Sisters & Eclipse

So my sister Amy works at 1-800-contact, and each year her company buys out the theaters to watch the new summer block busters. Since I was in town I got to go this year, and the movie just happen to be Eclipse. I had a great time. It was so strange at first, we all got in the car together and look at each other and instantly at the same time realized that we haven't been out together as sisters (all 4 of us) in a very long time. It was nice to just go out with my sisters, no parents, kids, spouses, just sisters. I know that these opportunity are rare but so worth having. Our lives have all gone in different directions over the years, but I always know I have got my sisters! I realized that in my journey of life that my siblings are the longest relationship I will have in this life, they grew up with you as a kid, and continue on with you when your parents are gone. I am so glad that the Lord gave us siblings what a neat thing to have. I often wished I had an earthly brother but realize I love my family the way it was growing up and what it is today. I would like to think I get the chance to see what a brother- sister relationship is like by watching my kids, I am excited to see them grow.
Anyways back to what I was saying, we got to go to Red Robin for dinner and chat some and then we walked around and window shopped a little before the show started. Can I say I really liked the movie, it was very entertaining and it was the best out all three movies so far. I do have to say I prefer the book so much better, but I still think they did a great job on the film. It was a rare night out and a wonderful break, I sure do love my sisters a lot and it was fun having a girls night out. It was a nice change of pace. I only had my cell phone to take a picture with and the picture is not the best, it's hard taking it yourself without cutting heads off, oh well, it was just to document the occasion.

Jane

I simply love this little girl and this picture. This is Jane's first time sitting up in the Shopping Cart all by herself. She couldn't get enough of it. She kept looking around and smacking her lips with excitement and giggling. I had the chance to take her by herself to the craft store and thought, hey she is sitting up now she can sit in the cart now too. I just haven't tried sooner because Caleb requires sitting in the cart with the seat belt still because he is still little and he well you know is two years old. I think everyone know what having a two years is like outside the cart let along the seat belt. So Jane got her chance to try it out and she love, love, loved it! Jane did not want to go back in her car seat when we were finished, I couldn't blame her, sitting in the cart is soooo much better.

Splash Pad Visit # 2

This past Friday we got a chance to show Jerry's side of the family the little splash pad we discovered a couple of weeks ago that I wrote earlier about. It was such a fun time. The weather started out cloudy which made the water cold, then once the sun came out so did the wind. The water got a little warmer and the Kate and Caleb and Jane and all their cousins got a little braver and started playing in the water more. The littler ones didn't like getting splashed so they mostly where out of the water more then in it. We took a break to eat some pizza and Pop or Soda which ever you decide to called. The pizza and the water made for a very good time. It was great to see Kiya, Kate's cousin just get right in the middle of the fountain and got hosed by the huge gush of water coming up from the ground. She looked like she was having so much fun. Kate and Caleb and Jane and I loved playing and spending time with family. As you can see from the pictures we all had a blast, and no one got to sun burnt which was a plus. I am kicking myself for not getting a group shot again of everyone, but I did gets some good ones, enjoy!

Toy Story 3

Opening night of toy story 3 I took Kate and Caleb to the movie to see it in 3D. I was worried that Caleb might not want to sit and watch the movie the whole time or keep his glasses on, but I was wrong. Caleb stayed put, he just got a little fidgety at the end. Kate was loving every minute of it. I ended up getting Kate and Caleb the kids Snack, which included a small popcorn,drink, and candy. It was such a great time, it was a good experience. I enjoyed taking the older two to the theater and watching them enjoy themselves with their treats and glass in hand. They absolutely loved the movie, and laughed a ton. I remember my dad taking me to see Pinocchio and Fox and the Hound when I was Kate's age. Those were some fond memories for me. My Dad always trying to finish the popcorn before the movie started so he could focus on the show. We always got really spoiled at the movies with treats, drinks and popcorn. It was great to finally be able to at least go to a kids movie in an actually theater and not the Drive-In. The best part was I got to see the movie too, instead of being out in the hall with one that will not sit still. Kate loves Jesse and Caleb loves Buzz. I really enjoyed the movie too, it was a great time had by all.

The Three Little Bears

So I got a little creative a few weeks ago and decided to use some of my preschool ideas outside the classroom setting. It was that awful time of day between 3-5pm, I call gang green hour. It's the time right after naps, but not quite time for dinner and as a mom the most exhausting time because you are just done. Your done with being the entertainer, maid, chief you name it. So I decided to reenact the three little bear story with my two oldest kids and my niece Julia. It was a real hit. We first read the story together. Then we made porridge, well instant oatmeal in our case. Then we placed the porridge in the bowls and the kids took it from there. Kate said, "Oh mom it's to hot we need to go for a walk and let it cool off." So Kate, Julia, and Caleb all took their stuffed animal bears for a walk outside. They walked all over the front yard with their bears, then Julia said is the porridge cold yet. So we went inside and eat our porridge together. They soon notice that the baby bears bowl was empty, (I had my sister empty it out when they where out walking), Kate said baby bears is gone. Then we went to the front room and sat in all the Chairs and the baby bears was knocked over. Then we moved from room to room to try out each of the different beds and on the last bed was a baby doll that was suppose to be Goldie Locks. The Kids had a blast. They did really well remembering and retelling the story. Kate must of had a tons of fun because she asked me if we could do it again the next day. It was nice to remember some of the fun activities I did as a preschool teacher and apply else where. I told myself I would do a bunch of these activities when my kids got to be of age and I haven't. I didn't realize that I would have younger children to look after and take up my time and not be able to do as may activities that I would have liked. I am trying not to be hard on myself about not doing it, I just have to try to remember to do it more when I can. I miss teaching in the classroom some days, but realize I am still teaching my children everyday, and there is no greater call than that. So all in all the Three Little Bears was a hit! Julia and Caleb enjoy it too, I think Julia loved following Kate around and Caleb love eating the Porridge! I think I might try this again with a different story.

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!