San Diego Zoo

One of our favorite places to go now (thanks to Mom and Dad) is the San Diego Zoo. It is an amazing place and is world renowned. I've included some pictures of the friends we have made there. Our favorite exhibit is the Siamangs and Orangutans. There is a little family of Siamangs and a family of Orangutans that share an exhibit. The zoo keepers put up posters with all of their pictures, names and personalities. We have gotten to know them by name and can recognize them by just looking at them. They are so funny to watch because they are always up to something. The black picture, if you look closely, shows a baby siamang nursing from its mom. She is only 6 weeks old. It is crazy to watch her cling to her mom's tummy while her mom swings from the trees.

Life in San Diego is great. Sometimes I can't believe we live here. Yesterday it was about 83 degrees. We barbecued at a nearby park with some friends and then made homeade strawberry icecream. It's pretty nice! We have an extra room if anyone needs a getaway. Matt is enjoying learning about the heart and kidney, although he is extremely busy. I started my new job and am enjoying higher pay and benefits. It is really busy but so far I'm liking it. Hope everyone is doing well!

Gabi's Dramatic Talent

Gabi tried out for the Missoula Children's Theater production of The Little Mermaid last week and she made it! She tried out on Monday with 200 other children, ages 5-18, and a cast of 60 was chosen to perform. They are chosen on Monday, practice Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and then perform 2 shows on Saturday. She was a sea pony and enjoyed every minute of it. We are all a little exhausted (especially Gabi), but it was worth it. Way to go Gabi!

Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa

While Mike and I enjoyed the 45th floor of the Westin with a gorgeous view of Seattle and the Sound, Grandma and Grandpa were diligently watching over the rugrats. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Our Backyard

We were cutting it close, but we have grass! Slowly we are piecing together the backyard and hoping that it all comes together next spring. It looked so beautiful just a few days ago, but we seemed to miss the beautiful color changes in this picture. At least you can see how it is slowly improving! We are so excited.

Happy Halloween

Trick-or-Treating at Kristi Parry's house

Matt Hasselbeck

"Swirly Girl" (Meg's own creation)

Princess Ani from The Goose Girl

The kids had a great time choosing their costumes and dressing up multiple times this Halloween. We had a ward party, school parties and then candy pickin' in the freezing cold. They were only good for about eight houses, but we still came back with more candy than even Sean knows what to do with. Happy Birthday to Ryan and Mal. We really miss you all!

Happy Birthday Malerie!

I hope you know how much I enjoy having a little sister.

When you were little, Thanks for:
- reading books with me
-helping me with whatever I needed help with
- being pleasant and happy
-always sitting between me and my friends that were boys.
-being a constant companion . You were always there when I needed extra love.

Now, Thanks for:
-being a good example to my kids, and loving them
-confiding in me, and giving me advice
-following your dreams
-marrying right
-being a good wife

Malerie, you are wonderful with so many talents. You are beautiful. You have so much impact on the lives you touch. Thanks for touching my life in the way do.
Love,
Jess

Happy Birthday Ryan

I have thoroughly enjoyed being your sister. I have wonderful memories of you like:
-playing kickball with you down in the meadow.
-You were so easy going that if I wanted to play basketball, you would play with me. If I wanted to go down to the "crick":), you would gladly come, If I wanted to draw, we would do that. Maybe that's why we got along so well.
-Your different hairstyles. Your black room. Your music (similar to mine).
-Riding bikes together. Again, I could ask you to do anything and you would be game.
-Working out together
-The day you brought Afton to our apt. in South Jordan. Of course I loved her right away, and thought to myself "finally, a girl he actually adores"
-Living close to you and Afton. I definitely miss that.

Ryan, you are such a good brother. I can honestly say I can't remember you and I ever fighting (other than the Oprah conversation, which I have apologized for :) Thanks for being such a good man, husband, dad, brother. You are a great example for my children.
Have a Great day!
Love, Jess