Quick trip to Utah

All it takes is my sister telling me she is visiting from Cali for me to decide that we need a long weekend trip to Utah. It was a great excuse to get some needed Grandma and cousin time in for the kids and to relax and have fun.   Maren had a few sleep overs at Lily's house, it is so amazingly convenient to have them just a few house's down from my moms place. And Spencer was super brave and stayed one night there as well.

Cousins and best of friends!

A little blurry, but still a gem!

 

 My mom is an amazing grandma, can't you just tell from Amanda's smile how much she loves her!

Spencer has been asking for several months now when he could go  to the zoo.  So that was definitely on our bucket list...

Cousins!

 Jacob was so funny to watch with this lion head drinking fountain, which brought back many of memories from my own childhood.  I love that with all the changes and improvements, they have kept some of the classics like this.  He was finally super brave to get a drink.

 Every one really liked seeing the new arctic exhibit and and the polar bears did not disappoint.  but in my opinion the elephants stole the show.  It was such fun to watch the mom try to keep up with her "toddler", and the kids could have watched all day.  Of all the animals, Spencer was most excited to see the giraffe's.  They were so big, and he was not disappointed.  He talked about them non stop after.   It was one of the highlights of his whole summer.

And some pool time was fantastic after a hot game of tennis one afternoon.  (Or should I say chasing kids around a parking lot while I watched my siblings play tennis.) 

Loved this synchronized swimming action going on!

   

And seriously, when did these babies all grow up!  Jacob and Ethan and Sydney were loving chatting together on the stairs...playing ball with their aunts and loving every minute of the attention they were getting!

And I was super blown away at how quick my Jacob warmed up to Jenn.  I know I shouldn't be, but seriously, it was amazing!  And I loved that I got a break to take a few pics, thanks Jenn!

We also fit in a fun evening watching Nikki perform in her community theater's production of Annie, and a fun short hike in the rain to an amazing waterfall. 

Amanda apparently wasn't wet enough in the rain....I think she really is part fish!







The other kids seeking out shelter in a small cave!

It is always fun to visit and spend time with family, and so kind of everyone to take time out of their busy schedules to spend time with us!