Grandma Johnson's Stinky Feet

Heredity is a strange and sometimes a twisted thing.  All my life I have been told I look like my mother and I do.  As I have grown up there has been various body parts that belonged to someone else first.  My size came from the Obrey-Olsen side who was from Denmark.  My eyes came from my Grandma Johnson, even Lasik surgery couldn't keep the Nearsightedness away.  My teeth came again from that side of the family.  be careful if you look to are at them they may just fall apart.  These are all OK nothing offensive or bothersome to others.  I have learned to live with it all.

BUT....Grandma Johnson's Stinky Feet!!!! I have them and I have passed them down to Ryder.  These feet can make your eye's tear up and your nose water.  The only way to get rid of the smell is to shower and throw the shoes away.

I have noticed over the past four years that at various times Ryder's feet smell.  Nothing we can't live with.  However on our way home from our ZOOCATION at the TSA Checkpoint Ryder thought he needed to remove his shoes.  I was putting my things on the x-ray belt and my eyes started to water.  It smelled... the lady in front of me started to look around.  I started looking around.  My shoes were still on.  Ryder came and stood by me the smell got stronger.  Then I noticed his shoes were off.  I quickly told him to put them back on.  I then asked him if it was him the stunk.  Yeah, Mom it's my shoes.  

 Who knew size four crocks could clean out your sinuses.

The Feet!!!

I could hope that he will outgrow this family trait. But everyone knows you never get rid of this family curse you only pass it on down to the next generation.

ZOOCATION...Time Warp

We left the park to search out water and possibly ice cream.  As we traveled down 21st South  we entered a time warp of memories.  First up was the furniture store I bought my first living room set for $500 that lasted for 15 years.  Second was the dance club Xenon were we met.  It was replaced by a McDonald's which is being replaced by a newer building.  Dave replied that is an old McDonald's too old to be the spot.  I reminded him that it has been 25 years anything is possible.

Next spot was the Senior Housing Units where Dave used to work.  They look pretty much the same, maybe a little older.

Last stop was on State Street to the McDonald's next to South High School.  This was the one we stopped at each year after our activity of visiting Temple Square during Christmas with our mutual group.  We also stopped there after field trips in school.  It was remodeled a couple of years so the old gave way to the new. The old maybe gone but the memories remain.

We had time for treats and ice cream hit the spot.

ZOOCATION...Sugar House Park

Finally we made it to lunch at Red Robin and the kids continued to play.  Everyone was worn out and tired.  However, our flight wasn't until 9:45 and we had plenty of time to kill.  There was still too much energy in the car we make a stop at Sugar House Park to play and run around.  Ryder spotted the swings and that is where he wanted to spend all his time.  Reganne soon joined him and my arms quickly gave out.  They pleaded with Dad to step in and push.

 Higher

 Higher

WOW too high 

Thirst soon came rushing in.  Time to find water and maybe a treat.

ZOOCATION...Cousins

The new exhibit also had new statues to pose on.  The kids all want their picture taken on each one.  I have created little picture monsters.

 Ryder, Reganne, Holland, Rylee, and Brinton on the Polar Bear & Cubs

 Next up the Seal Statue...Where is Brinton?

 Again??? Snap fast.

One more try.

ZOOCATION...Hogel Zoo

The commercials have started for the summer season at Hogel Zoo with the grand opening of the polar bear habitat.  The kids kept asking when are we going or we want to see the bears.

Off we went our biggest mistake was planning be there early and beat the crowds.  Instead we were greeted to the long lines to park.  By 10:30 all the lots were full and people still waiting to get in.  Lucky for us Randy & Janelle found a spot near the golf course with open spots and a short walk.  Grandma JeanAnn found space "This is The Place State Park".  Our first stop was to the Polar Bears.  Again we were greeted by large crowds with even more strollers.  Can you see anything???

 Ryder had the best view.  Do you see anything?

 Grizzly Bears...Where is our lunch?

 Aunt Janelle & Baby Owen

Look at them flip over as they swim.

This is the best part all the different angels to watch these amazing animals.  

 Taking a break..Reganne & Owen 

They have added sitting areas for people to relax and watch the human zoo.  Someone needs to give these people a mirror from behind to see what they look like. We saw more crack, whale tails, and pudgy bellies that the animals looked normal in comparison.

 Let's make a craft.

They had a volunteer group making headbands and wristbands with the kids.  The guys were so eager to help the kids and talk to the kids.  It was a great break while waiting for the bird show to start.

 Waiting patiently

 Golden Eagle

 Time for the train ride...Partners Rylee & Holland

How big are we?

It was great day filled with sunshine, family, and wild animals.

Note to self next year get a later start.  Eat lunch and arrive at the zoo after 2:00.  As we were leaving to find food the animals started waking up and moving around.  The crowds thinned out.  We looked around and decided next year we will try a different game plan.  Time to eat.

The Mind of a Four Year Old

Each day I am amazed at how his mind works since it is always working.  His logic is even more amazing if you stop and listen to what he is asking it usually much deeper than you think.  This weekend has been full of one liners and various conversations that blow my mind.  

I was making doughnuts in the doughnut maker this morning as got out the cooking spray he asked why I was putting sunscreen on the doughnut maker.

Getting ready for church I can do it myself.  After I helped him with his shirt and pants he did his socks & tie.  He then picked up all the coat hangers, attached them to his pants, and told us he had his shooters.  

 New Fashions...by Ryder.

After a round of shooting I told him to get his shoes on.  Can I wear my old sandals?  They don't fit you.  Yes they do!  They were too small when I was a baby, but they fit me fine now. To make his point he wore them to church.

He has had a lot of other words of wisdom.  I had better write them down because I can't remember them all.

You Promised...

Two little words that can bring a mother to her knees so fast your head spins.  The girls had a field trip this week to Slick Rock Park to catch tad polls & frogs.  They pleaded to bring some home with them.  Each night we weren't going straight home and it would be to hot in the car.  They would die before we got home. By Friday most of them had died and we hadn't brought any home.  YOU PROMISED!!! so I quickly replied that Saturday we would go to the park and they could catch some to bring home.

 Where are you??

 Gotcha!

 Let's make a plan.

 Help me Rylee...Reganne...Anyone???

 What would a park called Slick Rock be without a rock to climb.

This time she made it to the top.

Time to head home for the Saturday chore.  Lucky us we have to buckets full of tad poles and slimmey green moss.  Next time I will use the word PROMISE a little more carefully.

Happy Father's Day

Shhhh don't tell Dave but we went to Star Nursery for a fun garden craft activity.  Surprise it was Father's Day Gifts of  painted garden pavers.  I love these activities I can stand back and watch the creative juices take over and let each one create their own project.

 Getting started

 

 Reganne loves the paint and it loves her.

Rylee gets right down to business.

They were extremely heavy add the staircase to the main level I needed help getting them to the car.  Won't Dave be surprised  to have more pavers to make a new path.

Family Fun Night

Or should I say Friday Night.  I think Family Fun Night sounds much better.  We headed off to the rec center to swim and possibly climb the rock wall.  Rylee has been asking all week if she could try the rock wall again.  It is only open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  We have been going on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  So Friday was the day to try and we were in luck it was still open after dinner.  They harnessed her up and let her go.

 And go...

 She hit the first mark and let go.  She must have looked down.  There was no convincing her to keep going.  

 Not to be left out Reganne had to try.

Darn flip flops they are not good to climb in.

Time to go swimming and cool off.  Let's try this again next week.

Saturday Morning Time to Play

What happened to Spring or rather slowly easing us into Summer.  That never seems to be the case here in Southern Utah.  One day you are enjoying the 70's or maybe even the 80's.  The next day it can be the high 90's.  Friday hit 103 and Saturday was going to be no different.  If you want enjoy being outside you have to start early.

Off we went to the splash pad.  Towels, water, and a squirt gun.  Ryder has been fascinated by squirting the sisters.  I believe it's to see how loud they will scream.

 Rylee help me fill it up please????

 I am going to shoot you....

and I will get you wet.

 Another  sister or victim?  

Let's play

After only an hour we headed back home it was already warming up to the point we went scurrying for shade.

Just Add Waters

After seven years of being without a boat and playing in the water Dave couldn't last much longer.  He found to good of deal to pass up on a used boat.  The kids were so excited when it brought it home.  They have all worked hard to clean it and getting it ready to go.  Dave promised them we would go out on the next weekend his was off.  

Memorial Day was the day.  I am not sure who was more excited Dave or the kids.  I watched the kids with the anticipation of trying something new the I became excited too.  The trip started with the usual prep for a family outing making sure we have water (to drink), sunscreen, towels, and good weather.

All came together for a beautiful day.

 Getting onto the water.

 Finally on the lake.  Are those smiles?

 Learning to drive.  Rylee  is first.

 Followed by Reganne.  Such concentration.

 Bringing up the rear was Ryder.  Good thing there is a chair of him to see over the steering wheel.

 Time to get into the water... Who's first?  Remember the water is only 67 degrees.

 First ride in the tube.

 This is fun!!!

More, More, and finally that is enough.

The water was getting choppy with to many people on the lake.  The girls were done riding and it was time to play on the beach or go home.  We made a quick stop at the beach, but again too many people.  As we left the lake there were cars lined up past the entrance. Let's go home and get cleaned up for lunch.

They are already planning our next adventure.