Saturday Activity: Star Nursery

It's the middle of January and we have had high's in the 60's each day. So much for winter and the weathermen keep predicting cooler weather and rain. Each time it fizzles out. Yesterday morning we awoke to rain and wind. So much for doing anything outside. We almost decided against visiting Star Nursery for their kids club activity. We were ready in time so off we went.

Decorate your pot

Put dirt inside

You must have glitter! Glitter a mom's nightmare!

We planted spring flowers and enjoyed seeing upstairs of the Cotton Mill Museaum. We went back outside and were greeted by more rain and wind. It continued all day and really blew maybe winter is here?

Saturday Exploring: Zion National Park

Ryder was the only one excited about going hiking at Zion. Dave worried about the weather, Reganne & Rylee worried that it would be to cold, and I worried that I mixed the dates up and it wasn't a free day. Much to everyone's surprise the day turned out nice and you only needed a jacket. We also discovered that the kids have never been here. The last time we came was in 1994 on our first trip to Southern Utah.

Our first stop was at the park museam to look at displays and watch a quick movie about the park. Then we were off to explore. The falls colors were bursting around us.

Museum

The only one excited was Ryder.

We tried to find an easy hike for everyone. Emerald Pools was supposed to be the best one. It was perfect for us and about 100 other people.

This was perfect stop for a fall picture and collecting leaves.

Water Falls at the Emerald Pool

You can even walk under it.

Reganne was all for it, Ryder wasn't sure, and Rylee said no way she wasn't getting wet.

The Pool

Come on Ryder it's ok.

He was walking with his pants hiked up not to get wet. However, the water was coming from above not below. People around us were chuckling at him.

Another picture perfect spot. Smiles all around now. Could be we were headed dow the trail.

Mom's turn for a picture.

Wow!

Double Wow!

Time to stop exploring and eat lunch. We stopped at Wildcat Willie's very expensive and not very good.

The trip was successful they all fell asleep on the way home.

Were can we explore next month........

Saturday Exploring: Ghost Town of Grafton

This was Dave's weekend off and we were without plans or activities. It was Free National Park Day what better time to explore our neck of the woods. The weather promised to be cool with a 20% chance of rain. We set off with jackets.

First stop was the Ghost Town of Grafton.

Check out this house. Yuck there is a dead bird in one of the rooms.

Let me see!!!

Are there really ghosts?

The church / schoolhouse

Like Little House on the Prairie

What next??

The cemetary

What are the mounds?

A quick stop to the cemetary and checking out the names & dates on a few tombstones. Ryder asked why they planted flowers on the mounds. We tried to explain. However, his response was. So you die, they bury you, and plant flowers in you.

Time to get back in the monster truck and check out more things.

Saturday Activity: How to Plant Veggies

I just had to fit one more activity in this weekend. We were off to Star Nursery to learn how to plant seeds that just happened to be green beans.

Reganne..I want the big pot.

Planting the seeds.

Look!!! I did it all by myself.

That was quick and fun. Now we have to remember to water them and hopefully in about 6 weeks we might have something to eat.

If they live!!!

Saturday Activity: Michael's Passport to Fun

After so much activity these past couple of weeks what is one more thing. We decided to try Michael's Passport to Fun Activity making crowns and shamrocks for England & Ireland.

Reganne so carefully painting and putting jewels on her crown.

Ryder with the sparkly yellow glue. I can do this all by myself.

Rylee working hard on hers.

I am in the presence of Royalty.


They did this project all by themselves. I sat back, watched, and relaxed in a nearby chair.

It was a great way to end the craziness from the past couple of weeks. We are gearing up for another weekend of fun and another vacation.

2011 Dixie REA Kite Festival

The kids were so excited that the kite festival was finally here and they had completed their reading to earn a kite. Rylee was excited to perform with the choir. Reganne was excited this was her first one that she earned a kite. Ryder was excited to ride the school bus and train. Each one has a special memory from previous years and are eager to make new ones. The afternoon was full of games, friends, and rides.

Rylee and her crazy glasses.

Ryder throwing darts

Reganne riding the strawberries.

Rylee and the Choir

Ryder & Rylee riding the rockets.

What a great big sister riding along with him.

The train

Ryder woke up that moring telling me that he is a big boy and can ride by himself. Much to Rylee's disappointment he refused to let her sit by him.

If was a fun afternoon with lot's of sun and dust. We really like that we shared this fun filled day with Grandma JeanAnn and Grandpa Chris. I believe they went home and slept the week away.

A Rainy Saturday

At the being of the week the weekend was so full of activities and very spare time. The one sure thing about spring time in Dixie is don't make to many plans because the weather will dictate what you will be doing. Sure enough just as was predicted the rain, wind, and cooler weather arrived on Friday and stayed for the weekend. Soccer was cancelled. So onto Plan B .... It was free craft day at Michaels' Craft. They were able to color Toy Story 3 pictures with new markers. Ryder was finished in 2 minutes, Rylee in 5 minutes, and Reganne 30 minutes later. She really loved to sit there coloring and creating with the markers.

Look at the concentration!

We then were off to a benefit carnival, silent auction, and bake sale for friend with ALS. This awesome guy was diagnosed less that a year ago and the disease has progressed quickly to where he is in a motorized wheelchair and can move only his one finger. He talks very quietly, but with a smile on his face. Kreg has always had a positive attitude and that continues today. It was scheduled to be outside at a local park. Luckily the churches were not booked and they moved it inside. It was great to see old friends and ward members supporting one of their own. There was such wonderful attitude of service and volunteering to help that was awesome.

Rylee and Ryder doing the bean bag toss.

Reganne getting her face painted with a pink butterfly.

Rylee with her little dog.

We made it home to tiny rays of sunshine.

Spring Season: First Soccer Game

After practicing for two weeks the girls were ready for the first game of the season. The weather reports were favorable to a great day outside. What a surprise to wake up to cold, cloudy weather. By 10:00 it was not only cold and cloudy, but the rain had started. By 10:30 it was a downpour. Coach Oscer called to cancel not wanting the girls to get hurt or sick. Plan B soon formed... BLM District was offering an Insect Class for all kids. We arrived early in time for hot dogs, chips, and water.

Rylee loved the program, Reganne loved it but grew bored, and Ryder was interested in the displays and running around.

It was a fun way to pass a couple of hours, but I am still not a fan of insects. Next month starts their Junior Ranger Program.

Happy Birthday Dr Seuss

I love to read and I am trying to encourge the kids to read as well. What better way to make it fun that to visit Target for a special Happy Birthday to Dr Seuss on Saturday morning. They cleared a spot in girls clothes and sat on the floor to listen to the stories. As we walked in the kids were each given a gift bag inside was full of red & white. Treats, crayons, coloring pages, and stickers.

What's inside??

Look crackers !!

Look at this big book, I am inside the story.

Don't touch my goodie bag

What a fun way to spend a half hour on Saturday morning when it is rainy and cold outside.

2011 Bird Festival

You would be surprised at what is going on in your town that you are not aware of. You can usually find a lot to do that is fun, free, and interesting. This week I discovered the Annual Bird Festival. Now I am not a bird watcher, but they had a free workshop for kids to build bird houses. The kids have always loved to feed the birds that visit our backyard. The day was beautiful and warm. We arrived a little after 11:00 and were greeted by so many others coming out to enjoy the wonderful weather and free project. We got out bird houses, aprons, and waited for an opening. After about 5 minutes I decided that we would take them home for Dad to help us and then paint them. What a great family night project.

Rylee in her apron she was standing by the birdhouses making sure nobody touched them.

WOW! what a turnout.

The Santa Clara River ... Can we go down and play?


Getting way to close for my comfort level. I was sure that Reganne was going to fall. She surprised me and didn't get wet.

Check out your local magazines, website for fun, free, and interesting activities.