Splash Pad

Splish, splash I was taking a bath, well not really...splish, splash I was playing on the splash pad. Last Friday we discovered the new local Splash Pad in Highland, Utah. It's a little city park with a water fountain in the ground that shoots up water at different intervals, along with a little stream. It has a little river with rocks that shoot water out of it, it is about ankle deep. Most of the little toddlers gather at this part of the pad. The best part is it's free. I love it. We first took a picnic lunch to the splash pad before we tried it, they have a nice grassy area to sit and eat and play. Kate couldn't get enough of splashing in the water. She didn't like the big fountain I am not sure why, she just stayed in the stream part. Caleb kept walking in and out and he would occasionally touch some of the shooting rock fountains. He mostly liked watching all the other kids play. Jane liked dipping her toes in the water, she rolled her ankles and giggled. It was cold at first, but soon warmed up. I love the picture of Kate posing on the shooting rock, it's so her. We had a great time, I didn't wear a suit just shorts, if I don't have to wear a swimsuit I am all for that. Most parents just wear shorts and shirts and get wet that way. I liked it because if I got hot I would just dipped my feet in to cool off. It was really fun playing and watching the kids have fun. I think maybe next time I am going to try the big fountain, maybe that will make Kate feel more comfortable and want to try it. We will get a chance to go again with Jerry's Family this next Friday, we are looking forward to having lots of fun and sharing our new discovery with them, stay tuned for pictures to follow, can't wait, it should be a great time!

Trip to the Zoo

Last week I got the chance to go to the Zoo with my sisters, mom and the kids, we all had a great time. The weather was perfect, it wasn't that hot heat that I am so use to. It was very pleasant, which made our visit even more enjoyable. At the Hoogle Zoo they had a new baby elephant, it was so cute! The kids really loved watching the baby elephant get water with her trunk to drink and splash herself. I really enjoyed seeing the new silver back gorilla they just got in from Birmingham, AL. I unfortunately forgot to take a picture of it, I am just kicking myself now. It was it's first day out for observation so they had it in one of their indoor habitats. It was really breath taking, and an awesome site to see. It stood right next to the window and I believe it stood taller than me. It was amazing to see such a creature so up close, usually the animals are outside and far away. It was so close, it made it fun to really watch and observe everything from is height, to the size of his hands, and just the obvious power behind this animal. Can I say WOW! We then took the kids to see the bird show, they all loved the talking parrot. The monkeys were also fun to watch as well they were very active and jumping everywhere. I thought is was so cute to see one of the monkeys had a stuff animal baby monkey he was carrying around. We then had a great picnic lunch and walked around to see the giraffes.Caleb's most favorite part of this whole trip was riding the carousel. He pick out what he wanted to ride and didn't understand that when the ride was over we had to get off and say good by to the lion. He had a death grip on the thing, he finally let go and we moved on to the next thing. Kate love riding the giraffe, she was all smiles. I like that the cost of the ride was to help fun improvments for the zoo, that was nice. The kids did great and really seem to enjoy themselves. We posed for some pics by the animal statues, the kids had a blast climbing all over them. It was great because by the time we were done the kids where ready to take a nap on the way home, what a peaceful ride home.

Today, I laughed so hard it made me cry, too funny! Haven't done that in a while, it felt good. (Watch your step)

Purple Turtle and The Park

The Purple Turtle is the best, I loved this place. It's a local join in the Heart of Pleasant Grove Utah. If your a local you know about this place. I have been coming here with my friends and family since I was in High School. I took the kids out to experience the purple turtle for themselves. They loved it! Why do I love this place so much you might ask, well not just for the fun memories with friends, but for the fry sauce. Purple Turtle by far the best Fry Sauce on the Planet, hands down. If your not from Utah you might not know what Fry sauce is, it's a Utah thing. I don't know what is in Purple Turtles fry sauce, but it usually consists of mayo and Ketchup mixed together with other things added for taste. I am not a big fry sauce fan, it took a little getting use to when I first moved to Utah, but this fry sauce is so good. People love it and want it so much they charge you for more if you run out of it with your meal, that is how good it is. I also love their Shakes, they are always huge, and you can add any topping you want in it. They are so big you can never finish it. The other reason I decided I like this place is the name, I love purple, it is my favorite color. It's a really cute little diner join that I enjoy.

After the purple turtle we took the kids to a local park to swing and play and get some energy out, first it was supper hot, then the clouds came and then is was super cold again. I simply not use to this kind of weather, in Alabama is just hot and hotter most of the time. I actually like the cold weather, it's a nice change. The kids had a great time and we finish just time, right as we got in the car it began to down pour of rain, talk about good timing. It was a nice day!

Poppy Fields

In Alpine, Utah up on the mountain side a field a poppy flowers bloom each year. Well since it's been a while since I had see them, and it was the right season we took the kids up to see these beautiful flowers. We took some great pictures too. I think we came about one week early because even though there were a lot a flowers in bloom, there was a lot of buds still to come out. I think we would have had more flowers to look at if we just waited one more week. It was a nice day to go for a nice nature walk in the mountains looking at the poppies. The kids really enjoyed smelling and touching and looking at this giant flowers. I had to repeatedly tell them not to pick them, they are to look at only. I can image the frustrating a child might have not being able to pick such a pretty flower. They did great and they really seem to enjoy looking at all the poppies. It's one example that makes me realize the power and awe of God's creations. It may only be a flower but it's beauty is inspiring! I am so thankful to the Lord for giving us such wonderful things to enjoy on this earth, it reminds me of his love!

Naming Body Parts

I woke up today with our son cuddling with me in the bed point out body parts. He says "no, (Nose) eye, ear, no, eye".... over and over, so cute... instead of the usual screaming "down! down! go! go! go!" It was a pleasant change. I miss those days, they don't happen as often as they use to.

Horseback Riding at Grandma's

Kate since the day we arrived at Grandma's has been asking Gramma as we call her, if she could ride Annie. Annie is Gramma's new Half linger (Spelling?) Horse she got last fall, at an auction for a steal. Gramma and Aunt Kasey loved taking all the kids for a little ride. Annie is such a gentle horse and very calm for the kids. Kate had a blast, she looked like a real cowgirl. Kate loves anything horses right now. She has about 3 new horse shirts she loves to wear. Kate couldn't get enough, she didn't want to stop riding but had to give others a chance. Caleb well he simply couldn't get enough either. He had the most serious look on his face as he rode, he was concentrating very hard on what he was doing. He looked very relaxed and at home on the horse. We actually had to pry him off, he would not let go of the saddle. He had a death grip in the saddle, I swear. Julia my niece loves riding as well, she had a smile from ear to ear as she rode Annie. Julia even waved to everyone like she was the next rodeo queen. Watch out everyone, hear comes Rodeo Queen Julia to the rescue! Just Kidding of course. It was pretty weather, perfect for a horseback riding. Caleb has been on a little pony before at the children's festivals and things, but this was his first horse back ride, he did great. Thanks Annie, Gramma and Aunt Kasey for a wonderful time!