Hogle Zoo 2014

We took Jayne on her first trip to the zoo on Saturday. My cousin Candace, David & Aria were kind enough to invite us to go with them. We all had a lot of fun together. Candace was smart and suggested we get there early to beat the heat and the crowds.

Good morning sunshiiiiiine!

There is so much to do at the zoo. I haven't been since I was in Jr. High probably and they've really upgraded things since (only been a million years, I know, but still). A lot of things are really new and its impressive what they've done!

Jayne loved this giant water globe near the entrance. She just stood there and played with it for a long time. That grin never left her face!

Aria showing Jayne how to play

Jayne was pointing at the animals all day and would give us big smiles when she saw them.

We visited the sea lions, otters and polar bears (my favorite!)... 

...saw a cute baby elephant...

...chilled with the lions...

...and rode the carousel a few times. 

Jayne has learned to wave and loved saying hello while on her wild kangaroo ride. 

Even though it was an early morning, Jayne was in such a happy mood. When I'd get out the camera and she'd see it, she'd give me these cheesers...

 -She's happy in these pictures, believe it or not :) -

Jayne has a thing for water, no matter what form- giant water globes, pools, fountains, you name it! She had so much fun at the zoo's splash pad. 

This fountain kept getting her in the face but Jayne just kept swatting at it and bouncing up and down while reaching for more.

We ended our visit with the classic train ride. 

And no trip to the zoo is complete without a drink/picture with the lion's mouth drinking fountain. I have one of these gems of my own in my baby photo album. 

That's a wrap!

Jayne loved it, we loved it, and we loved spending time with Candace, David and Aria. Thanks guys!

Jayne - 10 months

This little mini is not so mini anymore! She's growing so quickly and learning new things every day. We love having her around, seeing her personality more and more, and just spending time with her.

Jayne's 10 month stats

• Such a ham. She gets people's attention and knows it. Her favorite audience is the grocery store baggers-she'll give them a smile and then turn around, then peek back and start over again. She's mastered the cheesy grin.
• Can sit herself up from a laying down/crawling position
• Plays with her toys with her feet. Without fail, she'll get to a toy, roll over gently and then hold it with her feet. Even reads books that way too. She's a little monkey.
• Often shakes her head to dance or to say no, or to be silly (hard to interpret which one she's going for)
• Four teeth total-top middle and bottom middle
• Pulls up onto her knees and straightens her arms mid-crawl but likes her belly for moving
• Loves to make a kissing noise. Sometimes she'll suck in her puckered lips for a long time, really concentrating on getting a good "smacking" noise. Its funny to watch!
• Wants to eat anything and everything including mom and dad's food. She does great with baby cups with straws
• Growing long and tall-94th percentile
• Love textures-she falls asleep continually pinching the tiny fibers on the back of her blankets. She's always brushing her fingers on everything 
• Great at mimicking any sounds we make now-giggling, coughing, clearing our throats. She thinks she's so clever every time and gives us big grins

Happy 10 months Miss Jayne!

 

July 4th, 2014

I love the 4th of July (said every American ever). But really-its such a fun holiday with traditions, fireworks, BBQ's, parades and a whole lotta family fun. This year Phil was in charge of the scout/youth breakfast for our ward. It was a big task and he was up before the sun working hard. My parents came over with my grandma to support Phil and enjoy breakfast.

(I think Jayne was confused that we were up and out of bed so early...she usually likes to sleep until about 10!)

Still all smiles though!

After breakfast/cleanup we headed out for some fun on the boat. It was a perfect tubing day and we've figured out how to get some awesome air on the tube! I didn't snap any pics because we were too busy having fun! We headed back from the lake for a BBQ at my parents. Nothing like a traditional BBQ on the 4th!

I made our shirts, my skirt and Jayne's headband. Jayne's dress is from my mom. Phil tells me we're the typical patriotic American family who dress up in stars and stripes. Yesir we are! 

Koda partied with the family too!

Me and my girl :)

After eating we headed to the park to set up our spot for the fireworks in Pleasant Grove. We love just hanging out as a family, waiting for it to get dark so the fireworks can begin.

Jayne really loved the glow sticks! She did not let them go! 

By the time it was finally getting dark, Jayne was relaxed and a bit sleepy. So was Phil after a long week/early morning prepping for the breakfast.

When fireworks started, Jayne was mesmerized and watched intently in my lap for a long time. Then I laid her down on the blanket and she put herself to sleep...while the fireworks were still going. The fireworks were awesome! I just love fireworks and this show never disappoints!

By the end, we were all tuckered out and ready to head home. (she's still clinging to her glow stick!)

That wrapped up another Independence Day for the Bennallacks.

First Swim (Seven Peaks)

A couple weeks ago we went to Seven Peaks with Jayne. It was her first time swimming and she loved it. Its so fun to see her explore new things. She splashed us, went down water slides and just sat and tried to catch the water from a spout for a while!  Can't wait for more summer fun at Seven Peaks-we plan on going all the time with our little water bug!