Les Miserables

This last week I was able to go with Kaitlyn's girl scout troop to see Les Miserables. It was such a wonderful night. I remember my parents taking me to see it when I was in sixth grade at the Kennedy Center in D.C. and it being impressive. But this time the story just clicked with me. I absolutely loved it!!! The music is beautiful and the message of how this man was able to turn his life around for good, it was amazing. I was telling Ryan that it reminds me of the story of Alma the younger in the Book of Mormon, a little. I also was touched by the men fighting in the war and the lives which were lost. I have two brother-in-laws who have been deployed and through the play could empathize with how hard it would be to sacrifice everything for what you believe in. Also it touched my heart to watch the actor as he came back from war and so many of his friends were not able to. How hard it would be to see all that you do in war and then to come back to normal life. I probably read way too much into the play, but I loved it.

Ryan and I were able to go see the play together two days later. This picture is with Fantine and the little boy who sings "Little People".

Overnighter at the Zoo

This weekend Kaitlyn's girl scout troop and I were able to spend the night at the zoo. The zoo always does a phenomenal job with their programs!

This baby rhino is only one or two months old. He was running like crazy everywhere. Baby rhinos come out 500 lbs., their poor mothers!

This owl's name is Hootie. He was super cute. I guess owls like him only live one or two years in the wild but he is fifteen years old, since he is taken care of at the zoo it has prolonged his life.

I love these girls! It is hard to believe that we have been a troop for five years!

Pinewood Derby

Reuben was so excited to participate in his first Pinewood Derby! He had fun working on his car with Ryan. They didn't get to spend as much time on it as they hoped since Ryan has been working more hours than any sane person should. But Reuben was happy with how his car turned out and is already planning his for next year.