Mini Vacation

This weekend we took a mini family vacation. We had a free night stay at a Marriott and we decide to take the kids all the way to Lehi, UT. Whitney had Friday off of school so Aaron took the day off and we surprised the kids. We spent the day at Thanksgiving Point. We went to the children's gardens, the Cornbelly pumpkin festival, the Farmers Market. They loved staying at the hotel. Such a novelty for them. They especially loved going swimming at the hotel and going down to the lobby for breakfast in the morning. You should have seen how much food Cassidy had. She wanted some of everything.

We were planning on watching the first session of General Conference at the hotel, but decided after two hours in that small room in the morning that it was time to leave. Grant was stuffing fruit loops into the radiator, C&L were chasing each other all over, the three of them went around getting into everything they could. The one day vacation is just right for our kids. We get to have lots of fun together, but it isn't a long drawn out vacation that we all end up frustrated and annoyed with each other.

Independence Day, Birthday & More

We started the 4th off at my parents home with a water party. We had slip 'n slides, sprinklers, water balloon, water guns. Followed by a great BBQ lunch. The kids had a blast.

I love this picture of my little guy. Thanks to my sister for taking these, my camera is still getting fixed.

We ended the day at our house with a BBQ with Aaron's family. We had our grocery store variety fireworks display on the street afterwards. Several neighbors brought out their chairs and watched our pathetic display. Then they (and my kids) all moved on down the street to the next display in the street. It is great having such great neighbors that you can all enjoy a holiday together like that.

My birthday was a week ago. Aaron attempted to make me some cinnamon rolls (from a can) for breakfast. I never actually saw them, he says they were not salvageable. So my house smelled like cinnamon rolls when I woke up, only there were no cinnamon rolls. Ironically, my neighbor behind me left me a cinnamon roll and orange juice from Kneaders on my porch for me for my birthday. It was a pleasant surprise as Aaron opened the door to leave for work.

Several of my friends gathered at the Splash Park for lunch. It was crazy crowded there, apparently the day after school gets out is a popular time to go to the Splash Park. Who knew? Thanks to my friends for braving the crowd and sticking around. And hey, we didn't lose anyone. I really am grateful to have so many great friends.

My in-laws came over that night to watch the kids so Aaron and I could go out to dinner. We went to the Olive Garden. I haven't been there for years. We then went shopping. I really wanted a new swimming suit. What I terrible idea to go try on swimming suits on your birthday. Not exactly a great self esteem booster. So, after we decide to go pick up dessert to take home and share with my in-laws. Chocolate always makes me feel better! :) We went to my husbands new favorite store. The new Harmons in Draper. It sounds strange, but this place is incredible. The cheese bar alone could have kept Aaron there all night. We had samples from the homemade gelato ice cream bar. (Yum) They have gourmet dessert area, with chocolates imported from Switzerland (or some country I forget which one.) We ended up with a fudge chocolate cake that was delightful and it was so much cheaper to get the entire cake than to buy dessert at a restaurant. We are a little strange, but it was actually a lot of fun.

Here is my little plug for Harmons. Now I am not a normal shopper at Harmons, I usually only go there if something is on sale. However, I have to give them credit here. They have a found a niche in the crazy competitive grocery store market. If you haven't been there, it is worth the trip.

Samuel the Lamanite's Rice Krispie Wall

For Family Home Evening tonight we talked about Samuel the Lamanite. Here are a few photos of our Rice Krispie Wall that we made . . .

(The part of Samuel was being played by Noah tonight)

Here are the Nephite girls throwing rocks (a.k.a. chocolate chips) at Samuel. Luckily the Lord protected him and no one could hit him.

Eating the Wall . . .

Now, you may say to yourself. "Oh Heather, you're so creative" and I will say "Yes, yes I am" and then I would tell you the truth that I checked out this book at the library today and found the idea inside.

Tune in next week for "Ammon's Incredible, Edible Snowball Sheep" followed by "King Benjamin's Pink Pancake Tower."

Finding Joy

Our lesson today was on finding joy. I was thinking how having this blog is helping me to find joy. Somehow it changes your perspective and you start looking for the good that you can write about. One of the greatest joy is a bit obvious, but my family. One of our favorite places to go as a family is the Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. We have spent a lot of time there as a family. It is amazing to me how peaceful and joyful of a place that it is. We often go for family night. I think it is a great opportunity for our children to experience the beauty of the earth that God has created. We will be in the car on the way with the kids saying the usual: "Do we have to go?" "Why are we going there?" From the first moment we get there, the mood is changed and everyone is smiling and enjoying each other. Our kids favorite part is rolling down the grass hills of the amphitheatre. None of our children (well, ok, Grant excluded) want to leave when it is time to go. Getting a membership there was the best thing we did with our family.

We love dragging any willing people there with us, so if anyone is ever bored - give us a call. This is a great close by destination to escape the world for a few moments. As Aaron and I have been reviewing our budgets at the end of the month and realize that we have spent $380 on gas this past month. (We have only gone to school and work, no special trips, just everyday normal commuting. This is up about $150 since January.) As we pick our jaws off the floor we realize how we will just not be able to afford to travel much anymore with the price of gas. Thanksgiving Point is our perfect little hideaway.