ZOO VIPs

We got a special "backstage pass" visit to the zoo today.  Just one of the special privileges that the girls get to enjoy because of the work that their daddy does.  The girls got to feed giraffes, hippos and elephants.  I'm not sure who had more fun - the girls or me and Ben. :)  I've never touched an elephant before.  It was amazing! We've known for awhile now that Linkan isn't afraid of much...and now Palmer is starting to show the same signs.  I couldn't believe my baby girl walking right up and feeding the giraffes all by herself!?!

I wouldn't trade this day for the world.  It was so stinking cool!

Beaver Lake

After many invites, we were finally able to make it down to Keith's place on Beaver Lake in Arkansas.  It's only a 4 hour drive from us...although it took us 7 hours on the way there on Friday.  Sigh...that's just how we roll with two kids in tow. :)  It was worth it!  Most of all, it was great to spend time with our dear friend.  His place is just beautiful, with amazing views on a peaceful cove of the lake.  I really wanted to stay longer (forever)!  We took boat rides, threw rocks in the lake (Linkan's personal favorite), drove to the White River, took a long nap, drank good wine, ate big juicy steaks (and chicken, and hot dogs, and CHRISTMAS CHILI!! ha), and enjoyed the company of Keith and his lone companion, Kip (coolest dog on the planet).  It was a relaxing weekend - the perfect way to gear up for Ben's last chemo treatment on Wednesday. 

Linkan & Kip (man, she loves that dog!)

Driving the boat with Keith. Funniest story ever when Linkan throttled the boat before anyone knew what hit them.  Kip almost ended up in the lake and after the shock wore off, we couldn't stop giggling. 

Beautiful sunset cruise

Posing with our captain

Life is good :)

Snuggle bums!

Doing "chubby" on dad

Doing "chubby" on Palmer.

Lots of giggles

Kissy face!

Just doing what her dad told her to do. "Linkan, lick Palmer's face!"

Keith didn't think he was pretty enough for pictures but I made him do it anyway! ;) Love you, bud!

Mama is cool (I swear)

A month or two ago, I was in the kitchen brewing my coffee before the babies woke up. Turned on the tv to this Citi commercial and it instantly caught my eye because I recognized where they were filming. Afterwards, I got on YouTube to see if I could find it so I could show it to Ben. I knew he would get a kick out of the commercial because it was 2 climbers doing Ancient Art in Moab, Utah. This is the climb that we did for my 30th birthday. It was a surprise and boy, was it a BLAST.

Here is the YouTube video:



And here is a link to the blog post that I did almost 2 years ago:

Big n' Lil Posts: My 30th Birthday Surprise!

I'm mainly doing this so that I can prove to my kids, later on, that their mama is way cooler than they think. Actually, if we do this thing right...my girls will be leading me up a rock "later on". ;)