Easter = Awesome

We had a great Easter this year with lots of family gatherings and easter egg hunts. Simon is now requesting that we do an Easter egg hunt every day.

The Easter Bunny was generous.

Zoo Time

We took our first trip to the zoo for this year. Simon was a little bummed that the elephants weren't on display, but he was well entertained by the giraffes.

Other things going on that you may or may not care to read about:

- Ryan is just wrapping up the last class requirement he has to take, and is preparing for his big formal committee review test thingy (he can tell you what it's formally called, but it's a big deal and it's tough) for May.
- Simon can now recite most of the abc's (with a little help at times) and can count to ten. We were at toddler time at the library yesterday and someone said 1-2-3, Simon then yelled "4-5-6-7-8-9-10!" He is one smart little cookie. He's also doing very well with the potty training. It's rare that I have to change poopy diapers anymore. So nice. :) He is getting excited to celebrate his 2nd birthday in a month!
- Chloe gave us a scare the other day. She was limping severely and after researching and manipulating her leg we were worried she had elbow displasia (according to the breeder her parents were both certified, but after dealing with this breeder over the past couple years, we don't exactly take their word on everything). Thankfully everything is good and she's feeling better!
- We've been doing a lot of mini-golf lately thanks to some discount passes we bought. These passes are what we have to do this summer (it includes tickets to baseball games, season pass to a waterpark, unlimited access to a fun center nearby, etc.). So far, I think they were worth it. Something like this gives us a lot to do over the summer and helps us stick to our tiny budget. Thank you Daily Deals!

"Porgie Georgie"

We'll Miss You Grandpa

James Jennis O. 1919 ~ 2011 James Jennis O. passed away in Bluffdale Utah March 22, 20ll.He was born August 11, 1919 in Boneta, Utah to James L. and Delva Lovisa O. Married Helene J. November 29, 1941 in Altonah, Utah later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. James leaves a legacy of integrity and willingness to serve to all who knew him. He loved the outdoors and was happy hunting, fishing, or working in his garden. He worked as a heavy duty mechanic for Landis,Wheeler Machinery, and later founded and operated a successful business, Eighth West Welding and Repair. Enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country in the Pacific during World War II, and in later years actively served with the American Legion. He gave steadfast service in his church as scout leader, priesthood leader, temple worker, and fulfilled an LDS mission with his wife in Palmyra, New York. Preceded in death by his wife, brother Kendall, sisters Faun P., Ina J., and grandson David O. Survived by children Gloria B., Shauna (Harold) B., Roland (Vonnie) O., 16 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren.

Vegas

We took a last minute trip to Las Vegas to see Tuck, Amy, Jill, and Cooper while they were in town visiting family.
Simon thought it was pretty exciting this visit.
We took him to see the lion exhibit at the MGM Grand. Of all the times I've come to Vegas, I'd never gone. It's pretty cool!

Then we went over to the Bellagio Gardens. They had a butterfly habitat that was really beautiful.

Days after the trip Simon still gets excited and says things like: "I saw a Lion!" "I saw a butterfly!" - He's very big into making complete sentences now. Sometimes the words get a little jumbled, but it's so cute to watch him concentrate on getting all the words right.
It was great to see Tuck and Amy and finally meet baby Cooper. Glad we got a chance to see them!

Here Comes the Fun Part

During the Sacrament prayer on Sunday Simon suddenly decided to yell, "BYU Jesus!"

Other developments:
-Simon loves his "Tebby Bear". He takes it most every where with him and lives vicariously through it. It's not Simon who slams doors or bangs on the wall, it's "Tebby Bear".
-He has moved passed the "no" phase and on to the "no way!" phase.
-Still loves to harass any ducks he can find, but now he says he's trying to snuggle them.
-Believes everything is related to an elephant one way or another. We've got "elephant toast", an "elephant dog", an "elephant dump truck" (Which was first imaginary, but then Musmy found a real one and sent it to him for Valentines Day. Totally blew his mind!), an "elephant slide" at the park, etc. You get the idea.
-Has started singing. His favorite songs are Happy Birthday, Snuggle Puppy, Bunny FooFoo, and the Bumblebee song.

We love this boy.

I'm Wishing

Simon was given a potty for Christmas. He thinks it's the greatest chair in the world. :)

He picked out a potty book at the library the other day, and now he wants to be like the little boy in the book. He'll tell me he wants to go potty, and we'll have him sit on it. Surprisingly we've had a few successes! It seems like he really wants to do it, but I'm a little worried that he doesn't quite have the coordination for it all yet. I guess if he really wants to accomplish it I'll help him out! Goodness knows I would LOVE for him to be out of diapers. :)