one last summer vacation

Just as the air turns crisp this evening, I realize I still have a summer vacation to post. It was little over 1 month ago, however it suddenly feels like a distant memory. Only a short while ago, we were sleeping in and playing in the sunshine with no routines or crazy homework to tie us down. Ah, Summer vacation.

The last 2 weeks of our summer were spent in Utah. Boy, did we power pack our time, busy with outings each and every day. Grandpa and Grandma were troopers and joined in all the fun they could handle...ha. Jeff planned out our agenda for the week and had every detail worked out to perfection. Day by day, and morning noon and night!

Day# 1. Park City.

Jeff and I love Park City. This time we brought along the troops. We rode the alpine slide, (I love that thing) and also the giant high jumping trampoline. Zachary loved that thing. For lunch, we ate the infamous Cafe Rio salad. We all loved that thing.

Day # 2. Seven Peaks in Provo.

Before marriage and children I used to frequent seven peaks water park. Word is...it is still the best water park in Utah. Sad to say, I am not the same girl that used to race down the screamin' fast slide over and over. I tried to convince the kids that the shallow and steady green slide was the best one in the park...they didn't buy it.

Day #3. Jordanelle Reservoir

One thing that Jeff and I couldn't wait for is the pure water and gorgeous surroundings of a Utah Lake. We miss it so much living in Omaha. So, days before we left for Utah, Jeff booked a day on the water with a jet ski. We went out to Jordanelle Reservoir to picnic, swim and race around the resovier. The kids each got to drive the jet ski with Jeff riding as co-pilot. Thrilling and relaxing! Water fun suits us all just fine. We invited the cousins to come along. These girls are Ray's children, Sami and Ruthanne. They are so grown-up and Ellie spent every minute wishing she could be apart of their juicy conversations.

Day#4. The pioneer park, "This is the Place"

I have to claim this activity as my request. Jeff was not to eager... but, kindly gave in. The kids loved it. It was hot but still interesting. In this picture the blacksmith is teaching the kids his trade. The village is set up to resemble a pioneer village and the kids partake of crafts and learning activities at each house.

Night # 4 Date Night.

Breya and I planned our time in SLC to coincide with one another. We have successfully planned a trip to get together each year since moving away. It's always a quick one but never-the-less a special time. A short but sweet treat for us.

Day #5 Downtown Salt Lake City.
The gateway museum seemed like a natural way to end our crazy week. My kids have been to so many different childrens museums I wasn't sure if this would hold their attention. It did, they loved it... especially Aves. The news station was an all time favorite! Yes, I know everyone who visits SLC has this same picture...but, here is Zach reporting the news.

So, what did we do the last few days? Sleep and relax.