24th Of July: Homemade Fireworks

Trying to decide what we were going to do for Pioneer Day.  We had thoughts of last year driving all over the county looking for fireworks that never materialized.  This year we planned to stay home and watch the fireworks around the neighborhood.

 We started off with poppers and sparklers.  It wasn't really dark enough but who cares.

 Watch out for the trailer...

 WOW!!!

Dad is talented for doing multiple at one time.  Can we try?

 Ryder and Shawn trying to kill ants unlucky enough to be outside.

 It burns

 We want more...

Finally, Ryder decided to give it a try and was hooked.

The neighbors didn't disappoint us and the real show soon started.

W & W Campout

The Wheeler & Waters Family Camp Out was scheduled rain or shine this year.  It was anyone's guess as to what the weather would be.  This year we brought along new friends staying with us Christiana & Shawn.  This was their first time camping out.  The weather was warm really warm as we left town.  As we hit the campsite it had dropped 20 degrees.  Perfect for camping and exploring.

 First came dinner....Subway is my camping friend.

 Star Gazing with Blake's amazing telescope that you could see Saturn along with it's moons.

 WAIT!!! 

We are camping there should be no technology or video games.

Wild Life creeping into camp.  Look close you can see one of the 4 deer that came into the area. Or rather should I say Skunks, Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, and Mountain Lions Oh My!

Time to hike... 

 Crossing the lake on rocks...Don't slip and get wet.

 Be careful and don't fall in.

 Hiding out from the rain.

Saturday afternoon the clouds started to gather, next the thunder, and followed by lightening.  Dinner was delayed due to rain.  We had a break and started to cook hamburgers & hot dogs.

Then BAM!!! it started back up again with full force and continued most of the night.  

It was a fun time to be together and enjoy the great outdoors.  However, monsoon season might not be the best time to go camping.  

Lagoon Trip: Day 3

After wearing everyone out at Lagoon we dropped Reganne off at Larry & Carrie's house for fun on the farm.  She was so excited that she couldn't be bothered to say goodbye.  We dropped Rylee off with Randy & Janelle for fun with the kids.

Randy & Janelle had to share a fun hike that they discovered in Payson Canyon.  It was a really easy one at that.  Thank goodness since all I brought were sandals.

 Walk across the plank bridges

 What a popular spot to cool off and play in the water.  

 The water fall

 Part of our group having a snack for the trip back down.

 We played at the park, ate Hawaiian Snow Cones (with Vanilla Ice Cream)

 Time to hit the trail.  

Well not literally we still had to pick Reganne  up and everyone needed at least one horse ride before actually hitting the trail home.

 Bareback in fact

 Rylee's turn she was a good sport to try even though she was scared.

Time to hit the trail.

Vacation time was a an end time to go home and rest up for Monday.  Next year we will be back for more fun at Lagoon and with family.  Though Ryder has finally hit the golden spot on the height monitor by finally hitting 39 inches.  Disneyland will be an option next year.

Lagoon Trip: Day 2

We were in luck the weather changed and we woke up to blue skies and warm temperatures.  We headed towards Lagoon for a day full of fun.

 Waiting for the rides to open.

 And waiting...

 Finally time to ride and ride they did.  They were able to ride every one they wanted to even twice in most cases.

 Is this the Merry Go Round or the Ferris Wheel?  They kept getting confused

 All on Pretty Painted Ponies

 Bumper Cars

 Ryder asked to ride these this year.  Last year he wasn't tall enough.  Surprise he was two inches over.

 Now he needed to learn how to drive.

 Rattle Snake Rapids...Dave, Reganne, and Ryder

 Ryder is hiding between Reganne & Dave

 Getting Wet!!

Rylee and I watched.  She found a quarter and was ready to shoot them.  Ready, Aim, Fire.  She had good aim she hit Dave.

The day wouldn't be complete without riding the Sky Ride.

After one last ride on the Odesey we were ready to head to Grandmas.

Lagoon Trip: Day 1

The weather was still a little drizzly after the aquarium and it was still to early to check in at the hotel.  Quick thinking we were headed to Temple Square and the new City Creek Shopping Center.  The weather was perfect to walk around.  The grounds were beautiful and full of color.

 Temple Square

 City Creek Fountain

 Food court play ground

 Look at me!!

Twins??

Everyone was full after dinner at the food court and ready to go swimming at the hotel.  We can only hope that tomorrow will be a better day for Lagoon.

Lagoon Trip Day 1

It hasn't rained in Utah for over 60 days.  Yet we were greeted Thursday morning to cloudy  rainy skies after leaving St George.  We kept hoping that the closer we got to Lagoon the clearer the skies would be.  Instead the more it rained.  We made a stop for lunch at McDonald's the rain was a drizzle.  We could still make this work.  It was not to be as we stepped outside it rained even harder.  As we drove by nothing was moving.  Time for Plan B??? The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy and we were off....

The rain still falling the parking lot was full.  Cars continued to drive around search for the one space that might open up.  After about 10 minutes luck would have it we found one.

 Petting Stingrays

 Each one tried to reach in for a quick feel.  However, as Ryder moved in close the stingray raised up on it's side and scared the bejebbers out of him.  He was done with them and wanted to move on.

 Penguin Habitat

All new exhibit and boy it was fun to watch them swim and chase each other around. This guy stopped to watch us. Who is on exhibit now?

 Ryder's cousin with the crazy feathers. Or in Ryder's case crazy hair.

 Playing in the coral reef.

Otter Exhibit

Where are you, Otters?  Is that one?  Oops that is Reganne catching a closer look.

Time Warp...Etch A Sketch

Mom, come check out our new video game!!! I heard Ryder yell to me from the living room.  He came running into the kitchen holding the Etch A Sketch Dave bought a the store this past week.  The kids are fascinated with this new (old) toy.  Ryder is convinced that this is a video game and can't get enough.  They each want to play it so they each have five minutes.  Or whom ever is first getting ready in the morning gets to play first.

Who knew we had such great toys back in the olden days.