Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To School He Goes!

Well, Brian survived his first week of law school. Needless to say he has made many new friends with his quick wit and sense of humor. We haven't seen much of him this week. He would generally wake up early (6:00 AM) and come home for dinner (5:30 PM), stay long enough to eat and then be off again until about 11:00 PM. We're okay with that, he's doing what he needs to do. One night Alivia woke up in the night. She said to me, "Mama, Daddy sleeping swool (aka school). I said, "No Alivia, Daddy is sleeping in bed." She didn't believe me and so I had to show her that yes, Daddy does still live here (or at least sleep here). He makes sure to spend time with her while he's here. I think he has really enjoyed it so far. It's been a challenge for him and that's what he needs.

Tonight they had a family BBQ for all first year students and their families. It was fun and FREE FOOD! (Two things I love... FREE & FOOD!) Alivia had fun running around with the new friends she's made. Her and another two year old friend took the balloons off the table and were running up and down the isles of the tables having too much fun. I think the balloons may have knocked a few people on the head but they were good sports about it. The party was catered and Alivia told the caterers that the food was "Delicious" with my encouragement.



A few weekends ago we went to the Winter Quarters Temple in Omaha, Nebraska. It's about three hours away. We drove up on a Friday, went to the zoo there and attended the temple on Saturday. It is a smaller temple and it is very beautiful.

We all loved the zoo in Omaha. It put the Hogle Zoo to shame (although the Hogle Zoo is great). They had so many animals and their habitats were amazing. If you have a chance to be in that area then you need to go see it. Here are some of the pictures we took there.

Penguins with real snow. They have snow makers that make new snow for the penguins everyday!

The aquarium that has a tunnel made in it so you can walk through and see fish on both sides of you and also on top of you!

I thought this octopus was cool!

A shark right next to us!

Manta Rays

They remind me of my mom and dad swimming with them in Hawaii!

A sea turtle swimming over us.

Have you ever seen piranhas at the zoo?

This was the Desert Dome! How cool does that look. It is much bigger in person.

One of the coolest things we saw in the zoo was the 3 legged Indochinese tiger! YES... I said three legged. She originally was in a zoo in Malaysia where her leg became infected. They amputated in order to save her life. She had two baby cubs that were less than a week old. Too cute!!

See... only three legs! I wasn't lying!

I think it's stretching!!

Nursing its two baby cubs while giving a bath. I wish I was that great of a multi-tasker!

ha ha ha

Yesterday Alivia and I went to the Topeka Zoo and I was kicking myself because I didn't take my camera. While we were there they brought the Mom and Baby Lion out into their habitat for the first time since the cub was born (two months ago). It was absolutely amazing to see the two of them interact. Today Alivia and I spent some time playing "Mommy and Baby Lion." We'd both growl and crawl around and wrestle each other on the floor.

We were so glad to see a few familiar faces about a week ago. My Aunt Linda, Uncle Bill and Cousin Stacie flew in and out of Kansas City as they were going on a church history trip. We met them at their hotel and went on a adventurous trip around town. (Kansas City has many amazing buildings in their downtown area.) They treated us to a delicious dinner at The Cheesecake Factory (yes, they serve more than just cheesecake at the actual restaurant.) Thanks again Linda, Bill and Stacie for the fun night! It was great to hear about your trip and to catch up. If anyone else is ever in the area then you will need to give us a call!

Of course... our Taylor Fam pictures wouldn't be complete without any Worlds of Fun pictures. This is the last day we went to Worlds of Fun as a family for the season. Maybe Alivia and I might try to go when Brian is studying on Saturdays, we'll see.

How cute is that? Alivia loves the wind that blows in her hair. She'll sometimes do "No Hands" on this ride (she actually only lifts up one hand off the handle.) Notice Brian in the car behind her!

Can't you tell that Brian is having the TIME OF HIS LIFE???



We are doing well. We miss everyone and talk about everyone often. We'd love to hear what you've been up to!

The Taylors in Kansas