Adventures at the Wildlife Zoo

It's spring break for our kiddos this week and David also has the week off from work, so we decided to take the kids to the Wildlife Zoo. We also went with my parents and my brother Sean's family. They have added many extra features at the Wildlife Zoo and there is so much to do and see. The kids really enjoyed themselves and the weather was beautiful.

This is a baby spider monkey. It was the most playful and entertaining little thing.

I will never understand how they can sleep standing up on only one leg!

My brother Sean and my nephew Brendan

This is what a teenager does at the zoo !!!!

David feeding the giraffe

This little mommy monkey was the cutest thing. She just had this baby about three weeks ago. She was nursing the baby in the middle of the cage and we were all trying to get a glimpse of her sweet little baby and all of a sudden she walked over and proudly showed off her little one. It was the cutest thing. She is definitely a proud momma. My niece Rosie pointed out that the baby monkey has human ears :)

Ciera and my niece Rosie having a conversation, while watching the meerkats

My Mom and the Twins

Ariana was pulled in the wagon alot, she is still nursing a bad knee injury from her field day at school.

Cherish enjoying some of the wildlife

My Dad taunting the ostrich, she doesn't look too happy

The girls got to feed and pet the Lamas

The Lamas loved the dry leaves

The white tiger is beautiful

Happy Birthday to a Wonderful Mother

Last week was my mother-in-laws birthday. We decided as a family to hold celebrations for her in Arizona, Utah, Texas and Michigan. My sister-in-law Julie made sopas and I made a pineapple upside down cake, which was one of her favorites. It was nice to sit together and remember a wonderful mother, and grandmother. We are grateful for her shining example and for the wonderful legacy she left.

Calling All Girls Camp Experts

Well, I have been called as the 3rd Year Certification Leader at camp. I have only been to girls camp as a leader once and that was as a cabin mom. I NEED ADVICE! I have received some wonderful training, but could use some help coming up with some creative ideas for teaching the girls certification. The YCL's will teach the different areas, but I really want to make it fun for the girls. Any advice, comments, words of encouragement will be gladly accepted :)

Cherish turns 12!!!

I can't believe it has been twelve years since I gave birth to my second daughter Cherish Elizabeth Olivas. She was born on February 7, 1997. She weighed in at 9lbs 8oz and was 21 inches long. Wow, what a difference it was having Cherish because Chelsea weighed only 5lbs 6oz. Cherish was born with the chubbiest cheeks I had ever seen. She was such a doll and the nurses couldn't get enough of her (or should I say her cheeks!) Cherish is a wonderful daughter, who has many talents. We are so grateful for her in our family.

Cherish at Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma's property in Pine, AZ fourth of July weekend

Cherish started her own business this past year. It is called Cheri's Treats, Triple C Inc. They make custom cakes and cupcakes. She is such an entrepenuer.

Cherish loves her dog Twinky. She had begged for a dog for over 2 years, she even saved all her money to buy dog toys and a dog tag, which read "Twinky". We found the best dog ever a year and a half ago. They truly love each other.

Cherish on the beach in 2008

Cherish loves Goofy. Her Grandpa surprised us all with Breakfast at Goofy's kitchen this past year on our family trip to Disneyland.

Happy Birthday Cherish, we love you very much and are so grateful for the beautiful and talented daughter that you are.......

Welcome to High School Sports

Chelsea is playing JV soccer right now for Tolleson High School. She just had her 7th game yesterday. I love watching my kids play sports, but had a serious dose of reality last night. Chelsea is a pretty aggressive player and last night she collided with one of the players on the other team. She did a flip in the air and landed on her right shoulder and head. I think my heart stopped for several seconds as I watched my first born lay there on the field without moving. I quickly made my way down near the field to see if she was ok. She eventually was able to get up and walk with assistance. The athletic trainer iced her knee and her shoulder and my Mom and I helped her get into the van. Wow, was she in pain! We got her home and after alot of ibuprohen (sp?) and a nice hot bath she was feeling much better. She also appreciated all the loving tender care from her Grandpa and Grandma. Anyone who knows my Dad knows that he will do anything to make sure you have what you need and that your boo boo is all better. Thanks Grandpa! I don't think I had mentally prepared myself for the possibility that she might get injured playing High School sports! In the words of my sister-in-law Julie, "Welcome to High School Sports."

The Wedding of Tait and Laura (aka Pinky)

David's sister Laura (we all call her Pinky) got married the day after Christmas. We had relatives from all over come into town. What a beautiful bride she made. She was definitely glowing. Tait looked ok I guess!!! JK my hermano blanco!!!! The sealing was beautiful and the reception was wild! I was so busy with all of the wedding details I didn't get to take too many pictures, but I will have to get a copy from my sister-in-law who is the family photographer.

The beatiful bride and groom

He decided to pick her up and quickly decided it was time to put her down!

The bride with her Daddy!

Chelsea and her favorite Tia Martha

Savannah with her favorite cousin and twin Vanesa.

Chelsea and Cherish freezing outside!

David's sister Ivonne and their cousin David

Our nephew Omar and our cousin Eric

David and his oldest brother Chuy

Wolverines 3.........Falcons 0..............

Chelsea is on the junior varsity soccer team at Tolleson. They have had two games so far, but of course I forget my camera for her very first game. I did take it to her second game. They had a pretty exciting game, I love watching her play soccer. Soccer can get pretty physical and my little girl is tough. She slammed into this other player pretty hard and I thought to myself, "that's my baby" (I am not one for violence, but love it when my daughter plays aggressive!)
After the game we were talking about the game and Chelsea made a comment about the big hit!! She told me "Mom, I hit the girl hard and it hurt, but I didn't say anything, the other girl let out a umph!!!! Awesome, I love my tough little girl...

Final score Tolleson 3 Falcons 0........Way to go Wolverines!!!!!