Hey there.

Elise named him Todd.

If I ran the zoo...

It would be pretty similar to the Denver Zoo, I think.
I mean, of course it would have more Dr. Seuss absurdities, but as far as real goes, this was really fun!

They had a free day a few weeks ago, so we took the opportunity (along with hundreds of other people!) to go. I hadn't been since I was six, so I was really looking forward to it.

Daniel was our "map guy," and even hitched a ride on top of Kyle while directing. Daniel had lotsa fun; Kyle on the other hand didn't so much appreciate being thwapped on the head with the map every two seconds. I guess that's where being cute comes in handy, huh?

We watched the penguins be fed.

There was this really fun bird migration game we got to play, too! And no, Justin's not bowing. He's "pecking twenty times." We had to visit all these check points where they would give you directions on where to go next or what to do next. The best part was having to "die dramatically." Elise and I were the best at that!

We even got Kyle to play! But contrary to popular belief, he didn't win right away. He was eaten by a cat, had to start over, then he won.

We saw giraffes, too, but we're pretty spoiled when it comes to these guys. (Cheyenne Mountain's exhibit's way better.) But Denver tops them with their sea lion show! I now have another favorite animal. Her name's Lucy; isn't she cute?

We had a lot of fun, and we made tons of fun memories. But next time Daddy has to go with us!

It made me smile.

I love how life makes you smile.

The silly little nothings are some of the best nothings ever, really.

Like for instance....

We went to the library today, and we brought Justin along.

While leaving the library, Elise went to buy gumballs for everyone, cause she's amazing. So when we got in the car she divied them up. Now Justin does not live with us, so he would have no idea of Momma's absolute hate of "smacking."

Oh no he didn't.

Oh yes he did. :D

Poor Mom's over there cringing like it's nails on a chalkboard, and then....

"Ok, who's smacking?"

We all laugh and look at Justin, who immediately says, "Well, it's hard at first, so you kinda' have to."

I had to agree with him there and looked at Mom with a shrug. She said, "Okay, two minutes, then you're done!"

Now you may be good children who don't have any mischief running through your hearts, but sad to say, we are not. How could we resist?

Kyle, Elise and I just looked at eachother and the smacking begun.

Probably the longest two minutes Mom's ever experienced.

Love you, Levi!

October 3rd was my little cousin's birthday, and I had meant to post that day, but had sewing lessons with Mrs. Giedd.

So, now I get to tell you all just how much I love Levi. Which I really can't express with words! So I'll use pictures to give a hint to why I love him so much. :D

Swimming at Great Wolf Lodge.

Freaking Aunt Tam out at Niagra Falls, last year. (funny!)

Batting cages in NY, compliments of Aunt Tam.

See? I knew you'd understand after you saw those.

Another thing that just melts my heart about Levi is how much he loves Daniel. See for Levi, Daniel's name isn't Daniel. It's Buddy.

"Hey, Buddy!"

"G'night, Buddy."

"See you tomorrow, Buddy!"

"You can't do that, Buddy."
"Here let me help, Buddy."

Daniel's birthday was in September, and Abe and Levi both sent him presents. Can you guess what Levi's said?

To: Buddy

From: Levi

So, Happy 9th Birthday, and I love you, Levi! I pray that God blesses your coming year!