We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo..

How about you, you, you?  You can come too, too, too.  Cause we're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo.

That's exactly what Zach, Karter, Kaden, and I did today!  A couple of weeks ago I asked Dana if I could have the boys for a day to go do something fun together.  Zach and I both took the day off work and headed to the Indianapolis Zoo.  We had a blast and below are a few (okay a lot) of pictures from our adventure with the Gray boys.

First stop...Oceans.  I just love this picture!

 Then it was on to the Dolphin Show.  Kaden absolutely LOVED the dolphin show.  He didn't move the entire time.  I think 30 minutes of being still is tough for a 2 year old so he must have been enjoying the show!  

 After the Dolphin Show, Karter wanted to go see the Africa animals.  Zach and I thought it would be fun to take the train ride around.  We did see speed limit signs, Jeeps, bunch of cars/trucks, and a few animals.  Needless to say...the boys loved it!  I think it was Karter's favorite part!

 Zach and Kaden with the giraffes in the background.  Love these two boys...can I say "cheese"!

 The boys and me in front of the lion enclosure.  Sorry Gramaw...but we didn't see one single ostrich.  Karter was looking for one so we could take a picture, but no luck this time!  After the African animals, we had lunch at the zoo and went to see the tigers, bears, and monkeys.

 Karter in front of the monkey enclosure...love the smile!

 Karter and Kaden as we were leaving the zoo.  On the way home, I told them that we could go play on the "toys" instead of playing on the toys at the zoo.  Below are a few pictures we captured.

 Who doesn't climbed up a slide first before sliding down?!?  

 Kaden's favorite slide!

 Brotherly love!

 Trying to get them to pose for a picture together...

 and again!

 Karter LOVED the big curvy slide!

Afterwards, we sang Veggie Tales as we walked back.  Then it was nap time and soon afterwards Dana arrived to pick the boys up.  Thanks Karter and Kaden for a fun day with Uncle Zach and Aunt Emmy (oh and thanks too Dana).   Looking forward to our next adventure!

When The Cat Is Away...The Mouse Will Play

On Tuesday night when Emily was away in Lexington Kentucky, I went to the Pacer/Knicks game. Growing up in Indiana during the Reggie Miller age, we know how hated a rivalry it is. Here are few pictures from the game.

Sorry for the numerous pictures of Carmelo Anthony, but he was always right there. Anthony had a great game and scored 39 points in a Knicks loss. The Pacers are newly re-vitalized and a playoff caliber team, unfortunately highly underrated. Fortunately for me that means you can get tickets to a game last minute for minimal cost.

I had to get a picture of the Pacer GM Larry Bird...he is a "Legend" afterall. Tom Crean was also at the game, but was unable to find him for a picture.

Visit to the Columbus Grays

So, what are these crazy kids doing? They are hanging out in Columbus, IN of course. We looked at architecture, sculptures, and an unique restaurant. These are just a few pictures from our walk around town.

A very cool war memorial, where families have carved letters written on the pillars.

A weird sculpture next to a community building... Emily and I called it "headless hug".

The city building. They don't build things like that anymore.

Columbus is almost too proud of its C's, but they do make cool bike racks.

This just says, small retro town.

A giant moving sculpture...seriously. Do these people have time for anything else?

Thank you Kyler and Kara for a cool meal and trip around Columbus. It was great visiting and seeing your place. Can't wait for our Red's game in your next location.

OUT with the Old...and IN with the New!

For the last few weeks...or months...or years I have been wanting a new car This isn't a surprise to Zach (or anyone else who knows me for that matter) and we both knew it just wasn't time yet. The past two weeks though we have seriously been researching and looking at vehicles. Today Zach had the day off work and took charge by searching at the dealerships, checking into financing options, and finally planning for me to go get the car I want.

So when I got home from work, I cleaned out the Silver Bullet and said my goodbyes.

Took the famous picture with the car. Climbed in and headed to the dealership. I test drove the one I wanted and a few hours later, bought and left with my NEW GMC Terrain.

After buying the Terrain, we headed out to a celebratory dinner at Happy Dragon. What better way to celebrate than eating out?!?

I (along with Zach) are so EXCITED to be OUT with the Old...and IN with the New!

Emily's Thursday Thoughts

So on my drive home I was thinking about what to post and this is what I came up with...Emily's Thursday Thoughts. So let's go...

1) Do even good football players do their own grocery shopping?

-Thought came after seeing Curtis Painter grocery shopping this week at Target. Just wondered if Peyton Manning does his own grocery shopping. How much cooler it would have been to see him instead. Is it sad that we noticed Curtis Painter based on his nasty, long, blondish hair?!?

2) Are all people as clueless as adults as they are as students?

-Thought came after a student seriously asked me the following questions 'Does Christmas or Christmas Eve come first? How do you know? Does Christmas always come on the 25th? Do we have to go to school on Christmas this year?'

3) How often should you replace your contacts?

-I know that the packaging on my contacts said 2 weeks but I have worn some for up to 6 months at at time. Partially because they feel fine and partially because I didn't have vision insurance until this August and didn't want to pay full price. After going to the eye doctor this week, he informed me nicely I need to change them more often, gave me a new kind, and now my eyes are very bloodshot and hurt. Was my idea of not changing them so bad after all?!?

4) If "It's a Wonderful Life" is such a great Christmas movie, why did we never watch it growing up and it isn't playing anywhere on television until Christmas Eve?

-I've been wanting to watch this movie for quite some time but when I searched for it on the tv guide to DVR it, it isn't on anywhere until Christmas Eve...seriously?!?

5) Can everyone else take what people say or what you hear and just start quoting a movie or is it just a Gray thing?

-Sometimes I think my brothers have rubbed off on my a little too much growing up because everything relates back to a movie quote. Are Zach and my students right in thinking I'm a bit strange?!?

Last thought for this week (that I'm going to post at least)

6) What would the world be like if everyone professed their love for Jesus Christ like Tim Tebow said in an interview--(I'm paraphrasing so don't quote this word for word) 'Do you just tell your wife that you love them the day you get married or do you tell them everyday? It is the same with God. You should tell Him everyday how much you love Him and thank Him for everything He has done for you.'

-How awesome of an example is that to everyone out there--especially children--who look up to the professional athletes! I wish there could be more outspoken, courageous Christian athletes!

Thanks for reading Emily's Thursday Thoughts...and in the words of Sue Slyvester off of 'Glee'--"and this is how Sue (Emily) sees it".

Babysitting "The Boys"

"The boys" are getting so big and grown-up. We wanted to give Kristoffer and Dana a chance for a day away without their "balls of energy". We had the pleasure of watching the boys today. They still like to rough house and be boys, but enjoy the occasional book reading. We did a lot of both today.

We also did an art project that is now on our upstair's wall. Looks like a good wallpaper to me.

These boys are so cute and so much fun. They are truly a blessing in our lives to be able to spend a day with them. Don't their smiles just melt your heart...

11-11-11

11-11-11 was an eventful day for the "new" Whaley couple. Zach's dad, Steve, was getting married on the 11th green of a golf course to Peggy to commemorate the day. Zach was Steve's best man and it was an exciting day for these two as they officially professed their love and commitment to each other for the rest of their lives. Here are a few pictures from the day.

The groom and best man together before the ceremony. Looking good in their golf wear!

Steve and Peggy--during the ceremony.

You may kiss the bride!

Zach and Emily after the ceremony.

Steve with his siblings (Teresa, Mary Jo, Chuck, Mark, Kris, and Rita--Jan is missing).

After the Friday ceremony, we went and had a small reception/Thanksgiving dinner at the Chase Center so that Zach's grandma Emogene could be there and celebrate with the family. The "old" Whaley...meet the "new" Whaley!

On Saturday, the real reception took place with a meal, cake, and dancing. Here is the newly wed couple sharing their first bite of cake together. Don't think they're being too nice...haha.

Let the dancing begin!

Congrats Steve and Peggy Whaley! May you two have a long life of happiness and love together. We love you!