Zoo Fun

** As I attempt to get caught up on my blog, I wanted to start with the newest stuff. It's just more fun that way. Please bear with me...


Last week my sister Heather and I went to the zoo with the kiddos, and Jeff came too since he is on a permanent vacation from his job. It was overcast all morning, with a few scattered raindrops, which kept things cooler. By the time we left it was blazing hot though. The kids loved seeing the elephants and giraffes. We actually went to the Bird Show- a first for us after 10+ years visiting the Hogle Zoo. It was a big hit with the kids and adults. Abram's favorite thing was riding in the stroller. Ryan was so good and even fell asleep on Jeff's shoulder for a little nap after our picnic lunch. And of course we had to ride the train before we left- a number 1 thing on Abram and Katelyn's list.


The traditional "hatching in the egg" picture. I can't believe that they all fit in it! These days are definitely numbered.

The zoo gimmick this time was "Zoorassic Park." There were animatronic dinosaurs scattered about. Most of them were pretty realistic. These are some of the ones we found. Ethan loved it!

And some more fun pics- just because.

After the zoo Heather came over to our house to have dinner and hang out for a while. I caught this cute picture of our boys playing together on the floor. Ryan is older than Jeremiah by three months, but they are already the same size!

Red, White and Blue

This year, we were able to celebrate America's Independence over an entire weekend.

Saturday morning started out with the Freedom Festival's Balloon Fest. Some of this year's favorites included the pink piggy (Katelyn), Darth Vader (Ethan & Dad), Coke Bottle (Erin), and mom liked the fact that they launched this year! It was a longer drive to get there this year, but definitely worth it. We might be sucked in for life now that we actually saw them all take off! After the balloons, we headed over for a pancake breakfast put on by the Sidewalk of Fire Committee.

Later that evening we participated in some neighborhood firework fun. Jeff also added some additional excitement by launching rockets, taffy, and glow sticks with his launcher. The kids had a blast and it was great getting to know some of our new neighbors better.

Monday was the actual 4th of July. We went to the Petersen family BBQ late in the afternoon. Our kids loved running amok with their cousins while the adults conversed. After filling our tummies, we headed over for the 7th annual Sidewalk of Fire. It is the best neighborhood show around. Jeff and I served on the committee again this year. Activities included a street carnival with games, face painting, fish ponds, and eating contests. Then came the rocket and taffy launching. Afterwards was the children's parade. (All this was accompanied by the best DJ SWofF has ever seen!) At dark the real show began. It was more spectacular than ever, partially due to the new Utah law allowing aerial fireworks. Even the rain couldn't dampen our spirits. By the time we got home all tired bodies climbed into bed. It was a great evening!

I didn't get my camera out for the Sidewalk of Fire- Shame on me! Somewhere between 4 kids, the rain, and all the fun I just forgot. But Jeff did manage to catch the girls face painted cheeks with his Ipod. Yea dad!





Katelyn

Erin