Big Cottonwood Canyon

Sunday we decided to skip church and take a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It was a little over cast, but that wasn't going to stop us. We headed up to Brighton to Silver Lake and was about to get out and walk around it, when rain started to come down. So we decided to get back in the car and head up Guardmans Pass. We made it up to the half way mark before going on to Midway/Park City.

We decided that instead of continuing on we would turn around and head back down the canyon. We decided to stop at Donut Falls and walk around a little bit.

 

Although we were only gone for about 30 minutes and YES we did park by a sign that read "No Parking." A nice little note was waiting for us when we got back to the car. We had missed the cop by 10 minutes and yes that little note was a nice Ticket.

 

In the end it was a nice Sunday, spent as a family.

Movie Day

While Jeremy was away I decided the kids and I would head to the movies to see Turbo. We went to the Carmike off of Redwood RD. It was been such a long time since I have been to those movie theatres. I got the kids each a little meal with popcorn a treat and a drink. We headed in.

Turbo was a really cute movie. Afterward we headed home and waited until the Cousins were going to come over for a sleep over. Once they arrived we decided to go to a "Movie in the Park" and headed to Sandy where they were showing Brave.

 

Such a fun nice night to spend with my little kiddos, but to share with my niece and nephew.

Pioneer Day - July 24th

Our great state commemorates today as a holiday due to the courageous pioneer men, women and children let by Brigham Young who walked into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. What a tremendous journey, trial and miracles that happened on that adventure heading west from Navoo, Illinois.

Today in celebration the South Clan tends to make their way up to Hogle Zoo for a nice morning adventure of their own. Last year we didn't attend (most likely due to me having to work) but this year we made it in full swing.

The kids and I got up early that day and headed toward the Hogle Zoo. We ran into a little but of traffic due to the marathon that happens in the Foothill area, but made it just in time as the rest of the South Clan were getting out of their cars.

 

After getting in 4 hours of seeing all of the animals, riding the carousel, drinking our refilled icee's and wearing down from getting up so early we finally headed off to Mom's for a little relaxation.

 

Relaxation turned into a second wind of energy. Mom and I headed to Cafe Rio for a little bit of dinner and as we got back from picking up the food, Brooke and Logan arrived. We quickly ate and then hurried into our swim gear for a little dip in the pool. Abi had a little incident with Grandma and had an unhappy moment. Once everything was settled we headed to the pool. Swimming for only about an hour we got out, dried off, headed back to mom's, changed and then off we went to Cottonwood Heights (Butler Park) to watch the fireworks. They had a live band playing. The fireworks were so awesome. It was really fun to see them up close and feel the boom.

 

The pictures in this collage are courtesy of my sister Brooke.

 

Such a wonderful 24th of July, the only one missing is Jeremy.

 

 

 

Blackridge Reservoir

Today for our adventure we invited Jack and Abi's cousins and headed to Herriman to Blackridge Reservoir. Its pretty much a man made beach. We tried to go a month or so ago, but it was under construction and today we could see why. They added more parking, pavilions and a playground (which was still under contruction), they even have a concession stand. So making this place nicer they have done a great job.

Today the very coarse beach was crowded, but we were able to find a little spot. We laid our stuff out and headed toward the water. The water was a little more on the colder side, which with these hot temps you would think it would be warmer, but once you got out and went back in it wasn't so bad.

From building volcanos, to sand castles to rivers and ditches we had a very nice time.

A little Swimming

After spending Saturday hanging out at mom's, Jeremy the kids and I decided to go for a little swim. Jack told Jeremy and I that he didn't want to wear his floaties and sure enough, my little boy it turning in a brave little man.

He spent the time by the stairs diving under water and then coming up. I think swimming lessons are in order, which Abi and Jack will be starting in October.

Abi is getting a little more brave each time we go swimming, Going under water, working on holding her breath etc. Its fun seeing them figure out how the water works.

 

I uploaded the video to facebook. Check it out if you are interested on their bravery!

 

https://www.facebook.com/gerbersouth#!/photo.php?v=10201626935824992

A Dental Check Up

Friday was the kids dental check up. I can't really believe its been 6 months, however we have been to the dental pretty much  every three months.

At this check up, Jack and Abi were both big kids. They sat in the Xray chair and let the Dental Assistant take their xrays. They then sat or more laid in the chair to have their teeth clean.

In the end Jack's teeth looked good, Abi ended up having 5 cavities all in the back - two on one side and three on the other.

Until next time which will be September for Abi cavitiy fix and then January for their actual 6 month check up.

Discovery Gateway

Since having all of these fun things to do during the summer, Swimming, Seven Peaks, more Swimming, I figured I needed to figure something out for winter. After looking at a few different places decided to get a season pass to Discovery Gateway. After buying it we headed there with a couple of hours to spare and in the end the kids didn't want to leave. I know we will be heading there when the winter months come upon us.

 

On the main floor they have a "bee hive" which the kids collect balls and place them different tubes having them reach the same destination. Next you move to a contruction zone. A full furnished house with a grocery store and farm near by to collect your basic needs. Then you can play and play and play in the water section.

 

When going upstairs you can play with different trinkets, a news room, be a weather person, and build buildings. Then finally a helicopter awaits on the patio for the kids to sit in and pretend to fly.

 

Such a fun place to go for a few hours.

Despicable Me 2

Since Jeremy is now home we got the kids ready and headed to the movies to see Despicable Me 2. I love going to the movies with my little kiddo's. It is such a fun treat. Although Abi had a hard time sitting through a movie, she still does a pretty good job. We were able to meet up with my Sister-in-law and her kids.

 

After the movie we headed over to Red Robin for some lunch. Such a fun afternoon!

July 4th, 2013

Every year we have found ourselves heading up to Ogden to spend the day with the South Clan. This year wasn't any different. It always fun to head up and eat, swim, chat, laugh, eat, swim and finally get ready for the fireworks.

This year we made it up to Ogden about 2 pm.

After a fun filled day of eating and swimming we finally closed down the pool and got ready to see some fireworks.

 

I am so thankful to live in the United States of America. I am thankful for the founding fathers who created the Declaration of Independence. Although it is being held only by thred, remember the men who created that document to make our country the land of the free.

 

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain.^[4][5] After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.^[6]

Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.^[7]
Historians have long disputed whether Congress actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, even though Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin all later wrote that they had signed it on that day. Most historians have concluded that the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as is commonly believed.^{[8][9][10][11][12]}
In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third President in a row who died on this memorable day. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is the only President to have been born on Independence Day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)

 



 

Zury Xandaya

 

When my new niece was born the kids and I were out of town. So although it took me about two weeks to head over and meet the new Heinrichs baby, it was a precious event. As I was holding Zury, Abi looked at me and asked what I was holding. I told her it was her new cousin Zury. With questioning eyes, I asked her if she would like to hold her. As you can see she quickly posed for a picture and then she was done, ready to play with her bigger cousins.

 

So glad to have a new little one in the family.

June 2013

Jack & Abigail,

As summer finally approaches, we continue to try and read a story each and every day. There are quite a few books that you both have memorized that you love to read yourselves. Your personalities continue to develop into such inspiring spirits. You love all of the activities that we do each and every day even if its just hanging out at home.

Your dad and I have finally gotten both of you into the habit of brushing and flossing your teeth. You both have started to brush your teeth by yourself and you want to floss by yourself, but your dad and I still help.

I need to start remembering things that you both say. They are pretty funny and make us laugh. The imaginations that you both have is just outstanding and looking back to when I was a child I remember having the same imagination.

You both continue to grow together and as individuals and your dad and I look forward into seeing who you both will become when you are older. Keep up the great learning and work you both do. We love you!

Last game of soccer season, Tyler/Jack/Abigail, Abi and her towel head, dirty feet, Jack posing, Jack and Daisy, Tyler/Jack/Abi - best cousin buds!