Phoenix Zoo

We went to the zoo today. The kids loved seeing all of the traditional animals, like monkeys, a baby elephant, a tiger,  lions, zebras, giraffes, big hairy orangutans, and even a real Big Bad Wolf. They also got to ride a carousel (although neither kid liked that) and play in some great caves and another play area with a bit of water Stephen found to splash in.

Sarah made a friend in the last hour we were there, another 3-year-old girl, and the two were holding hands and running around everywhere together, which was a nice added touch.

And on the way out, we noticed some things that we didn't manage to see, which means we'll have something to look forward to for next time.

Then back at home... Mama had some delicious beef and veggies in the crock pot, which we tore into like ravenous wild beasts. Yum!

Cold

We thought we were leaving the cold behind in Ohio when we returned to Arizona, but were welcomed by Arizona's worst cold spell in 25 years.

Stuff is freezing and pipes are bursting all over the valley (not ours, thank goodness.) Still, it felt slightly balmy after the cold and snow of Chardon, Ohio.

Playing On Couch

We had these (previously mentioned) couches that Mama had seen on the curb and wanted us to pick up. She eventually changed her mind after enough times of sitting down to about 18 inches below where you would normally want to. Now the couches are outside waiting for us to drag them back to the dumpster.

Great For Climbing

Yes, This Did In Fact Turn Out Badly

Way Too Early

Sarah (heard through bedroom door, early in the morning): Open your eyes! Bricela, open your eyes! Open your eyes, Bricela!

(Poor Bricela.)

Just Go, Mama

Sarah (entering kitchen with her Tia Bricela): Mama why don't you just go, because Bricela and me needs to eat, and play! So why don't you just go!

Mama (laughing): Um, OK Sarita!

(Sarah loves spending time with her aunt Bricela.)

Uncle Bo's RV

Uncle Bo has been working on a cool project designing and building awesome, high-end conversion vans (think miniature luxury motor homes).

Here is an article detailing some of the progress being done.

Bo And One Of The Vans On Our Recent Visit

Don't Go

Sarah (almost crying): Papa I don't want you to go to work because I want you to stay right here! Don't go Papa, I miss you!

(This has to be one of the greatest pleasures of having kids.)