The Hogle Zoo

Last Saturday we went to the local zoo. It had been on our list to do this summer, but we just didn't get to it. So we took advantage of the extremely beautiful fall weather and enjoyed the animals.

The Turkey


A Monkey


An Elephant


A Cougar


The Black Bear


Some Penguins


Giraffes


The Camels


The Gorilla named Mookie


How we each measure up




Taking a break on the rocks


Posing with the Gorilla statue


Crawling on the rope web


Riding on the Zoo Train

We Are Thankful at the Boys and Girls Club

The classes at the Boys and Girls Club got together to put on a little presentation for their families. The purpose was to recognize the things they are thankful for and to learn how to work in corporation as a group.
Here is the background for the performers.


Nicholas posing with Justin the Thanksgiving Turkey


The 3-4 year olds singing a turkey song.


The 5-6 year olds singing about pilgrims.


The 6-7 year olds including Andrew singing about Thanksgiving.


Nicholas' class putting on a skit. Nicholas played the part of Grandpa.
After the performance the children shared the Thanksgiving dinner they all helped to make. Andrew helped to make the fruit salad and Nicholas helped to make the mashed potatoes.

Miscellaneous

I'm not the food connoisseur that my sister Raenie is, but if I do say so myself the presentation of these Whole Wheat Pancakes does look quite pleasant. They were really yummy to eat as well.


Oh what an adorable family. You wouldn't believe or maybe those of you who know Andrew intimately would believe what it took to get this photo.


The Three Crazy Musketeers. Nicholas, Hyrum and Andrew


The other Three Crazy Musketeers. Nicholas, Lauren and Andrew


Well I must have conquered my fear. Yes it is I Mijken the arachnophobe holding our real live pet tarantula, Harry. I guess being there rescuing freaked out tarantula holders allowed me to be less afraid. It is a strange sensation. He is soft but also just slightly pokey as he grabs on with his claw tufts. Anyway here is the picture of the Millennium.

Crazy Antics and Extreme Bravery

Now that the boys have a pet spider, they have been practicing climbing the walls. They are actually getting really good and it is an excellent workout for them.




"Look at us everyone, we can stand on our heads."


Absolute insanity if you ask me, but they think it is so cool to let Harry crawl on them. The boys say it tickles and Andrew says that Harry is now a real pet because they can hold him.

Halloween and Outing with Grams and Gramps

Halloween was much enjoyed this year and we have enough goodies to last us for quite a while. I dressed up as a "dental witch" but forgot to have my picture taken so here are the spooky jack-o-lanterns and ghoulish villains.




Last Saturday Grandma and Grandpa rounded up the grandsons and took them to a display of trains, more trains and other cool displays. Here the cousins are having an enjoyable time together.

Harry and The Raggedy's

I have had the idea to do this for awhile but just never got it together to get it done. I finally made the goal to get this project finished in September. I almost made it but not quite. The finishing touches were completed on October 6th. So here they are made with lots of love for each of my nieces.

Raggedy Kenzie


Raggedy Ruby


Raggedy Emma who she named Jane


Raggedy Sierra



Nicholas and Andrew have been asking and asking and asking for a pet for forever and ever. I just didn't feel comfortable getting a cat or a dog for the expense, time they would require and the fact they would be left alone for so long. Saturday October 13th we were at a shopping plaza exchanging some clothing and there was a pet store close by. The boys asked if they could go and check out the animals. After our shopping was complete we headed over to see the animals. We headed over to the reptile area and there was a very nice employee there who was very willing to show the boys what kind of things were available. He got out a snake, lizard, tarantula and a couple of turtles for the boys to hold. I held all except, well you know. I asked about the care of each one and talked to the boys about what they would like. I thought it over and figured the tarantula would probably be the best since it just sits in a plastic box, doesn't need to be walked, doesn't need to be taken to the vet for shots, won't scratch the furniture, only eats $.12 crickets every 3-4 days, is very clean and doesn't make a sound. The boys agreed on the spider and they pooled their money together and had just about enough for everything that was needed. So far things have gone really well with their new pet and all the neighbor kids think it is really cool. So all of you who are daring enough here are some pictures of our new pet Harry, the rose haired tarantula.