Been There, Done That!

For twelve days, I was in Utah taking care of grandkids for both Kevin and Kyle's family.  We had such a great time together doing so many fun things, but all I could think of was that I always forget how busy one's life can be when you have the responsibility of kids and making sure they are where they need to be, doing what they need to do, and making sure they are safe while they are doing all of these activities!  Whew!  So, like I say, been there--done that--I'm just glad I'm to the grandparent stage right now!  Hats off to all the parents who do such a great job!

Wheeler Farm

One of the fun activities we did was go to Wheeler Farm, a family favorite when we lived in Murray, Utah.  It was very near our home, and we celebrated many birthday parties there.  This time we met my sister, Joyce, some of her daughters, and some of her grandchildren.  What a great time everyone had reminiscing old times with cousins and extended cousins!

Michele (Joyce's daughter), Amy (my daughter), Camille (Joyce's daughter), Kim (my daughter-in-law) and Anne (my daughter-in-law).   Jennifer (Joyce's daughter) was there, also, but not in the picture. 

The kids loved feeding the ducks.

Tyson still remembers Floppy and Doodle who were his favorite ducks in their Paris garden outside their home there.  He's continually looking for them!

Jaxon and Kade

These four grandchildren were born within nine months of each other:  Lauren (Kevin & Angie), Jenna (Kyle & Kim), Tyson (John and Alison), and Sydney (Cameron and Anne).  They have always had a special bond to each other.

There were so many fun animals to see there--it was extremely hot.  The pigs knew exactly how to cool off!  Hannah and Sydney wish they could have been in some water, too!

Lola liked the little goats.

We made quite the procession walking around the farm.  Here, little Mason brings up the rear with his water bottle.

After the farmer showed us how to milk, those who wanted to gave it a try.  Here are some of their reactions:

Kade, "Ooo--yuck!"

Tyson--notice how the cow remains calm, then . . .

Starts kicking and actually kicks over the bucket!

Hannah is actually getting some milk . . .

"That was funny!" 

Now Sydney gives it a try - I think more is going on the ground than in the bucket.

"I did it!"

Checking out the treehouse.

Learning about the old-fashioned outhouse. 

We had a wonderful picnic together.

Mason was content to just play with his "McQueen" cars.

My sister, Joyce, brought a bat and ball, and we had great time playing baseball with the grandkids.

Cameron helped with the pitching, catching, and fielding.  He was very helpful!

Lauren made a great hit!

So did Brady!

Here comes Jaxon rounding the bases . . .

Jenna's hit was great!

Sydney's training on her softball team this summer surely showed.

But the funniest of all was when little Mason got a great hit and started running.  He ran here and there . . .

and everywhere.  He didn't care - he just kept running. 

Finally Kade caught him and pulled him on base.  He was great!

Baby Gavin watched from his blanket a good distance away. 

After the game, we had a watermelon bust.  It reminded both Joyce and me of the many watermelon busts we had at the sand dunes just outside of Rexburg while growing up.  Lola says, "Ohhhh, this is so good!"

That night we had a fun pizza party at Kevin and Angie's home and then did sparklers and fireworks.  I was so excited to be in Utah on July 24th--what a special day which marks the Mormon pioneers coming into the Salt Lake Valley.  All eight of my great grandparents made that trek arriving shortly thereafter.  We talked about what brave people they were and how much we appreciated their sacrifices.

Carter and Kade lit the fireworks for us.

We all had fun being spectators--not too many pictures, however.  I was too intent on making sure no one got burned or hurt!  (Like I said--the safety factor!)  Great day!  More fun times on the next blog!