4 Day weekend and The Hogle Zoo

Last week I looked at Cameron's work calendar and was pleasantly surprised to discover he had a four days off this weekend. We thought about taking a quick trip down to St. George to see family, but when we saw the weather report and it was gonna be blazing hot we decided to stay local and fit in some activities we have wanted to do all summer. Yesterday we took Abby to the Scera Pool in Orem because Cam has free passes because he is a city employee. I even braved putting on a swim suit (which was made even more difficult by the fact that I'm growing out my regular clothes, but not quite in maternity) and got in the water too. Abby is a little unsure of the water, and just stood around a lot. But we all had fun, and I realized that I need to take her more often so she will get comfortable.


Today we went to the Hogle Zoo, and we invited Are and Piper to come along. It was fun because Abby is really interested in learning about tons of animals and we have tried to teach the sounds that different animals make. So we thought it was time she saw all these animals in person.


She loved the elephants, the bears and the monkeys. The Hogle Zoo is great because it is kind of smaller so you can be in and out in a couple of hours. With it being quite warm, we were ready to leave once we'd seen most of the animals.



Piper is only 7 months old, and wasn't all that interested in the animals, but she happily rode in her stroller the whole time.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Last friday we went to the open house of the Oquirrh (man, that's a difficult one to spell) Mountain Temple. It was so beautiful. They lay out is a little different than I'm used to but I really enjoyed being able to take Abby inside. My only regret was that it was SO busy when we went. It was like cattle being herded through every room.

Provo River Trail

Today I decided we would go for a walk up the Provo River Trail. I absolutely love this trail. If I didn't have to push Abby in the stroller I probably would have ran, rather than walked (I love my jogging stroller, but pushing it up hills is killer. Abby, plus the weight of the stroller has to be close to 50 lbs), that way I could have covered more ground, and seen more of my favorite places along the path. The cool breeze that comes off the river, all the wildlife, and the many parks makes it so nice. We saw a snake sitting on the trail, so I pointed it out to Abby and she was only mildly interested. We played at the park, which of course was the highlight for Abby.




She also loved the river. We found a little spot that we could play right next to the water.


Abby's unsure footing kept making me so nervous, so we didn't hang out too long before we returned to dryer ground.

By the time we got back to the car, it was lunch time. So for a special treat I thought we could go to Wendy's for some lunch. It was a nice idea, but the actual experience was HORRIBLE! Abby was getting tired, so I knew that the chance of her throwing a fit was very high. We almost made it through the whole lunch, but when it came time to eat the frosty, the tears started, and the screaming was loud. So, all the food went in the trash, including the uneaten frosty, and we headed home. It's so frustrating when we try to do something fun and nice, and that is how she behaves. GRRR!!! Abby's not even two yet, but I have a feeling the "terrible two's" will be fierce at our house.

Hiking Timp

On top of Timp, eating lunch


So pretty!!!

Last Wednesday, Cameron hiked to the top of Mt. Timp with a couple of his brothers. Will is in charge of the scouts in his ward, and took them up Timp, so Cam and Bryce tagged along. Cam left here at about 4:00am and started hiking a little after 5:00am. It took them all day, and he got back home around 5:00pm. He looked so tired and sore. Apparently there was still tons of snow covering much of the trail, which made it quite treacherous at times. Cam said he was a little nervous with the steep drop-offs, and narrow trails, but did enjoy sliding down the glacier. When he got home he said that he will never do that again. But, hopefully time will change his mind, because I want to go sometime, and he has to come with me.

Mission Call!

Last week, Cam's little brother, Ethan, finally got his mission call. He is going to Edmonton, Canada. We are so proud of him for deciding to serve the Lord for two whole years. He reports to the MTC Sept. 30. So I guess that gives him almost three months to fatten up so he can survive the frigid cold of northern Canada. But I'm sure it will be so gorgeous.