The Staten Island Zoo!

Spring break has come and gone and now it's back to reality with school in session but I couldn't let the week pass by without documenting a few of our simple outings this year. Our spring break was chill and simple and for two glorious days it was 87 degrees!! Chelsea spent her break with family attending college open houses with family in Utah while Noah and I spent it in Jersey together! Our days were pretty perfect and aside from watching Mario at the movies and going to a birthday party we managed to have a few days to ourselves and have some outdoor fun while adding in a tiny bit of traveling! It was a wonderful week and wish it never ended! 

One of our favorite outings was finally going to the Staten Island zoo. This zoo is quaint and kind of reminded me of the popcorn zoo in south jersey. It's only 37 miles from our house so it's not very far! The price was right and super cheap! It was our first time here and we brought along our little buddy Trent. He had so much fun at the popcorn zoo last summer that we had to bring him with us here. He and Noah get along so well and Noah was big bro to him on this day. It was also nostalgic for me having a little boy to venture along with again! Noah is growing up too fast and so having Trent with us added more joy. We rode the carousel, petted a horse and the kids even got inside a simulator where the wind blows like 100 miles an hour! It was crazy and so nice seeing the kids having a fun time. I sure do miss our zoo days and this day reminded me to go to zoos more. You're never too old to go to the zoo! Also, going in the springtime was even better cause of all the cherry blooms! 

Little Letters- In Memory of Our Spring Break.

Dear Rutgers Gardens, 

Your simple garden is absolutley quaint and perfect. It is perfect for a walk any time of day. My children loved the smell of gardenia, and all the flowers that were planted. I also appreciate you being free of charge!

Barnegat Lighthouse.

Ever since we took a trip to Maine 12 years ago, and discovered the lighthouse in Cape Neddick I automatically fell in love with lighthouses. And when I first stepped foot inside a lighthouse I was amazed at the history as to how they are built, and to look at the ocean from atop of a lighthouse is absolutely amazing! Growing up near the gulf in Texas really made me a beach girl, and for that I will always be grateful! I'm a beach girl through and through, and love venturing out to the beach no matter what season it is. This past spring break brought us so many small adventures, and the fact that we kept it low key, and close to home are the best trips ever! ya yeet. 

The Tornado at Coney Waffle!

While Lexie spent the day bowling with friends we decided to take the kids to the beach. After all, it's only going to be the four of us venturing out once Lexie graduates from high school. We are not too keen on the fact that another daughter is leaving the nest in about a year and a half, but I am glad she is out making memories with her new peeps, and that we are making the best of our time spent together. 

An Easter Egg Hunt On Roosevelt Island.

After watching the movie Spiderman with the green goblin numerous times over this past year the thought of going to Roosevelt Island came into my mind. Having a boy who is absolutely hooked on everything Marvel, and being that his favorite character is Spiderman was the perfect solution to spending the day there to have ourselves a little easter egg hunt. Being that he is the only kid in the household who is still young enough to hunt for eggs made it a bit easier to decide where to go for this small adventure. It's bittersweet for sure. 

Off To Spend A Week With Her Sister.

How I wish I could pack myself inside Lexie's suitcase so that I can fly out to see Sierra over spring break. We wish we all could! I am so happy that these two are going to have an entire week to spend together including going to the conference center to attend two sessions of General Conference! How lucky are these girls of mine. Very lucky, and although I will miss cracking cascarones on their heads on Easter Sunday that's okay. There's always next year. It's very rare that General Conference falls on Easter Sunday, but nonetheless we will make this day special for Chelsea and Noah regardless of Conference, and their sisters being away. 

These two deserve all the happy moments that come their way, and I know that they will cherish each and every one of them. They have been the best of friends since the day Lexie was born, and I love that they have such a close relationship regardless of their age gap. It amazes me the bond they have, and ever since Sierra left Utah it has only grown stronger. Especially when one goes through dramas of "life" or a major trial. Sisters are there for each other no matter what, to support, and love each other unconditionally, and I can say that these two exhibit that perfect sisterly love. Whether it's through handwritten letters, texting, calling, Instagram, or snap chatting they are always there for each other. One thing I love about their relationship is that they have never once expressed anger towards one another, and if any yelling has occurred it's always been out of goofiness, or happiness. I know that they will have the time of their life in good old Salt Lake City. Lexie hasn't been back to Utah for almost nine years, and it is time for her to go back to familiar territory to visit old friends, visit a temple or two, and just have an adventurous  spring break!  

Happy Easter weekend all!