Lions & tigers & bears - oh my!

We finally were able to take the boys to the Phoenix Zoo a couple weeks ago. I've been dying to take them, especially before it's 100 degrees outside. Luckily, the weather is still pretty nice. It was a little warm, but nothing us Arizonans would be bothered by.

The boys had so much fun. I think the play place was their favorite part. Cooper sure liked the giraffes, though. The rhinos were my least favorite - I have never smelled anything so disgusting! The monkey village was . . . an experience. You go into this open area that is fenced off from the rest of the zoo where the little monkeys roam around freely and you can observe them up close and personal. I probably wouldn't have thought much about it, except there are signs posted everywhere telling you if you don't bother the monkeys they won't bother you. What does a monkey consider being 'bothered'? And if they are bothered what does that mean they do? Don't they tend to fling their poo? Needless to say, I didn't make direct eye contact with any of the monkeys and I was in and out in record time. Oh, and the lady at the entrance told us not to touch the ropes because the monkeys pee on them and when I looked over at my 3 year old he was running his hand along the rope. Yep. I think next time we'll skip the monkey village. Ick.

Easter

**Note** To Linds: We saved you a spot next to Brookie in the picture. You were there in spirit! :)

We had a very nice Easter this year. I was able to see the Easter Pageant twice this year - once with my sisters and once with my family. I'm glad I went twice, because I didn't get a lot out of it with my boys there. Love them, but they don't sit still for more than a couple of minutes and 'quiet' is not a word in their vocabulary. I'm glad we went, though. Both Cooper and Hudson watched in awe as the angels came out to dance, sing and blow their trumpets. It was a neat experience.

I really enjoyed this general conference. It was so nice to spend Easter listening to the prophet and other leaders of the church give their messages. I love President Uchtdorf! I'm terrible at remembering which speaker spoke on which topic, but I loved the talk one of the men gave on motherhood. It rekindled my desire to teach my children the gospel and make sure they are brought up in righteousness. I've been slacking! :)

The Easter bunny brought Hudson and Coop some treats, which they both seemed to enjoy, and we went to my parents house and had an Easter egg hunt. Well, Coop hunted down the eggs while Hudson rode around on his little motorcycle. It was fun to watch.

I hope everyone else had a nice Easter!