Hogle Zoo

We finally made it back to the zoo - only our second time this summer (we have a season pass). It was so hot and I knew it would be really crowded with the opening of the African Savannah. So the week before school started we finally made it. We had a great day - mostly - James did some of the time pouting over who knows what.

Cute kids eating our packed lunch.

Really neat Giraffe statues.

We tried to get Mia to sit with the Lions too but she was too scared.

Mia and Emma having fun playing African instruments while James pouted.

I finally let let them play in the water because I remembered to bring an extra change of clothes. Thanks a lot zoo for making one more thing I have to remember because you know they will get wet. Why does the zoo need a splash pad anyway, aren't the animals enough? Okay rant over!

Mia had fun but amazingly didn't get that wet.

James finally finished pouting during our last few minutes at the splash pad.

My cute girls hanging with the polar bear.

Mia is scared of real lions too!

The train is back!!

Ogden Temple Open House

For family night one Monday in August we dropped Mia off at Grandma Van Bibber's house and went to the Ogden Temple Open House. The temple had been under construction for the last three years. It looks completely different but it is so beautiful. Once we convinced James to put on the white booties over his shoes we had a very nice time walking through it and discussing things with our children. I hope they will be able to remember at least some of this someday. The temple is so beautiful inside and out. The art work in the temple was amazing. One funny thing was when we were in one of the sealing rooms. I was explaining to Emma that the alter is where the husband and wife kneel and hold hands to get married. Emma replied, "Oh, I thought that was where they set the dead people." While trying not to laugh I quickly corrected her thinking. Then we had a very nice dinner at Iggy's (something that has not happened in a while at a restaurant). But we were too full to get ice cream from Farr's.

Beautiful Temple

Every time there is water - there is no stopping them.

Hurting feet - what a nice Dad.

Davis County Fair

Wednesday after Bear Lake the kids and I along with Grandma and Grandpa Lavender visited the Davis County Fair. I told the kids we were only going to do the free stuff but you know Grandparents, like to spoil. We had a great time even though it was hot.

James milking a cow.

My baby!

Emma doing some tumbling moves.

The petting zoo is always one of our favorite things to do but Mia was not in to it. I guess that would be scary if all the animals were as tall as you and you are still a bit unsteady on your feet.

Grandpa got some carrots for us to feed the the animals.

Next we back the main stage for the Princess show. I can this day just so we could see the princesses. I'm never sure if Emma is going to be in the mood for it our not. Today they made it about half way through the show but they were sitting by themselves so I thing that made a difference. But later she didn't want to wait in line to meet them and get pictures so there you go.

Just hanging out with some of my favorite people.

Grandpa bought tickets for rides!

The guy let me go on this ride with the kids for free because the didn't know what to do and there was no line, awesome. We started together but Emma and I got stuck at the top and James raced to the bottom without us. as the winner.

This girl was so happy to be out of her stroller roaming and climbing on things. But she threw a fit when it was time to get back in. Nap time!

Okay I paid for this and it took my last dollars get Emma and James on the elephant and no money left over for me. But at least they had fun and we created a memory. When will they get the chance to ride and elephant again.

More creatures to pet a lizard and a snake. I stayed back to take pictures. 

Emma keeps asking when she can have a pet snake - never in this house!

Two days later, Quinn and I had date night. He took me to see Wicked at the Capitol Theater. It was amazing. I loved it and listen to the soundtrack all the time now. Quinn enjoyed as well and I think he has a review coming up on it.

You are the best babe - love you!

Can't wait to go again.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake again! We left on Wednesday August 6th in the morning. Our kids are so good in the car. I love that. I would go crazy if they whined or cried the entire time or if I had to put on a video every time we went somewhere but I don't. It's awesome. By the time we got there we were starving though so we stopped for dinner at Merlin's. It was so good but we were to full for shakes - so we got them another day.

Lunch!

This girl loves to dip.

Grrrrrr.

Beautiful  butterfly Emma.

Great Grandmother and Grandfather Moore

One day we went on The Walk, it was more of a hike that I remember it being but we had a great time and the kids were great hikers.

We played games - McKenna - Taylor's girlfriend joined us of a few days.

Doing a puzzle of Bear Lake

Took the kids to the park.

Grandma and baby Dylan - two months old.

The boys did some chipping with Quinn trying to catch the balls in a bucket all the while the kids were running around. A funny video in the making but nothing happened.

Our last night there a huge storm came up just after dinner. We got everything packed up and put away just in time. But soon our tent was flatten by the wind and it broke a pole. Then it started to rain and we decided to get our stuff out and move into cousin Christopher's trailer that he had left up there. It was a good thing because the next morning our tent was soaking wet. We slept in the trailer and had a long night with the kids. They did not understand what had happened and wanted to be back in the tent. Oh well, great story and we survived.

Our day at the beach was great.

Emma was scared that the boat was going to tip over. Not sure why she is scared now and not last time or last year. When Quinn went up to learn how to drive the boat she asked James if he would hold her hand. I was holding Mia. He was so kind to her and she clung to his hand. 

James never let go even though he fell asleep. So sweet.

Taylor brought up paddle boards. They were so much fun.

Anne and Brock just relaxing.

Me and James on the board. I never fell but I believe Quinn took a few falls.

Cousins in the boat.

Mia and Emma loving the water.

Thanks Van Bibber family for a great trip as always.