the living desert.

The kids were out of school today, and Jimmy took the day off.  It was one of those wasted days off.  Like the ones where you can't wait for everyone to just. get. out. of. the. house.  Is it me being being cranky pants or everyone else?  Unsure.  But I do know I am very much looking forward to tomorrow morning when the return to work and school arrives! 


We did, however, have a really fun Saturday and Sunday.  Jimmy took Ashlyn and Cam skiing, Andy went to play with his best buddy.  And Ava Carmel, Marm and I went to Build A Bear.  She has been saving her pennies to go there, and it did not disappoint!  (That would be Ava saving her pennies.)


We also went to what will be our new ward (church congregation), and we loved it.  Everyone was so excited to have a family moving in. With four kids, no less!!!  We will be giving a big boost to their primary (children's organization) numbers!  They made us all feel very welcome :). 


After we got home from church, we made lots of chocolate chip cookies and started working on some art journals.  These were sooo incredibly fun to work on, and I am so glad I stumbled upon them.  I will share some pictures once there is better light to take some pictures.  (It's been snowing today!)


So since today was crap-o, I will now reminisce about a rather enjoyable excursion we had whilst (I've been watching a Masterpiece Theater series) on our trip in Palm Springs.  Last time we went, a few years ago, we took the kids to The Living Desert Zoo, and they have not forgotten it, and couldn't wait to go again.


It's a really small zoo, but so nicely done, with lots of little paths and interesting vegetation to explore.  I think that is their favorite part.  They also have a fun playground, petting zoo and huge outdoor model train exhibit, and of course the animals.  My camera died after the first thirty minutes, so I don't have many pictures.  But here is what I snapped before that blasted battery light started flashing.

 

Oh it was so nice to feel that sun shining on our faces every day!  We didn't do much on this trip other than visit the zoo one afternoon, and relax and play in the pool every single day.  We also went for a little hike one evening, found the perfect bedspread for Cam's new bedroom, celebrated Andy's 8th birthday with breakfast at IHOP and a game of family tag at the park.  I was 'it' a lot.

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