What's In This Blog

I created this blog for my journal. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this blog I keep many of the things I come across as a member of the church. I also share my experiences on the ACE Train and getting to work, my experiences in Manteca where we have lived for three years, and other things I think are noticeable.

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Second Zoo Trip for the Boys to see Alligators

 We specifically wanted to see alligators today which are in the basement of the dome.  It is called Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night.  It is very dark down there.  But we accomplished our goal.  We then toured the Lied Rain Forest with the bats and monkeys.  


Not a red alligator but an albino alligator with a red light on it so people could see him




Lied rainforest bat cave


spider monkeys

tapir


hippo






A flat fish swimming on its side



Natalia Visits with Ayden, and Boys: April 11-18

 Natalia was here for a week, from Saturday 4/11 to Saturday 4/18.  We had great weather and tried to do something everyday she was here.  

Saturday she came in late but we still got together at our house. Sunday we went to church, and then a visit to Mormon Trail Visitors Center and the Winter Quarters Temple and cemetery, followed by Sunday dinner at our house and then a visit to a neighborhood park.  

Monday we visited Lauritzen Garden.  We went all the way to the end, which I had never done before.  Six trolls line the path.  I visited the Lithuanian Sculpture Garden.  There are many other statues.  Workers were very busy as they are grooming and planting in preparation for summer.  Later Charity's boys came over and the girls went to Miranda's for a sleep over make up party.

Tuesday we visited Gene Leahy Park to the archway park and then the kids walked over to go down the slides.  I walked a bit further and went to the sculpture garden and later through the underpass and saw the Gene Leahy Park dog park and visited the visitor center.  I did not make it to the Heartland Park and pier.  We went to the movie to see the new Mario and then had dinner at Charity's.

Wednesday was our fist zoo day.  Sheri paid for a train ride and a merry-go-round ride.  We also saw the aquarium and the orangutan and ape houses.  Charity came over and Riley and I watched bird videos.  We went to American Heroes Park and I walked the history trail.

Thursday we visited the Omaha Childrens Museum.  It is larger than the Modesto Childrens Museum.  Kids especially liked the imaginative play store, train track, water way, the balls shooting out through vacuums, make up, and many other games.  Thursday night was movie night and we watched the original Mario.  The women, Sheri and all three daughters, went out to eat.  

Friday was a second trip to the zoo.  We saw the alligator swamps under the desert dome, and then also toured the Lied rain forest.  Friday night we swam at the Lied Activity Center and then celebrated Grandson's birthday with dinner and cake and pie.  

Saturday Natalia had an early flight.  She spent the morning packing.  Charity and kids came over to make sure we said goodbye well.  Miranda also came over.

Wednesday Trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo with Natalia April 2026

 Tuesday we went to the zoo with Natalia and kids.  We also had the younger Charity kids.  We did merry-go-round and train this day.  Started with orangutans and gorillas, then seals and then merry-go-round and train, and finished with the aquarium.  Saw the lion, giraffes, zebras and elephants from the train.

                                         



Riley is fascinated with birds.  This bird was making a next when we went past.  When we came back it was sitting on an egg.  This must be the male who was gathering straw


gorillas



seal









zebra


lion

elephant running


giraffes

flamingos

panguins

turtle

sharks


Friday, May 1, 2026

Omaha Children's Museum with Natalia April 2026

This was a Wednesday activity and was provided through the library program.  Kids love imaginative pla

y and there is plenty here.










fun car and there is a button to make a siren