We left Grand Junction on Saturday, July 2nd making our way to Salt Lake City, UT.
Brok settling in the car
Brok, Westley, and Laura in the middle seat
Harve Lee in the back
Christian, Audrey, and Harve ready to roll!
Here is Westley helping Audrey make some tracks.
We stopped at a historical site with a rest area connected to it.
They had history about he trains and dinosaurs related to the area.
That was so cute - we had to take another picture
Next is Harve running a lap around the path practicing bending his arms.
and then he focused on his speed instead
Now it's Audrey's turn
and around the corner she goes
And now it's Westley's turn
Oh, and here comes Brok
Everyone did several laps - Here is Harve skipping around
Audrey was tiring out so Laura came to the rescue -
Our next stop was in American Fork where we celebrated Uncle Artie and Aunt Lupe's 45th Wedding Anniversary. Well, first we went to In-n-Out Burger of course, but then we went to the fiesta. They had Mexican food - and the litle boys were ready for more food already - and their grandaughter danced for us and they had kareoke, a toast/roast, and dancing and delicious cake. We had a great time.
Westley and Brok
Audrey and Harve
Harve and Christian
Aunt Lupe
Harve and Audrey again
Harve and Audrey eating cake
Audrey joining the dancing
Laura and Audrey
One of the things the kids thought was so amazing about this party is that the water on the tables was either pink or green. It was magical to them.
Uncle Artie and Aunt Lupe had friends from around the corner and far away, ward members, their three children and their families and Aunt Lupe had several family members that had traveled to share this wonderful occasion. We had trouble finding the building using the address - but we are very glad that we stuck to it and joined the party.
And then onto Salt Lake we went.
We stayed a couple of nights at Holiday Inn and a couple of nights at Staybridge which are connected with an indoor pool/water park (big for a pool, small for a water park) We made our traditional trek to the grocery store to stock up on hotel foods like snak pack pudding, crackers with squirty cheese, popcorn, cookies, soda and licorice.
Uncle Dan, Aunt Shawna, Patrick, Susanna and their kids Gavin, Zachary and baby Kia Sophia - Afton, and Mercedes came up to Utah too. They rented a house and we drove over to spend time with them. (When Grandpa and Grandma Gladden came up they stayed at that big house with them.) The kids had a great time playing pool, exploring the back yard which was filled with plants and pathways. playing video games, and just playing in general - and of course eating snacks.
Kia needed to eat - while Susanna fed Kia Audrey fed her doll.
On Sunday we did some sight seeing. We drove by where the hotel Charles and I stayed in when we got married 28 years ago was - and low and behold it was still there. The name had changed, but it looks the same. It was old when we stayed there - we laugh a lot about the state of that place and we think it's hilarious that it's still there.
It was called the Se Rancho when we stayed there
Here is the corner of rooms we stayed in back then.
I stayed there with my family the days leading to the wedding and then they went home.
We had a good chuckle about this one
Then we headed over to Temple Square and met Jaala and Harrison there.
Hmmmm where should we go next?
We went to Mike and Deanne Taylor's early in the evening and had a Wonderful time visiting. It has been a long time since we've seen them. After that great visit we began our search for food. We tried several places with no luck because everything closes so early on Sunday evenings. Then we found an Applebee's that was still open - Hooray!
Westley, Christian, Brok, Laura and Harve
deciding what to order
Dayle and Charnae
narrowing down the choices
Audrey - coloring is fun
Holly and Noelle on the end
Charles and Curtis waiting on the waitress
On Monday July 4th we went to the Zoo
Charles, Christian, and Laura bought hats when we got in - everyone else brought one along.
The weather was sensational. It really was great for the whole trip - but for a day spent outside, we couldn't have asked for anything better.
All of the animals were out and it was fun to see them all up close.
See, they were all out
One more - say cheese!
Not pictured: Holly, Noellee, Dayle and I
Curtis was tracking down their car part so he missed the zoo at the zoo -
Did you know that Laura likes elephants?
The other kids had fun getting a picture here too
Looking on
Be careful, that elephants been squirting water
Come on - put your face right up to it
Did I mention that Laura likes elephants?
I haven't been to this zoo since I was a young girl - pre-2nd grade at the oldest. I can remember people tossing white bread to the polar bears - they allowed it back then. In fact, you could buy cereal in gumball machines to feed the animals - talk about upclose and personal with the camels, elephants and so forth. I can remember the giraffes too - they still have the giraffe exhibit set up so that you can watch them from above and below. This is silly, but I distinctly remember this drinking fountain too. Thank you to whoever has been in charge of the upkeep all these years!
I went into the gift shop with Laura (she wanted to buy something with an elephant on it)
When I came out - I sat down for a minute waiting for those that had gone to the restroom when Christian and Westley collided - Christian got the worst of it. This is Charles and Christian coming back from the restroom- We opted Not to go on the little train ride.
I think it's a hilarious picture.
