Wednesday Again--The Zoo--And Other Animals!

On our last day in Utah, we went with Devan and Amanda's families to the Hogle Zoo.  It had been a LONG time since we had been there, and most of it had been updated, for the better, though we did find the classic lion drinking fountain!

The indoor monkey enclosure seemed the same, too.

This gorilla wrapped himself up in a blanket!

This one was eating snow!  That something we've never seen at the Dallas Zoo.

Six kids on a statue!

Bald eagles!

Swimming seals!

Tigers!

(Gracie's pictures)

Sweet monkeys with their tails entwined.  (Can you see all four?)

(These monkeys were particularly cute.)

All the kiddos--

In the back: Benson, Tessa, Caytie, Gracie, Scott, and Ross

On the male lion: Georgia, Collin, Ema, Luke, Naaman, Gideon, and Ellie (stroller: Jacom)

On the female lion: Zady and Claire

We went to McDonalds for lunch, and then just our family headed back to the This is the Place Monument for a bit.  The temperature was dropping, so while this was interesting to see, we spent most of the time in the gift shop before heading back south.

It was fun to see this flock of deer on our way out.  The monument is across the street from the zoo, so I wonder if the deer ever go visit over there??

Devan and Kim were so kind to invite everyone over for tacos that evening.  We enjoyed visiting with everyone one last time, and also hanging out with their unusual pets.

And then...we had to go back and pack everything up to prepare for our early morning trip to the airport.  We were sad to leave our three big kids again, but we knew they had good things ahead for them.

Texas, here we come!

 

Tuesday Again--Temple Day

January 2, 2024

Provo City Center Temple

On this crisp, bright morning, Emma and Gracie went through the temple to receive their own endowments.  I was able to escort Emma, and Grandma Roper escorted Gracie.  It was such a beautiful morning.  They were so prepared, and so well-taken care of.

This was not everyone that came to the session, but we were happy for everyone who were able to come to support them.  My momma heart is full.

We went back to the Ropers to get the rest of the kids, and had a late lunch/early dinner at Golden Corral with Sudoku challenges with Grandma and Grandpa, and then spent the evening at the mall.

 

Monday Again--Happy Birthday, Grandma Stay!

On January 1st, we gathered to celebrate what would have been my Grandma Helen Stay's 100th birthday.  My Uncle Tim Stay hosted, and it was great to see some of my family that I hadn't seen in many, many years.  My parents (and other family members) were able to join us on Zoom.  We all  brought food (including some of Grandma's favorites), and each of the siblings, and some others, got up to share memories of her.

My kids got creative with their cheese wax...

I took these pictures from Patti's post

Talking with my Uncle Greg Stay

Patti

My cousins David Stay and Karen Stay Ahlstrom

My cousins Ali, Maggie, and Mica, and their dad Tim

They had a display of some of my grandma's favorites (Shredded Wheat, oranges, Fudge Sticks, etc.), the torch she carried in the torch relay for the Salt Lake City Olympics, and a painting my mom's cousin Laura Lee Stay made.

Everyone thought the couple in the background looked a lot like my grandparents.  I agree.

Here's a picture of them on the beach that my cousin Heather took long ago.  All that's missing is their red umbrella.

Back at the Ropers, we were trying out some stocking stuffers...

That is supposed to be a penguin mask--ha ha! 🐧

That evening Ben and I joined all his siblings, their spouses, and Grandma and Grandpa for dinner and a gift exchange.  We were only missing Kelly and Derek.  Good food and great company!

 

Saturday and Sunday--New Year's Eve!

We were able to drive by the new Orem Temple several times.  Unfortunately the open house had already finished, but the dedication wasn't coming until the end of January, so drive by was all we could do.  It adds a spot of prettiness along the I-15.

Jessica's boys invited our kids over for the evening.  Benson joined Colt for a Deacon's game night, and Tessa and Caytie went with Rhett to a devotional and a New Year's dance.  (Scott, Emma, and Gracie met up with Amelia Michaelis for dinner, and then saw the new Willy Wonka movie.)  Ben and I were able to meet up with Jeff and Kristen and Carl and Jennie for dinner at the Texas Roadhouse.  It was great to be able to talk and eat with them for a couple hours.  We finished the night back with Jessica and Golden, helping with a puzzle until the movie the kids were watching was done.

Everyone knows how much the Ropers love Halloween.  This guy was even part of the Christmas decorations, sitting on a pumpkin with a Santa hat, until his pumpkin got shot by some nerf pellets.  (Which two boys could have done that??)  He got brought back to the basement, and struck quite the sassy pose.

On Sunday we had waffles for breakfast.  Grandpa was still not feeling well, so we went with Grandma to church.  During Sunday School we had a discussion about how to have a more joyful experience while at church.  I think for me, I just need to look for they joy.  It's there.  That's why I keep going.

After church we stopped by the cemetery next to their church building to see where my Stay grandparents are buried, and where the Roper grandparents have plots.  The Danielson grandparents have plots there, too, but I don't know where.  A cemetery is a place of conflicting emotions.  We deeply miss those who have gone before, but there's also hope--and comfort and joy because of what that baby Jesus grew up and did for us.  There is so much love.

We helped Grandma prepare a bunch of snacks/fruits/veggies/dips, and then got into our Christmas jammies to take some pictures, as we had forgotten to do so earlier.

We headed up Hobble Creek Canyon to go to Liz's family's newly completed home.  It's pretty amazing, but way, way in the mountains.  We all brought food and games and settled in for the evening.

They have a slide to get down to the basement! ☺

At midnight New York time (10 pm Utah time), we gathered to watch the ball drop and brought out the Martinelli's.  2024 is going to be a good year!

After a while, we were ready to head back to the Ropers' home.  Ben had to drive carefully because of the deer on the road, and any hidden ice.  We were able to officially welcome the new year in the car, watching the fireworks all around us.

🎉2024, here we come!🎉

PS--here's a cute collage my phone made for me: