Ryan's Obsession at the Zoo

Okay- so we found out that they were feeding the snakes at the zoo. Ryan was dying to see the rattler take down the dead rabbit. No luck today.

Visit from the Switzers

Connor and Ellie at the zoo! (Notice the look on Connor's face.....smooth!)


Dad and Maya!

We had a wonderful visit from our friends the Switzers! They are childhood friends of Ryan....way back from elementary school. We went swimming at the fitness center, played at the zoo on a freezing cold day, and then had a late night dance party to wrap up the fun! Here are some pics from our events.

My Little Helper

Two posts in one day! Wow....this is a record. After dinner I was trying to think of something to pass the time before I could put the kids to bed. Ryan would be working late, so I thought "let's go play in the front yard." The yard is made of rocks and some flower beds that desperately need to be hacked down. Connor and Evan helped for awhile, but their enthusiasm was short lived. Maya stayed out there with me for about an hour or more. She would encourage me with, "Thanks momma, this looks so great!" or "Good job mom, you're such a good helper!" I thought is was a perfect moment for a picture and a blog post. So we got one flower bed done, and I gave Ryan the assignment for tomorrow to work on the front yard some more. Good luck!

Evan's back in school

Connor went off track this week, but Evan started his new year of preschool. I guess I don't get a break of being a Taxi driver, but it comes with the job, right?

Just an update for those of you who ocassionally check out our blog. I was released 3 weeks ago as the Young Womens President in our ward. With no delay they called me into the primary. I am now teaching the Sunbeams. I wish I could have gone to Releif Society for at least 1 week, but I do love the Primary!

Our other big news is that we are expecting another baby in April. Yep- #4 is on it's way. I have actually thrown up a handful of times and have been very tired. We are excited for our last little addition to the Lowder family.

Okay...so that is about it. I'll do better at posting more regularly!

Rock Climbing

Evan trying it out!

I will be sad the day when we move away from this home (whenever that is) because of the fitness center right out our back gate. We have come to take advantage of the many amenities it provides. For less than $30/month we get swimming, full workout station, climbing wall and a 8,000 sqft kiddie playland. Anyways...the other bonus is that have kids camp which on the days that I work they pick up Connor from Kindergarten and he eats lunch, plays games, takes field trips to the ice rink, rollar rink, movies, the zoo, goes swimming in the pool and as I learned today they do a session of kiddie yoga. All this for $10/day. You can't beat that deal. Today we decided to go Rock Climbing as a family. Connor goes climbing every Tuesday as well. He is getting better and better each week. If you ever come and visit- we'll take you inside!

More pics

He's still got it! I love ya, honey!

I've been working with Connor on which finger is your "pointer finger". He still needs a little more practice.

Grandpa is always driving the boat.

Maya loved the beach and all the sand. I think she could have played there all day long.

Okay-not the greatest shot, but here are the aunties (minus Estelle).

Fun Summer Memories

Grandma came down to watch the kids while I went on Trek with the youth in our ward. Here is Evan assisting Grandma in the kitchen. Yummy!



For our family reunion this year we went up to the "Mudhole" campground by Priest River. Connor is my daredevil and is always seeking a thrill. Here he is with Brianna getting ready to tube. Evan tried the tube too, but he is my more cautious child. He didn't want to go again after he and dad flipped. He loves a good boat ride and is a great flag holder. Go Evan!