Four More

We met a family a few years ago. A young mother with four little kids who lived around the corner from us with her mother. They are a Hispanic family that accepted us in and helped a fill a cultural void after moving from south Texas. A little over a year ago, Brenda, the young mother died suddenly. The grandmother was able to maintain custody of the four children. We have taken them under our wings and watch over them as they grow and learn and figure out how to go on.

One afternoon, we took the kids up to visit Aaron's parent's house. They really wanted to see a real horse. Not only were they able to pet the horse but, they each took turns getting on the horse.

They also enjoyed riding the four wheeler,

jumping on the trampoline,

and playing on the slide.

Este showed off his mad gymnastics skills.

Not to be shown up, Aaron did as well.

Although Grandpa's petting zoo and playground are great we decided to go even a step further by taking them the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake.

They enjoyed posing as gorillas,

hanging out on the the rhino,

and making sure the rhino didn't have anything up his nose.

 What little kid wouldn't love to ride a tiger?

They also enjoyed looking out at the real animals.

The playground was the best part of the trip.

In order to show us gratitude for helping with the kids. Sarah, their grandmother, "pays" us back in homemade tortillas, fresh tamales at Christmas, and a huge birthday dinner for Aaron. We don't expect anything in return but, I will say I do enjoy her authentic Mexican food.

While I am not cut out to be a mother of nine, I do enjoy having a few extra every once in a while.