August Adventures

After we got back from FL we took it pretty easy.  It was the last few days before Arden went back to school.  I wanted to enjoy those final summer days.  Going places with them has become more fun.  No diaper bags.  No kids running off on their own...most of the time.  No strollers. We take potty breaks and bring snacks and sometimes they get a bit rowdy and cranky, but overall, it's 'easy.' Correction...'easier' than what it used to be.

 KENNECOTT
After unpacking and relaxing for a couple of days, we headed to the Kennecott Copper Mine.  It's not too far from our house and we were interested in exploring.  I like going on day trips.  It was a neat learning experience for the three of us. 

The size of a real tire for the trucks.

We learned a lot of things and have a new appreciation for copper.

A view from the top

Studying different metals

Arden Snake

HOGLE ZOO
Around the time school started, Newel's company had their annual company picnic at the Hogle Zoo.
They  had face painting.  Our children were delighted!
I also wanted my face painted...but other kids were in line waiting. May be next time?


We usually don't go on trips like this one with Newel...he's usually working...but this happened to be on a Saturday afternoon and it was his company. The children enjoyed showing Newel the zoo.

We ate dinner and went on rides.  Towards the end of the evening we went to the bird show.  That was pretty neat...especially when one of their hawks? Condor? flew off.  He eventually returned.
The kids also enjoyed spending time with their Grandma.  Since we moved out of their house, we hadn't spent as much time with her...and we had been out of state, too.

Enjoying the bird show.

After the show the children got to pose with an eagle.  Also, we rode on the merry-go-round and watched the tiger cubs become very active and playful...it was getting dark.  Maya and Arden got sneezed on by an elephant (the water one)! Overall, a perfect event.




During the summer the children worked kind of hard reading their books.   I say kind of hard...because it's not a chore to them...they enjoy for us to read to them. Arden was also starting to learn to read...he didn't like it much, but we stuck with it, even on vacation.

So we turned in our book count to the library and they were able to collect their rewards...including giant sugary cookies from a cookie shop...Yum!

I loved those last summer days.  We had a lot of fun.  But I think I was ready to start a new routine.  I had been struggling about going back to work.  I wanted to work, even though I didn't need to work this year.  I needed to get my  priorities straight...them.  I haven't missed the stress of driving to work, grading papers, the guilt that I'm not doing enough at home, etc.  Staying home with Maya has also been a neat experience.  We've bonded even more.  I have her all to myself for half of the day.  I've been able to help Arden with school and we've seen some wonderful improvement. Not because of me entirely, but because he works hard, even when he doesn't want to. That's where I come in...and encourage...sometimes threatened...but it has been worth it.
Looking at these photos make me look forward to summer again.  To days when we don't need to be in a rush out the door.  Where we can go swimming, read books, plan day trips, play with cousins in the middle of the day, or just stay in bed and cuddle.  I feel so blessed I get to stay home with them.  Grant it, they can drive me nuts at times, but they are so good and caring.