Animal Ark

For Memorial Day, I thought it would be fun to take Hoyt to the zoo. I suggested the San Francisco Zoo, but Ryon thought that would be too much driving and suggested the Animal Ark in Reno. I conceded after he agreed that we would go to San Francisco for a few days sometime this summer.

The Animal Ark is about 15 miles off the Red Rock exit, and is a kind of sanctuary for animals that have been hurt, abandoned, etc. I did not know what to expect, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. While it was not as large as a zoo, and was missing many animals you would find at a zoo, Hoyt thoroughly enjoyed running around to each exhibit to see bears, mountain lions, tigers, turtles, birds, cheetahs.....he had a great time.

Quad Ride

What would a holiday weekend be without a little quad ride? Hoyt thinks he can drive by himself...

The three of us ready to ride. Hoyt, as you can imagine, loved it and said "vrmmmm, vrmmm" the entire time.

Picasso...Rembrandt...Murray?

This is the newest "favorite thing" to do at the Murray home these days. Hoyt loves to draw on his easel, and numerous times throughout the day he will come to me and say "color, color" and drag me towards the playroom. He has a little stool he stands on so he can reach the top of his easel so, as you can see, he thinks he is pretty special!

These pictures were taken the day before Mother's Day, when Ryon had him draw me a masterpiece.

Hard at work!

One of the Best Things...

About being a mom -

All the little "loves"!

The "Real Deal"!

While riding the stick horse and rocking horse can be pretty entertaining, nothing is better than the "real deal". Hoyt had one of his first rides of the season this past week, and he enjoyed every minute of it. Whenever Ryon would stop Annie, Hoyt would say "again...again!" because he wanted to keep riding.

After they finished riding, Hoyt decided that Annie needed some brushing so he went to work. He cried when we had to leave - I think he would live over with Annie if we let him!!

Giddy-Up!

The other morning I was downstairs and overheard Hoyt, who was upstairs, saying "neigh, neigh....horse". I looked up to see a half-dressed little boy riding his stick horse from room to room. Of course - I had to get the camera!

You can't ride your stick horse without your cowboy hat

However....pants are optional!

Oh mom, you're too funny

He gets this cheese ball smile from his father!

Headin' off into the sunset (Check out those sexy legs!)

Wild Wild West

One of my latest projects has been a "toy room" for Hoyt. I say it's for Hoyt, but I have to admit that I love it too, due to the fact that most of the toys are now located in one room of the house - HOORAY!! It is still a "work in progress" but Hoyt has been having a lot of fun making sure it is a complete disaster by the end of every day.

A hitching post for the stick-horse - a must!

Hoyt loves his new little table and chairs.

The wild, wild west would not be complete without a wagon wheel....

Or your very own tee-pee! (Thanks Allison and Karen!)

Daddy's Helper

Wherever Ryon is....Hoyt can usually be found. Ryon may not agree that Hoyt is "helping" him (hindering may be a better word), but I think Hoyt believes he is truly being a big help. He loves to help Ryon over at the horses - feeding, watering, throwing rocks into feed bins, putting handfuls of hay into various water troughs (hence the hindering comment!).

I think it's pretty cute. Hoyt loves to be outside, he would stay out all day if we let him, so helping with some of the outside chores is his new favorite pastime.

Helping fill Annie's water

Doing it all by himself!!

He is pretty intent on his work!

Riding the mechanical roping steer!

Sunny California

While Ryon has been in Idaho the past few weeks, Hoyt and I decided to take a trip to California. We had a great time visiting with family, eating out, shopping at IKEA, and playing outside at grandma and grandpa Hoyt's house. When we left Reno it was snowing and 31 degrees....and while we were in California the temperature reached 88. CRAZY!! Here are a few highlights from the trip:

Before we left for California - he's just too cute!

With Grandma Hoyt at the softball park

Can you tell that Hoyt isn't too fond of swinging?

A goodbye hug for cousin Riley

Sitting and holding hands with great-grandma Gilbert

Giving "big grandma" a kiss!

Sunglasses Fetish

Hoyt is definitely loving his sunglasses these days; in fact, he has a hard time taking them off. He asks to wear them in the car, while he's outside playing, and even insisted on wearing them while watching a "show" with Ryon the other day. Too funny!

Outside playing - it's hard to look through the spy glass with sunglasses on!

Watching TV with dad - sunglasses at 6:00 pm!