Winter in July at the Zoo

Some friends of ours invited us to go to the zoo because they were having winter in July at the zoo. My first thought was, "Who goes to the zoo in the summer especially in Arizona?" But as soon as they told me that there was going to be snow there, I was in.

Brenden with "Hawailan Vacation" Santa. We tried to put Emi in there, but she was said, "NO WAY!" At least she gave Santa a "Hi Five". Baby steps, baby steps...


They had piles of snow (or maybe little chunks of ice) on the ground for the kids to play with. This picture portrays exactly how much they liked the snow.


Then we went to go see some of the animals. My favorite thing to go see at the zoo are the Orangutans. I like to see the baby Orangutan because he reminds me so much of Brenden. Can you see the resemblance?
All the animals had some kind of snow or popsicle to celebrate the winter in July theme.


Blaine and Emi, and Santino and their cute boy, Eli. We know Polly and Santino back from our BYU days. Polly, Blaine and I were actually all in the same ward at BYU.


These boys were so cute. I hope that they get to be really good friends in the future.


As always, before you leave the zoo, you have to ride on the carousel. It's so nice now that Brenden can ride on it too. My boy is growing up. tear, tear...



It was a fun day at the zoo and we were so glad that we got to cool down a little bit from the heat with the snow. Polly and Santino - Thanks for inviting us and we had so much fun hanging out with your family!

You drove 5 hours to where?

Yes, last weekend we drove 5 hours to Big Lake. Big Lake, AZ is located right around the NE of Arizona. It was beautiful to get out of the heat and enjoy the mountains and the fresh air. It kind of reminds me of being in Utah.

We were there to attend Blaine's family camp out. This camp out is only the grandkids of Blaine's mom's family, so it's just a bunch of people our age and their families. It was really fun to hang out and have the kids play with their cousins. I told Blaine that I am kind of impressed that the Grandkids do this camp out because their family is so big, but everyone is relatively close and remains friends.

Here's the kids getting ready to leave for our long drive.


Emi with her princess fishing pole. She never let go of that fishing pole for the whole trip.


Dad and Brenden at the camp site. Look at how Brenden is more interested in the Diet Coke, than taking pictures. We have an addict... not good. :(


Greysen, Preslee, and my silly daughter. She was so excited to see her cousins, that's why she was making funny faces. I don't think I have one picture of her smiling nicely.


I'm not much of a camper, so we decided to get a cabin. It was good that we did because it was kind of rainy there at Big Lake. But Emi wanted to stay so badly, so maybe next time we'll do the whole camping experience. I think... :)

We saw a lot of wildlife there, here's a picture of a deer from the car. It's kind of small, can you see it?


and Brenden, just being Brenden and so happy playing in the dirt and being one with nature.


All the great grandkids.


Everyone at the camp out.


The Family


We will see all you Allreds soon, if not soon, then next year for sure at the Allred Round Table Camp Out. It was fun and we are so glad that we could make it.