Tracy Aviary

Awhile ago we bought a pass of all passes for an awesome deal!  We have already paid for it over and over with the things we have done.  It was a really good deal and I will definitely be watching out for it again when ours expires.  We decided to take a trip to the Tracy Aviary on Monday, August 13, 2012.  I had never been, and it had been since elementary school for Patrick, so we really didn't know what to expect, but figured it would be a good family outing and since Ellie really likes birds, we thought she may enjoy it.  It DID NOT disappoint.  I was really surprised at how cool it was and we will go back for sure!  They have quite a few birds and many that I have never seen before.  Here are a few pictures from our adventure.  I don't have any of the owls, but there were tons of owls that were really cool.

 There were little pathways and things that kids could climb on and explore.

 Toucans are so awesome!  There beak is so big and it makes almost a hollow sound!

 Flamingos

 They had little mist things to keep you cooled off.  This one was a favorite and I'm pretty sure Patrick and Ellie were drenched after running through over and over.

 I also think pelicans are really cool.  Love this picture of me also...

We will go again and would recommend heading over to anyone.  It was a great little family outing.

New Nephew/Cousin

Patrick's sister Kati had her baby boy on August 12, 2012.  He is adorable and doing great and we are so excited to have him in the family.  

Griffin Michael Young, 7lbs 4oz, 20in

 Ellie was so excited to meet him and was so soft and gentle!

 Congrats Kati and Mike!

Our Little Climber

We finally got the crib all set up for baby boy to come.  Ellie never once tried to climb in or out of the crib when she was in it.  The only reason we switched her to a toddler bed when we did was because we wanted her to get used to it before the baby came and not feel like he was taking all of her things.  Well, today I walked into the room to find her so excited because she had climbed in all by herself.  She still can't find a way to get out, but in is very fun!

The Hogle Zoo 2012

August 9, 2012

We have been wanting to take Ellie up to the Hogle Zoo this summer and finally made it happen.  We met up with some friends and had a wonderful time!  Ellie did great and even made it the whole day going potty in public restrooms!  Amazing!  Here are a ton of pictures from our day!

Had to get a picture with the lion fountain.  She wasn't quite sure she wanted to stick her head inside.

 I was so surprised because Ellie did not want to be on the Carousel.  She was clung to me the whole time!

 I'm pretty sure that the gorilla was her favorite!  She stood right at the window and watched him.  He even came up to the window and she wasn't scared at all.  Here she is sizing up to a gorilla!

 And we always have to get a picture by this guy!

 She was so excited when we saw the elephants.  There is even a baby elephant that she pointed out and said, "look at the tiny elephant!"  In her little baby voice she does lately.  It is so cute!

 We went to the bird show.  It is so cool.  Ellie liked it for a few minutes, but it was really hot and she didn't want to stay there.  It was a little bit of a struggle that I may skip it next time.

The new exhibit is open with polar bears, seals, sea lions and otters.  I was so excited to see this part, but Ellie was not a fan of the huge bear.  It is set up pretty cool where you can get right up to the window and watch the bear swim.  He was very active too coming right up to the window and pushing himself off of it.  I didn't get a picture because Ellie stayed very clear of the window!  Here she is on the seal though.

 I loved seeing the giraffes.  And I loved all the hugs I was getting at this point in the day!

 

 We took a train ride at the end that Ellie thought was awesome!  Can you tell how extremely worn out and hot we were!?!  

We had a great day at the zoo and hopefully will make it there more often living closer!

Pass of all Passes-Trafalga

We bought the pass of all passes back in March when we found a really great deal for 10 bucks a piece.  We hadn't used it much except for Seven Peaks, and decided we should head over to Trafalga with Ellie.  A lot of the stuff is just a little too old for her, but we had fun roaming around anyways.  She did ride the airplanes and was very excited to go on them...until it started.  Then as it was flying around I could hear her screaming...."GET ME DOWN!"  Crazy girl.  We will have to try to use them a little more soon.

Falling Asleep in the Floor???

This seriously never happens.  Ellie had always been one to sleep in her bed...or a bed...or in her car seat.  I came in from the other room and found her asleep on the family room floor with the tv on.  She must have been really tired!

Strep Throat is No Fun

Ellie has had a temperature for a couple of days.  It started at 104 degrees, but has been fluctuating and since she has been pretty happy, I haven't worried too much.  This morning she woke up great and we even went swimming at Seven Peaks with Denise and her family.  This was after swimming.  She didn't even make it up the stairs before falling asleep!

   Then tonight around 6, Ellie was feeling super hot and just wanted to be held.  I took her temp and it was 105.3 degrees.  Since we just moved here, I don't really have a pediatrician, but we have been to Utah Valley Pediatrics from when she had croup a couple months ago.  I called and they are awesome and have an after hours clinic.  They had us bring her right in and I'm so glad we did.  After telling us it was probably just a flu type thing going around, they took a test and found out it was strep!  No fun at all and explains why she has not been eating as well.  I am shocked though because she has been pretty happy and playing really well with cousins here.  What a trooper.  We went and picked up a prescription on amoxicillin and it stunk so bad.  Ellie has always been really good at taking medicine and never even gags.  This time right after she took it, she threw up all over.  I tried again the next morning and same thing.  We even tried to disguise it with no luck.  I ended up calling and getting another batch from a different pharmacy.  She hasn't had any trouble taking it at all and it smells much better!  Grandpa Brown and Patrick gave Ellie a blessing that night.  I hate it when she is sick.  It makes me feel so sad for her and I just want her to get better quick.

Cleaned Up!

July 25, 2012

I had to post some pictures of our apartment in Logan so I can remember it.  We lived there from May 2007-July 2012.  My mom, Ellie and I headed up to Logan the next Wednesday to clean the apartment and get the rest of our stuff all out.  We had so much help and I am so grateful to all the girls in my ward for coming over and getting dirty!  I know it is never really fun to help clean up others stuff, but it was seriously appreciated!  And to Makenzie for watching Ellie for me while we cleaned.  It made it much easier!  

Dining Room

 Kitchen

 Family Room

 Our Bedroom

 Ellie's Bedroom

 Hallway-Bathroom

 Front Door-1043 North 560 West, Apt #1, Logan, UT  84341

Happy 24th

We had a pretty low key 24th of July.  We did do a few sparklers to celebrate!  Ellie loved it and had  a great time sitting with Patrick and holding the 'firework'.

Cassity Family Reunion

The day after we moved, we had a Cassity family reunion.  I'm so glad Kati took the time to get everyone together for the weekend so we could spend some good quality time together.  I thought this was a great picture of Patrick and Mike...both on there phones!!!

We had a lot of fun.  We all met up Friday, July 20, 2012, and had a BBQ.  Then we set up the tents.  Ellie thought it was so great to be able to play in all of the tents and sleeping was so much better than expected.  She did great!  Of course we had to get a bunch of pictures in the tent.

The next morning, July 21, 2012, Kati and I went and got a pedicure.  I didn't take a picture, but we got crackle nails!  They are awesome!  We headed swimming after at a family friends pool.  It was great to have the pool all to ourselves.  Grandma Judy got a really cool floaty for Ellie and she spent a ton of time in that being pushed all around.

She loved the goggles also

That night we met my parents to drop off Ellie and headed to the conference center to see Katherine Jenkins.  She has an amazing voice and we all really enjoyed the concert.  Baby boy was going crazy with all of the music.

We definitely need to make this an annual thing even though we all see each other often.  It is fun to have something actually planned and official! 

All Boxed Up and Moving on

July 19, 2012

Today we moved away from Logan!  I can't believe this time has actually come.  For many years, Patrick and I have looked forward to "getting out of Logan" and moving on.  Now that we are actually doing it, it is really hard.  We met here...We had Ellie here...have made so many friends...and now are heading out to our own new adventure.  Patrick got a job in South Jordan and we are moving in with my parents in Orem for a few months until we can make sure everything is set and good to go so we can buy a house!  Here is our apartment all boxed up and outside.  

 Ellie and I really didn't do much to help move.  We had a chair brought out to 'supervise' and relax.

We did have a few mishaps while trying to move.  First, we ordered a 16' truck that ended up being WAY to small for all of our stuff!  After everyone loaded it all up...and couldn't fit everything...Patrick called budget and they didn't have any trucks.  We weren't sure what we were going to do and decided that we would see what we could get rid of and have to take a couple of trips with other cars later.  Then, Budget called back and said that someone in line had heard the conversation and they had a 24' truck reserved, but really only wanted the 16' truck!  What a huge blessing.  They were willing to trade us and we ended up not even having to pay more!  So the boys headed to get the other truck and had to move all of our stuff into that one.  Then back to the apartment to finish loading everything up.  It was a really long day and really hot!!!  Once we finally headed out, we were exhausted and Ellie was super tired!  It was almost 4pm by now.  I took the lead in my car and once I got to Brigham, realized that the truck was no longer behind me.  I called Patrick only to find out the bad news that our truck had broken down:(  They were sending a repair man and Patrick's dad was stopped with him, so he told me just to keep going.  I got to my parents house 2 hours before Patrick and the truck:(  My mom had called the Elders Quorum to have some people over to help unpack, but since it was much later than expected we called to cancel them coming.  When we found out when he would be pulling in...around 8pm...we hurried and called and luckily had quite a few people come to help!  Thanks to everyone who spent a long day packing and loading and re-loading and unloading:)  We really appreciate all the help we received.  My parents were great and made room for us so we didn't have to rent a storage unit.  There house is extremely full now, but it will work for a few months until we have our own place. 

 Dining room

 We put half our couch in the living room and half in the family room

 Disaster area-the garage!

 More stuff hidden behind my parents couch-this will end up being just play area for Ellie

 Our bedroom-this is actually the day after-we had cleared a ton out already!

 Also the day after.  We decided Ellie's room should be all put together first to help her adjust. 

A month later, the house is looking pretty good.  We have cleaned up the garage and my mom can actually park in there now!  Almost everything is put into a storage room downstairs or into closets.  and the upstairs hallway only has one box that isn't unpacked.  I seriously can't believe that we have fit everything and it is pretty comfortable.  I hope that my parents don't feel like we have taken over there house...even though we have!!!  I think they are enjoying having Ellie around and all the entertainment that she brings with her.  She loves being able to see Grandma and Grandpa everyday and I really like the help that comes with being here.  I know that will be especially nice once the baby comes!  Thanks for everything mom and dad!

Playing in the Rain and Hot Cocoa!

Ellie has been obsessed with the rain.  It hasn't rained much, but when it does(even if just for a short time), she insists on going out and splashing in the puddles.  It cracks me up and I remember doing this as a kid too.  What is it about puddles that just makes us happy?!?  After grocery shopping, Patrick and Ellie played in the puddles.  July 16, 2012

We then had some hot cocoa to warm us all up! 

 It was a big hit and tons of fun!  I am sure we will be watching for rain each day.

We're Moving!

It's official...Patrick got a job at Mediconnect in South Jordan and we will be moving by the end of the month!  I still can't believe that everything has happened so fast and we are moving away from everything that we know since we've been married.  I am so excited and sad and overwhelmed all at the same time!  We are going to be living with my parents in Orem for a little while until we can find a place in or close to South Jordan:)  Wish us luck and know that we will miss you if you are in Logan and would love to keep in touch with everyone!