Every summer our extended family makes an annual summer visit to the OKC Zoo.  Most years, we attend. All around the zoo are these bronze animal statues, and there is an unwritten rule that you must stop and take a photo at them.

Over the years we have developed a nice little time capsule of our growing family with these pictures.  It all began on the fourth of July weekend, 2003.  Kendall had flown back to Oklahoma from his summer job in Utah to surprise me.  I wasn’t that surprised because he isn’t very good at keeping a secret.  He must have asked me what my plans were for that weekend ten times.  And I had a pretty good idea why he had made such a long trip back to visit after being gone for only two months.

He had a ring burning a hole in his pocket, which I helped him off-load onto my finger.

2003 Engagement Photo

We were married in 2004, and therefore did not make the zoo trip that year.  We did go in 2005, but didn’t get a picture! In 2006, I had Alex so did not hike the zoo in 100 degree weather at 9 months pregnant.  Alex was one-year old in 2007 and we went to a different zoo (no statues) for his birthday.

Happy 1st Birthday, Alex!

In 2008, we went to the OKC zoo twice.  Here we are with only one kid.  That seems like a vacation!

In 2009, I was pregnant with Ryan and keeping with tradition, did not hike the zoo.  I’m sure it was 112 degrees.  On to 2010 – Ryan has joined the clan.

2011 was rained out.  We went to the science museum instead.  It was fun, but no bronze statues.  Finally, here we are in 2012.

I should really think about getting new glasses.  These are old.

~ Catie