Fun times at the Hogle Zoo

First we dropped Porter off at Tutu's house to enjoy the air conditioning.  He absolutely loved being at her house.  It was the perfect day to hang out at the zoo.  The weather cooperated until just after we ate lunch.  Then the sun came out.

                                              We just loved hanging out with these kids!

 I haven't been to the zoo since sometime in grade school.  All I could remember was the large monkey pit in the middle (where the monkeys would throw poo at passersby) and this lion drinking fountain.

 Thankfully they've gotten rid of the monkey pit, but it was nice to still see something familiar.

 

Thanks Grandpa Jerry for hosting us!  Can't wait to come back!



Thanksgiving Point - Dino Museum

You can tell I'm such an awesome picture taker since this is the only picture I took while we were at the Dinosaur museum.  Yes, I am awesome.  Regardless, we had a good time walking around.  Tanner loved the dinosaurs and Lana loved helping to find the Harry Potter clues that were scattered around. The kids also loved making their own fossils and picking out toys in the gift shop.
Porter was not so happy being in the stroller but he survived.

This is The Place Heritage Park

                                                     Nothing says "Utah" like Fry Sauce!

The last time I was here was for a Youth Conference activity probably 15 years ago.  We planted trees.  The only thing I remember is that there wasn't much to do except look at the monument.  Wow has it changed!

The kids enjoyed the pony ride.

 Lana didn't want to do it.  Until everyone else did.

 Panning for gold

 I wish Paul could've stayed the rest of the week to hang out.  I think he would've loved helping the kids pan for gold.  He's always wanted to go somewhere and do it for real.  He watches too much Gold Rush on the History Channel.

Tutu was nice enough to babysit Porter while we walked around!  It was nice not having to haul him in a stroller in the hot weather and I'm sure he much preferred the attentions of Tutu versus being stuck in a stroller all day bored to death.  Thanks Tutu!

Miss Lana turns 8

I cannot believe my baby is 8.  Where did the time go?  Although it sure explains all the gray hairs on my head.  We celebrated Lana's birthday with an ice cream cake and brownies at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  It was so nice being close enough to celebrate with family! 

 

 Lana's birthday celebrations this year spanned an entire week.  We left on July 3rd and headed to Utah.  The kids were super excited to go to Stadium of Fire and see their Hardy cousins.  It was awesome spending a whole week with them! 

 

Unfortunately for Lana, she caught a stomach bug and spent the next day in bed.  Thankfully she was feeling much better (although tired) the next day for her baptism. 

So proud of our sweet girl!

 

 Our favorite friends and neighbors from Houston moved to Saratoga Springs in December and we were so happy to be able to see them.  Sara made this beautiful baptism cake just for Lana.  It was beautiful and delicious!  The top layer was vanilla, bottom was chocolate.  Strawberry frosting drizzled with chocolate ganache on the outside.

 

The weather was just fabulous for an nice lunch outside.  It was so nice to visit and see everyone who could come!

 

 

 

I'm so glad we were able to have Lana's baptism in Utah, it was so nice catching up!