...It's beginning to feel a lot like summertime....

Town square and the river....It's SUMMERTIME!!!

Zion - April 24, 2012

While Troy was teaching CPR to some of the Zion National Park shuttle bus drivers at their hub in the park, the kids and I took advantage of the time to do a little sight seeing of our own. I have been to Springdale a few times, but I haven't spent much time in Zion, in fact I can count on one hand how many times I've actually been inside the park.  To be honest, I was probably 10 the last time I was there with June, our Japanese summer exchange student and don't really remember being all that impressed with it all.  I guess I just compare it to Bryce Canyon, where I literally spent 5 summers there with my college besties that are from Tropic.  No comparison in my book!!
Anyway....I was told by a few women that I was a great, ambitious mom, for loading my 4 young children, stroller, and overloaded diaper bag on and off the shuttle bus to trek around Zion! It was so fun and the kids were so good!  We loved being so close to the deer and watching them graze, and of course we were among a crowd snapping pictures of the deer like crazy when Camrie yelled quite loudly..."don't you like to shoot those mom?" That was our cue to move along!
Weeping Rock was fun, and Camrie loved getting 'rained' on.  We saw turkeys, lizards, deer, and billions of fuzzy green caterpillars everywhere which freaked Braxton out.  We met back up with Troy and tried to catch 'Treasure of the Gods' but  was too late.  It's been almost 17 years since I saw it last!
We had yummy food at the Bumbleberry Inn restraunt and headed home.  So I will say that I can't wait to go back and hike again...preferably sans children - but Zion really is breath taking!

Weeping Rock 

Camrie getting 'rained on'

Baby Carlie...

This little squishy bundle of cuteness was born April 9, 2012. The plan was for Carlie to become the newest member of the Marshall family, but after 2 weeks of bringing smiles, love, and lasting memories to Nick, Paige, and Josh, Carlie's birthmother changed her mind and Carlie was returned to Tennessee. Although our hearts are broken for Nick and Paige, and know there is a baby just waiting to join their family for Eternity, we are sure glad we got to meet Carlie and love on her awhile. She is a total doll!

We love you Marshall's!!!

Oh Snelly.....

Snelly showing his great balancing skills while mom is getting a new house ready

Snelly, is our little snail pet who was found on a brick wall while Kason and I were on a Sunday walk 2 weeks ago.  I thought the kids might like to see it and really had no intention of keeping it, but it landed in a mason jar with rocks, a straw to climb on, a wet cotton ball and a chunk of banana (we googled snails and learned they like fruit!) and a name, so now we HAD to keep it! Snelly has really been fascinating to watch.  He likes to poke his head out of the air holes and extend his little antenna eyes out and take a look around sorta like a periscope.  He's paid a visit to the Butterfly and Bumblebee classes with Tanner and Camrie and is amazingly still alive.  He gets a new fruit every week and is due for a house cleaning.  I think he is a pretty invincible little guy.....

Super League Baseball 2012

Braxton was invited to be on the Whiptails super league baseball team again this year.  This is his little league team from last year, that on a last minute whim, post seaon entered the super league -  which is serious baseball! They are more organized this year and started practicing the middle of January for the season.  Although we are early into the season and are winless, the kids have improved a ton! They love it and that's all that matters.  They have played some tough teams from around Southern Utah so far and every Saturday until July we have double-header games and tournaments.  

Braxton takes his turn in the outfield, and last night got to pitch the last inning.  I knew he was nervous of a line drive back at him because his pitches barely made it to the plate...he can definately throw harder than that, but good experience nonetheless.  We do love baseball at our house!!

A little surprise....

So this is what I'm taking home with me tonight from work in exactly 3 min....my kids will be so excited! Well, Braxton will be sad it's not a lizard but he'll get over it.  I give up on trying to get the image to rotate, so just cock your head to the side :)

Pinewood Derby

This week was Braxton's 1st Pinewood Derby.  He was so excited and had lots of fun putting his car together with his dad.  His car came in either 1st or 2nd place in all of the races and he ended up getting 2nd place over all along with the 'sleekest design' award.  He had lots of fun and is already planning next year's car.  Way to go Braxton, we are so proud of you!

1st and 2nd place winners: Kobe Robinson and Braxton

'Sleekest Design'