Yearly Zoo Trip

On Monday we took our almost annual Spring Break trip to the Hoggle Zoo. The kids all had a great time. They enjoyed being outside seeing the animals. Lots of excited faces!

 Here are some pictures of the animals. They are doing some major construction at the zoo and as a result several animals were "missing." But there was still plenty to see.

 The kids enjoyed a ride on the carousel, especially Sydney, she was all smiles.

 When we asked the kids what their favorite thing at the Zoo was, of course they said the playground. Well we don't need to go to the Zoo for that!!!!

Michigan!

Last week I was in Michigan on a "family history" trip. Sydney and I jumped on a plane and met my sister Andrea and her daughter Anna in Detroit. We spent our first evening with Grandma Chiapelli looking through old photo albums. My sister was busy taking pictures of pictures. It was great looking at pictures of when she was younger but also she has several pictures of me when I was young as well. We also got to do the photo album thing with my Pop Pop in Petosky. I left my fancy camera at home, so I depended on my sister for taking most of the pictures, but here are some I do have.
Here are some pictures from some of the visits.

 We don't get to Michigan very often, so it was great to see so people we haven't seen in 8 years and some even longer then that. Grandma Chiapelli, Uncle Larry, my mom, Kym, Dana, Jeffery, Matty, Alex, Pop Pop and Grandma Rosemarie, Aunt Jean, Uncle David and Aunt Mary, cousin Becky and her 5 kids. It was great seeing so my family and it makes me want to make more efforts to get out their more frequently.
Here are some pictures from my Pop Pops house. I have so many great memories from his farm!

 Here we are goofing around at the outhouse and checking out the old cars and the airplane.

 Here are some other random pictures. On our way up north we stopped in Frankenmuth (a little German town) for lunch at the Bavarian Inn.

On the way home, we had to leave for the airport at 7am so my sister would be on time for her 10 am flight. We got to the airport at 8 am and when I was checking in they were asking for people to be bumped from my flight, so I said I would for $800 credit. So Sydney and I hung out in the Detroit Airport till 5:30 pm. Good thing it is a nice airport. we road the train, hung out in the bookstore, played in the play area, and of course did a little eating. About and hour into our flight home, Sydney threw up all over me and her seat. Lets just say the next 3 hours were very pleasant!!!
All in all a great trip.

Mission Reunion April 2011

On April 1st was the Temple Square Mission Reunion and as one of my last catering jobs (for awhile) I agreed to cater it. I had originally planned something a little bit fancier, but I was leaving the next day for Michigan, so I had to tone it down. I still think it turned out nice. We had gourmet sandwiches, fresh fruit, nuts about berries salad, sesame pasta salad, and cupcakes for desseret.Here is everyone who was there. I wish I could name everyone, but I'm embarrassed to say I can't. (Not really). It was fun to see some old friends, but I spent a lot of time in the kitchen which was just fine with me.

Here I am with my mission president. President (Rusty) Snow!

I was horrible with taking pictures. I took lots of the food, but that was about it.