Adventure #7 (the final one of our vacation) - SLC

The girls and I, along with my mom and sister, spent some time up in Salt Lake City the day before we returned home to Texas.

We started out at the Museum of Church History and Art. We went specifically to see the children's Book of Mormon exhibit, but we also really enjoyed the Presidents of the Church exhibit.

Admiring the Angel Moroni statue - same size as the ones that are placed on top of each temple.

Wooden dolls to dress in the children's exhibit.

Costumes for dancing in the children's exhibit.

Examining the model of the Salt Lake temple in the South Visitor's Center at Temple Square.

I wanted to get a picture of the girls in front of the temple, but the sun was too bright, so they didn't want to look at me. I had to settle for a picture of them gazing at the temple.

And finally, visiting Grandpa at his office on the 18th floor of the Church Office Building. He also took us to lunch downstairs in the cafeteria. Thanks, Grandpa!

And the following day . . . home to Texas and Daddy (who had returned a few days previous).

Adventure #6 - Burnett Family Reunion

Every other summer the Burnett family (all descendants of Russ's paternal grandparents) gathers for a reunion. We haven't been able to attend since moving to Delaware, so we made this summer's reunion our travel priority. It was held at Camp Pinedell, near Twin Falls, Idaho from July 4th to 7th. It was a big bonus that Russ's parents and ALL of his siblings were able to attend this year - it's been four years since we were all together. We had a wonderful time (in spite of the fact that we aren't really a camping family).

4th of July children's parade

(Kaylee & Ashlyn with cousins Bekah and James)

The kids spent a lot of time out on the little playground.

A little quiet time with Nana in the cabin.

Water guns!

I couldn't find Russ and Brenna one morning, but Kaylee eventually showed me they had fallen asleep on a couch in the corner of the main lodge. I was surprised they could keep on sleeping even after everyone came inside for lunch (VERY noisy).

Ashlyn was SUPER excited when Uncle Doug showed up. She was hanging on him for at least 30 minutes. His poor foot probably fell asleep.

 Gold medals from the "Idaho Olympics"

The kids made their own "campfire".

First time we were all together in four years, so of course we had to fit in a little photo shoot (it's just too bad I had to bring my pregnant belly - oh well).

Adventure #5 - Baseball and Fireworks

We went to an Orem Owlz baseball game on Monday, July 2nd, which was followed by fireworks. And we also did some little fireworks at home the next day.

Scary looking baseball mascot.

Snacks and treats (and fireworks) are the only real draw for the girls.

Relaxing

Home fireworks are illegal in Delaware, so this was their first experience with them.

After doing a few snaps and sparklers in the afternoon, Ashlyn commented, 

"I LOVE fireworks! They're my favorite thing to explode!"

Linda and I attempted several times to light a few fireworks, but eventually turned the task over to someone much more capable and experienced. 

The crowd.

Sparklers

This is my favorite picture from the night. Some of the fireworks made a loud *pop* that thrilled the girls, but wasn't Grandma's favorite. :)

Adventure #4 - Hogle Zoo

Friday we all headed up to Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City (another Utah attraction that I haven't visited in MANY years). Another warm, but wonderful, day with cousins. We especially enjoyed the Elephant Encounter and the Birds of Flight show.

Strollers are a necessity at the zoo. We had to do some kid-rotating though, since the stroller only held two, but everyone wanted a turn.

Waiting for the "Elephant Encounter" to begin.

Watching the tigers.

Audrey and Brenna became adorable little friends during our visit.

We ended our zoo adventure with some dinner foods appropriate to the day.

Chicken Salad Bagel Snakes

Watermelon Hedgehog (SO cute, and not as difficult as I thought it would be)

Boiled Egg and Olive Penguins

Grape and Apple Frogs

Yummy!!!

Adventure #3 - Princess Festival

A beautiful garden area in Utah County called Thanksgiving Point hosts a "Princess Festival" for a few weeks each summer. Our trip happened to be during that time, so we got to take all our little princesses to the festival.

Kaylee and Ashlyn were the perfect ages to enjoy the festival. They got to dress like princesses, meet princesses, dance with princesses, learn proper etiquette from princesses, and hear stories from and about princesses. They were in heaven!

Cinderella's Coach

Posing with the spoiled stepsisters (Ashlyn particularly wanted to find these two when she heard they were on the premises.)

The Princess and the Pea and Rapunzel

Listening to the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses

 My own "dancing princesses"

Brenna and cousin Audrey waiting in the shade (it was pretty warm that day)

Time for manicures!

Green is a totally princess-like nail color to choose, right?

With Princess Belle, and cousin Rebecca

Cooling off in the fountain before heading home

Summer Vacation, Part 2

(This activity actually came before Seven Peaks, but I'm posting out of order - oh well.)

Adventure #2 - Family History Family Night

My younger sister, Linda, has spent many years working on family history, so we persuaded her to impart some of her ancestral knowledge to the rest of us (mostly for the benefit of the kiddos). We saw photos of and examined books and clothing that belonged to various ancestors.

Linda showing the kids our family tree.

Comparing a hand-sewn pioneer era dress to Kaylee (the owner was an adult when she wore this dress.)

Ashlyn modeling my maternal grandfather's Navy pea coat and hat.