This is the Place

Our family went down to Utah for the 4th of July Weekend to spend time with Mark's brother's family. While there we visited "This is the Place Heritage Park" and found a lot more to do there than we anticipated. The park gave a great history of the area.

The kids made dreamcatchers at the little Indian village and learned all about the male and female hogans (houses).

We climbed aboard a miniature replica of the ship Brooklyn that many sailed on coming to this area. The steps were real steep and so we were told to go down them backwards. The kids took it a little farther and tried to go up them backwards too, and were going down other steps backwards. It was pretty funny to watch them. This is also the area where I saved my brand new nephew as his stroller went rolling down the hill and I chased after it, catching him before it tipped over or fell into the lake.

We rode on a train to get around the pioneer town, but we also got to ride on this miniature train ride.

The kids (and Mark) enjoyed panning for "Gold." They each got to take a nugget home with them, instead of trading it into the bank for a piece of candy. Joseph got a little too close and fell in the water.

We took a little break and stopped for ice cream and shaved ice. I even ran into one of my past roommates and it was fun to catch up with her.

The kids got to make their own candles. The rule was wax, water, wipe, but unfortunately the kids wanted to make it wax, wipe, water, so their little hands kept getting a little too warm. Taylor can't wait to try making her own candles at home.

There was a little petting zoo where the kids enjoyed stroking the goats and sheep. There were also rabbits and pigs to look at.

There was a little play area with a long wooden train the kids enjoyed playing on.

There were also playhouses. Wouldn't it be fun to have one of these at home?

The kids went for pony rides. I wasn't sure Sam was going to make it. He had this nervous look on his face the whole time.

There were many buildings to go in and listen to stories to get a better feel of what it was like long ago. This particular cabin was owned by the Pay family and this lady telling us the story was Marjorie Pay Hinckley's sister. It was neat to have an actual descendent telling us the story.

We also visited a printing shop where Kara and Trevor helped print the Declaration of Independence and Dani is here helping to put it up to dry.

The kids and Jeff all in front of the monument where Brigham Young said "This is the Place."

The kids posing in front of the monument.

Anniversary Inn

I feeled spoiled. We were supposed to go up to the youth camp to stay the night and help transport the kids home. Mark went up for a fireside Wednesday evening and while he was there, they decided there were enough cars to bring everyone home and so that we were not needed to come up. Mark didn't want to give up our babysitter, so instead of telling me, he had me pack anyway and led me to believe we were still camping. As we were driving, I was wondering how he was going to get us there by the direction we were taking. Instead, we ended up at the Anniversary Inn. It took me awhile to redirect because I was so focused on camping that I was a little disoriented. We stayed in the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House and enjoyed a relaxing evening without the kids. This is after he took me to the local fondue restaurant "The Mona Lisa" last week to celebrate our anniversary.

Owyhee Park

We were in Boise with extra time to kill so we went to Owyhee park to reminisce all the times we used to go there when we lived in Boise. Our daredevil Jo, showed no fear in this video as he climbed up on the playground and loved swinging from the bars. Sam is climbing the "rock" wall & swinging, Dani sliding down the pole, and Taylor selling "ice cream."

T-ball

We signed Dani up for T-ball this year and last night was her first game. They don't keep score, but she did well. She loves having something that "belongs" to just her and have everyone come cheer her on. Sam can't wait for his turn and Taylor is itching to find something she can do. Taylor made a sign for the team and Sam was the cheerleader, yelling "Go Braves, Go Braves."

Dani at 6 years

Dani used to be my most photogenic, but she's found the fake smile. She's still cute.

Jo at 18 months

Our 6 year old

We gave Dani the option of doing something fun with her family (ie Chuck E. Cheese, Wahooz, Pojo's) or having a birthday party with friends. The friends won out this time around. Taylor immediately started planning and decorating. She drew the invitations, made party hats and other decorations. Dani wanted a princess theme and a castle for a cake. Sam came as our frog prince for all of about two minutes. The girls played spin the nailpolish (when it lands on you, you paint one toe that color) and Kiss the frog (Dani was closest). After presents and cake the girls played "find/hide the princess" (A little figurine). They had fun. Here are Dani's favorites for 2010:
Book: I spy
Food: Breakfast
Color: Red/Pink
Thing: Blee
Friends: Ashtyn/Kayla
To Do: Play games
Movie: Barbie in a Mermaids Tale

I won!

Last Christmas I entered a contest to win a similar shelf, but never expected to win. Instead Mark bought me one for Christmas. In May, along came another contest which I signed up for again - why not? I love the one I have and can always stock up another one with plenty more food. I never thought I would win but I did!!! It's a little different than the one I have. I can't wait until it comes!

Memorial Day

The girls decided to get creative and made a flag out of blankets on our living room floor for Memorial Day. Too bad it's raining and we can't do any fun outdoor activites. Hope you have a good one.