Spring Break

I returned home in the middle of spring break from our trip with Breck. We decided to have some simple at home fun with the rest of our week.
Above is Talia trying out her new violin (thanks Dantz and Gma) outside on the deck. She loves the bright energetic sound. It is, as always, an adjustment when you move to a bigger size, but she is excited to see the potential. Joyce and Conley, our dear neighbors had an easter egg hunt that they invited the kids to while I was away. THey have been like Grandparents to us. We are so grateful for their kindness.

One day we had a "roast" as we like to call it. The kids are getting pretty quick at whipping up a fire.

The kids got on a carving kick. Landen is working on an ornate spoon and Breck carved her own knitting needles and then began a project. Gotta love the hair, too!

Swimming. My favorite memory is looking around to locate Capriel and seeing her kicking ferociously, while smiling, on her back in the deep end. She did very little playing and simply swam and swam and swam. I hope she never loses her bright, happy eyes and quick impish smile.

We went to Baby animal Days at the American Heritage Park. THere were lots of people, but we had a wonderful day enjoying the baby animals, learning about sheep shearing, wood carving, milinery. We had a wagon ride, enjoyed some "fair food," and sampled what life was like in the Early American west. I especially liked the root cellar, and sod house.

This guy was awesome! He taught us alot about sheep shearing. We loved feeling the extremely oily skin, watching his method of (comfortably shearing the sheep), and seeing his old fashioned sissors and special shoes.

Breck trying out some home made stilts
We got to watch a shoot out, the mechanical bull, and the very intense fishing experience. We also liked the summer kitchen, and the blacksmith shop where the little boy was making nails.

Landen was fabulous at the greased pole. This was really a kick to see the kids try. There was money at the top which provided some additional motivation. I also enjoyed our wagon ride behind the Clydesdale horses. Capriel even got to hold the reins.

One afternoon we made pretzels. They were very good!

A hike up Logan Canyon. We didn't make it to our chosen destination (we had to turn around because the road to our trailhead was still under snow pack) but a quick stop at a trail provided for a short hike and an opportunity to peruse a dry stream bed for precious stones, beautiful vignettes, bones, and other fascinating things. I love to take my kids outside and let them discover the life and beauty that is all around them. I love that they appreciate simple fun, simple beauty, and being silly and together.

All in all it was a wonderful week, trying new things (dorito tacos, carving), being together, enjoying the diverse weather (we had everything from inches of snow to gorgeous lazy almost summer afternoons.