Here are some more fun things we did with the grandkids in Utah:
Backyard Fun
The observers of the backyard fun . . .
Alpine Lazy River Fun
The Conley's Swimming Pool
Ever since we met Mary and her daughter, Katie, when they travelled to China with us, we have felt like she was part of our family. Now, we have added her husband, Bill, and older daughter, Liz. They are always so generous to let us come swimming at their fantastic pool. It is truly like a resort to go there--it scares me to death to watch the kids there, but they love it!
Here is what absolutely scares me to death--when the kids (and grown-ups) do these terrifying leaps from so high, I could barely get the pictures taken in the sun!
Connor
Connor, now shooting a basket at a hoop which is half-way across the pool.
Not to be outdone--Kent gives it a look.
And, yes, he jumps with perfect form!
Ella joins the party in the latest swimwear fashion and Hollywood smile!
Mason models the patriotic swimwear.
Kade--notice how calmly he does this!
Kade, Ethan, and Jaxon
Lauren doesn't want to be outdone by the boys, so here she goes with Kade.
And now, solo!
Ella shows me how she has learned to swim.
Mason wants to ride on a little raft with his daddy.
Of course, Jaxon loves playing water basketball.
Even some water balloons made for fun!
Brady
Hannah
Connor--just chillin'
I finally got a picture of Taylor--he doesn't stay long in one place to get a picture taken!
Sydney and Lauren
So, we had such a great time, we went another day. This time Jenna wants to try the jump.
First, she watches Lauren, then . . .
she goes for it! I'd say she was pretty successful!
Now, Jenna and Lauren jump together.
Now, Lauren and Carter make the jump.
Hannah has never been off this higher perch before, but here she goes!
By this time, Ella doesn't want the big kids to out-do her, so she tells her mom that she's going for it. George and Natalie get ready for the big plunge. Will she do it?
Of course she does! Have you ever seen Ella not do something she puts her mind to?
She was one proud and happy girl!
Carter and Kade
It's like my dad said, "You can go lots of places and spend lots of money, but there's still nothing like a fun time at the pool." (He said this when my brothers and sisters and I all hated to get out of the motel pool to go on and see something new!)
Dinosaur Museum
There's just something fascinating about dinosaurs to kids--and adults alike. This is a place the grandkids love to visit--so we did!
They love to build in the area that shows how erosion uncovered many of the dinosaur bones and fossils we have today. They all worked so hard to build a beautiful diorama.
And . . . ta da . . . the finished product!
Pretty cool, huh?!
The T-Rex--straight out of "Night at the Museum"
Looking for dinosaur bones
So much fun--and so much learned!
Children's Museum
Another favorite place of the kids is the Children's Museum at Eagle Gate Mall. So many fun things to do--just not enough time to do all we want to do!
Co-operation
Playing House
Ella picking her flowers.
Look who else was at the Children's Museum picking flowers for his mommy--Thomas! Tyler and their beautiful baby sister were there, too!
Sydney going shopping.
Lauren is the cashier at the grocery store.
Brady works at the delicatessen and helps Hannah.
Sydney and Hannah make delicious sandwiches.
Brady drives Hannah in his little red jeep.
He has to stop for gas.
Jenna finds the rock climbing wall.
Lauren and Ella have fun building together.
Ella makes a little parachute and puts it in the wind tunnel to see if it works.
It does!
Sydney learns about a spinning drawing board.
Brady learns how an old-fashioned water pump works.
Now, it's off for a ride in a helicopter. Brady and Hannah are the pilot and co-pilot,
Sydney, Ella, and Jenna are the passengers. (The sounds are so real, Ella couldn't understand why they weren't taking off!)
All kinds of locks to learn how to un-do.
And Lauren practices for the day when she becomes anchor woman on KSL.
All so much fun--and so much learning!
Randomness
I was able to be there the day Brady came home from summer school with the award for being able to blend his sounds in reading! Yeh, Brady!
I guess one of the hardest things I do when tending the kids is do the girls hair--I have enough trouble with my own. But, lucky for me, Kim helped until she left on her trip and then when Natalie came to help tend, she did the girls hair daily which really rescued me! Here are some cute pictures I had to take to show their mom how much difference a good hair stylist can make!
And Preston--well, his hair always looks adorable!
Lauren and Koda--yes, I tended two dogs, too. The funny thing is, both dogs seem to like me, and I'm not really an animal lover!
Family Fun Center
One rainy day we decided to go to the Family Fun Center--a perfect place to go with bad weather outside. The kids rode scooters, went in bounce houses, played lazer tag, tried all kinds of games, etc.
Kade brought along a friend.
Going to Movies, Ice Cream Shops, and Playing in Fountains
That's a Wrap
Well, that about does it for Summer of 2010 with the grandkids. I am so greatful the kids trust me to take care of their children. It is truly such a great responsibility that I only hope I may always be worthy of that trust!
