Tarantula

On our way to Aunt Jill house this summer, early in the morning, we saw this tarantula crossing the road driving through Goshen Canyon.  Mom was driving and saw something crawling across road, she passed it and then decided to stop to take a closer look.  First she backed up and rolled down the window, but then decided to pull off the road so we could get out and take a close up look.  It was pretty cool.  Usually I don't take the time to stop but decided it would be ok if we were a little late, so we could enjoy these rare moments in nature.

Summer Fun / Zoo

This was the best trip to the zoo since the Tiger jumped up on the glass where the kids were standing.  I think Jake was probably 3.  The new part of the zoo opened this summer with seals and bears.

On the way out we saw the gorillas put on a show for us.  They were teasing the big gorilla and running all over slapping each other with these burlap bags.  So fun to watch.  The big one actually did the "Peck Pop of Love" (Journey to Center of Earth 2)  Emily couldn't stop laughing.

We got to see the zookeepers train the seals.

Grandma Due took us on the train ride.  Always a favorite.

Jake was in love with the Polar and Grizzly bears.  This polar bear was doing acrobatic tricks off the glass.  He would swim under the water do a flip and push off the glass and float back up to surface.  Kept doing it over and over again.  Pretty cool to watch.

Summer Fun/ Pool

This is our 5th year of swim lessons.  They were both in the same class, level 4.  They learned a lot of different strokes and kicks.  They had to swim the whole length of the pool with front stroke and back stroke which was pretty tough for them.  I think I can relatively feel safe with them around water.  Jake still scares me a little because he doesn't know when to rest and he gets too tired and sinks.

 Emily's best stroke is the backstroke.  She floats quite well.

 Jake struggle with back stroke.  That boy can't float!

 Jake is pretty good with the front strokes and loves swimming under water.  Can't swim with out the magic goggles though!

Emily is starting to learn to breathe to the side.  She needs the magic goggles too!

Summer Fun /Bird Feeder

Emily enjoyed making these bird feeders.  I don't know what it is about our bird feeder skills, but we are lacking some where. We hung them in the trees and waited.  The only thing we can get to eat from our bird feeders is Maddie, our dog.  No birds anywhere like our treats.  This is our third attempt.  What are we going to do?

Summer Fun / Backyard water party

Our backyard water party was a success!  Fun had by all.  The night before Emily prayed that it wouldn't rain on the party, and it didn't rain till we were taking everything down.  Little girl's prayer answered.  Priceless!

Water slide fun!

 

Dry, dry wet (duck duck goose)  When you say wet you poor water on head and chasing begins.  I thought they would think it too childish, but they loved it!

Fill the bucket

 The girls were so cute with Sam

Pays to be nice to the little guys.  Girls win!

Water Balloon Fight

 The boys were upset because the girls didn't want to play against them because they throw it too hard.
So it was boys against boys girls against girls.

It's amazing how long it takes to fill the balloons compared to how fast they get used.

Slip N slide fun with a little baby shampoo.

Homemade Popsicles

Summer Fun / CA

Riding the Metro

Aunt Terri thought it would be fun to ride the Metro down town to get a slurpee.

A little too much walking for my kids!

On the way back my kids got to see someone get arrested on the Train.  Welcome to California kids!  We are a long way from Nephi.

Summer fun / bogey boarding

This is day 2 at Manhattan Beach. A little overcast not quite so warm.  Uncle Toe taught Emmy and Jake how to bogey board.

It easier to just carry him out over the waves

 Waiting for the perfect wave!  I was impressed Jake did pretty good and had a couple wipe outs. 

 Emily is all about the sand castles!  Thanks Aunt Terri

 I was impressed at how adventurous Emily was. She had fun trying something new.

 Uncle Toe is so cool.

Up for round 2