjoying his curly red locks of handsomeness. He was so CUTE. I think partly I was hoping he would stay my little baby boy with his longer hair. It hadn’t been cut since a few months before Abigail was born.

 

Now he is ready for our summer full of fun! He is also still as cute as ever. And as a side note he doesn’t really like getting his hair cut. Especially after it being so long between cuts.

Abigail is 3 months old!

We sure do love this girl. She is beginning to be a great sleeper. She goes to bed around 8 wakes up once to eat and sleeps again until 8. I am sure enjoying getting more sleep. She loves her snuggles from her sister and sometimes from her brother when he does it nicely.

 

 

Daddy and his Girl

I love watching daddy play with his little girl. There is definitely a special bond between them.