Primary Program

Today was our Ward's annual Primary Program. The Primary Program is one of my favorite days at church. All of the children from age 3 years old to 11 years old sing songs and perform speaking parts based around a central theme. I love to hear the children speaking about Jesus and his teachings. The Spirit is always present when little children bear witness of the Gospel...I love it!

The entire Primary recited this years scripture, which is, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve;... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I absolutely loved hearing all of the children in unison speaking this simple truth.

This year Elizabeth is in a class called CTR 4. As a class, they stood and recited the following scripture, "If ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you." I am so grateful for Elizabeth's teacher and her willingness to answer the call to teach my sweet little girl. Each week, I am amazed with how much she has learned and how much more she understands.

After a little bit of a wait, Elizabeth was able to stand at the microphone to recite the scripture that she has been practicing. I am so proud. She spoke slowly, clearly, and loud enough to hear. She could not have done better and she said, "Noah obeyed the Lord when he built the ark. It was hard to build the boat and gather all of the animals, but Noah obeyed." A sweet spirit filled my heart as I heard Elizabeth's little voice fill the chapel. I am grateful for this experience!

The children sang Choose the Right, The Lord Commanded Nephi, and Book of Mormon Stories. Elizabeth did a great job and even did all of the actions...even though hardly anyone else did! I loved seeing her so happy. Throughout the program, Elizabeth kept looking at me in the audience. Her sweet smile warmed my heart! There is so much time, effort, and preparation that goes into this program. I am grateful for all of the leaders and teachers. I am sure that they are breathing a sigh of relief that it is over, but I am counting down the months and weeks until the next program!

Witch Hunt

Today the kids and I went on a Witch Hunt at Gardner Village. I love this time of year. The weather is a little bit cooler, the trees and flowers are changing, and the village does a great job of decorating.

Sydney, Elizabeth, Ashton, and Zachary were so excited to begin our witch scavenger hunt. Sydney was sweet and read all of the clues.

The other kids did a great job of looking for and finding each of the witches!

The kids had a great time running from one end of the village to the other. I loved watching them having so much fun! It makes me so happy to see them together. They are such good friends!

Can he be any cuter? I just cannot get enough of his little face!

Have I mentioned lately that I am totally in love with these two. I am so grateful to be their mommy. It makes me so happy to see them together. Not only are they siblings...they are good friends!

I had so much fun with these crazy kids. I had to admit that I am pretty proud of myself too! There was only one of me and there were four of them...and no one got injured, no one fell in the pond and I didn't lose anyone!

I'd say that our witch hunt was a success! We found all of the witches and earned free cookies from the Neighborhood Bakery too!

A Quick Trip to the Zoo!

Elizabeth did not have school today, due to SEP conferences, so we decided to spend the day at the Hogle Zoo. We love the zoo and look for any chance we can to go and explore and see all of the animals.

Since I have been watching my friend Rikki's little boy during the day, he got to come along with us!

Elizabeth seemed to love having a friend to run around with. They were great friends and went everywhere together. It was cute!

Elizabeth was so excited to show Ashton the new Rocky Shores section of the zoo. It opened earlier this year and Ashton as not been able to see it yet.

Elizabeth loves the Eagles...because her Papa loves Eagles! She had to make sure to tell Ashton about her Papa and about how much he loves Eagles. What a cute girl!

Zachary loved seeing the sea lions.

Isn't he so stinkin' cute! Love that boy!

We had a great time wandering around the zoo. Many of the animals were out and about. It is nice to come to the zoo in the Fall because it is not so hot...for us and for the animals!

We were able to see the Elephant Show. The kids loved watching the elephants following the commands of their handlers.

Elizabeth and Ashton loved this large Elephant. It plays music and then sprays water out of its' trunk.

 Zachary was not quite as sure about it.

I remember this lion drinking fountain from when I was a kid and would come to the zoo. It is kinda surreal to now watch my little girl drinking from that fountain...man, I'm old!

What a great day. I am so glad that we were able to get outside and expore the zoo. I love spending time with my munchkins!