Perfect zoo morning

This last weekend Aaron left to go shooting at 6:00am. As I was waking up later that morning I decided I needed to take the kids to do something fun. We packed up the car and headed to the zoo. When I pulled into the parking lot there was a man directing traffic at 9:00am (that is when the zoo opens) I though "oh great it is going to be so crowded, I knew I shouldn't have come on a Saturday". So we headed in and saw there was an event for select health care going on, so once again I was thinking it was going to be a short zoo trip. Anyway as we made our way down the zoo path past the elephants, on to see if the carousel was open yet (it wasn't) we decided to walk down to look at other animals while we waited. From the kangaroo's up to the cat house, down around the giraffes we only saw 3 people, literally 3 people. I think it was my favorite zoo trip yet. All the animals were out pacing waiting for their breakfast, so we got to see all of them up close. The boys were so cute playing with each other and interacting with the animals. Hope next time is the same-luckily we have a pass so if it is not we can try another day. Melissa, sorry my trip was so successful and your wasn't. (ha, ha)

Out of breath

Did you know that as you play the bagpipes you have to use a continuous deep, deep from you gut breath. You can take breaks to do another breath, but it continues on with a deep, deep from your gut breath.
I had my secong bagpipe class - I really like it. I got my practice chanter and the reed is no good. I borrowed one of the teachers reeds and was able to make the correct sound, so now I need to find a specific brand of reed to make my chanter work right.
We practice the scale and some exercises, that seem tricky, but will be fun when I can do them. The teachers were telling us of different competitions that go on, they mentioned the world competition which is in Scotland, in August every year. I told Aaron we are going, it might be in a few years but we are going.
For those of you that do not like the sound of babpipes, well, frankly that makes me a little sad for you. (ha, ha)
Maybe some day I will hold a little concert me on the pipes Aaron on the drum?

Bear Lake

My friend just sent me these pictures from Bear Lake. We were there at the beginning of August. It was so much fun, I would have liked to have Aaron there to help me manage my kids, but it ended up working out. I went with three of my girlfriends and their kids - it was a mix of ages, and fun for all! Thanks for the invite Shelly.

Happy Birthday Van

Van wanted a birthday party again this year and I am not cut out to do a party every year.  I told him he could choose two friends to take bowling and get ice cream.  He chose two neighbor boys Badger and Shane.  He loves to play with them and they had a good time bowling (it was probably the longest game I have ever bowled).  

Here is a picture of the 3 goofballs.  I am so glad he has friends he loves to play with that live so close.

Pipers Piping

Well, I am not a piper yet but I am on my way. Who knows how far and how serious I am about playing the bagpipes? I did enjoy learning about them last night and I am now on a quest to find what is called a long practice chanter. Even the best of bagpipers use the practice chanter when they practice, maybe I could be semi-pro. Although I have not music reading ability the teacher said pipe players usually do not use sheet music to play, they learn just by watching and practicing. While I am waiting for my quest to end I can practice on a pencil, or pen.

Our teacher played amazing grace for us last night and said we should be able to play it by the end of class, we'll see? It is fun, and now I don't have to say "I am going to learn how to play those someday"

sounds of the scotts

Tonight I am starting a beginning bagpipe class. I am so excited and don't really know what to expect. I hope I am not the only one in the class, I am still not real clear on how I learn to play. Do I rent bagpipes, or what? I will let you know.
We are getting ready for Van's birthday on Friday and he is so excited to be 5, YIPEE!
I am really enjoying this time of year, it is still a little hotter than I would like, but I don't think it will be long before we are cooled off. Yea.

Has it been that long?

I decided to view my blog this morning and realized it has been a while since I have blogged. So here goes: I think life gets more crazy the older your kids get, not the more kids you have - I could be very wrong only haveing two, but every single night this week we have had some sort of event that does not allow us to just go home after school. It wears me out a little bit. Van started soccer and loves it so much, this year he has realized you have to work together as a team to get the goal. He is now happy when another teammate makes a goal instead of upset. My favorite thing will always and forever be the thumbs up from the field when he likes how things are going!
I was visiting with my friend Sarah yesterday and while I was trying to get my kids into the car with many times of asking, Sarah kept laughing at my kids short attentions span and I realized that although I am frustrated there is not enough time in life to really get that upset. Who knows maybe I will become stronger by physically carrying my 5 year old to the car.
As hard as this summer was chasing my kids around this summer, I am missing them throughout the day while I am teaching. I enjoy spending time with them each night laughing and playing.
I am going to end now, because I want to see what happens to my left nav when I enter a post in September, will all my August things change? I know it doesn't take much to get me excited.