Sunday, July 19, 2015

California/Thanksgiving Vacation - Day 2 - San Diego Zoo

Everyone knows how much we enjoy going to the zoo, wherever we are, but of course the San Diego Zoo is one of our favorites - the trip was especially exciting because they have added more crocodilians, and we were finally able to ride the train, which made Brandon and Grant very happy!

 The Johnson's Crocodiles were some of our favorites, we watched them go swimming, come up to land, and open their mouths!
 The train is extremely -lame - but don't tell Grant, he loved every minute of it!
 Trent enjoyed seeing the lion up and walking around and best of all roaring, it was very cool!







California/Thanksgiving Vacation - Day 1 - Sea World

This year Thanksgiving was with the Bowman side of the family, so we packed up for another vacation to Southern California.  Our first day we visited Sea World with Wyn and Dee Ann, a favorite place for all of us. The boys loved being able to touch bamboo sharks and many other animals. 

 Trent's favorite animal was probably the beluga whale, they are always moving, easy to see and big, perfect for little ones, but that doesn't mean we don't all love them, they are amazing.
 It was really interesting, and weird to be there in the "winter", everything was decorated for Christmas and they even had a place with snow for kids to play in, which made us laugh a bit, and I also felt a bit sorry for the kids who never see real snow to play in.
 The dolphin show is always lots of fun but it was even more fun to watch it through Trent's eyes.



 We love dolphins!!
 Of course Brandon was happiest when we finally made it to the shark area.



 All of those darling Bowman boys!



 When we went to Sea World this past May Brandon found a shark that he fell in love with and really wanted.  We told him we would be back in November and he could save up is money to get one then.  Well he worked really hard doing chores, reading, and extra homework so that he could earn it.  He earned $25.00.  Unfortunately they no longer had the shark that he had been saving his money for, so instead he picked out a stuffed Black Tip Reef Shark, which he was very happy with.  I think best of all was how proud he was to have earned it all on his own!
 Grant seems to love the turtles the best - I think they are one of my favorites too, however Grant will always say sharks are his favorite because they are Brandon's favorite.
 Grant also worked hard earning money so that he could buy himself a souvenir, but he waited until we went to San Diego's Old Town where we always go for dinner after Sea World and they have a really fun toy store.  Grant picked out two puzzles, a Thomas the Train puzzle and a Frozen puzzle.  He was also very pleased with his choices and being able to buy his own toys.

 We ended the night with the Shamu show which for me was the highlight.  I was very impressed that Sea World was not worried about being politically correct and went ahead and put on a show that focused on the birth of the Savior and the birth of Orcas, they did it to the music, "Believe" from the animated movie Prince of Egypt, I LOVE that music!  The whole show was beautiful and true to form I got emotional about it!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

More October Adventures

One last outing to the Provo River - I love watching these kids run free in the fields and by the river.  I am so grateful that I live in a small country town!



 We had a wonderful General Conference weekend.  Wyn and Dee Ann came into town and spent the weekend with us, which enabled us to celebrate Wyns 71st birthday with him.  We also enjoyed a beautiful scenic drive through Guardsmans  Pass where we were able to see a moose.  We also enjoyed a birthday celebration for Lindsey.  I love watching conference with my family.  I love the enthusiasm my children have for conference, they love our very simple traditions.  We have the same yummy breakfast each day - baked oatmeal.  We play bingo while listening to the talks and as soon as someone gets a bingo we get to open a present usually a quiet activity from around the house that the kids are not often allowed to play with.  It is simple, easy and so much fun, and best of all the kids love it and look forward to it.







 Grandpa Ron Johnson with my baby Trent Ronald - these two have a very cute little bond.  I love seeing my Grandpa light up when he sees his "T.R." and I really love that he has given him this nick name!

 Enjoying every remaining warm fall day for as long as we can.

 Crazy hair day at school is very challenging when you have a boy with very short and dark hair, but Brandon was sure pleased with his dragon hair do. :) Yay for paint!


Oh how precious is this boy!  I will desperately miss being able to see my children sleeping soundly.  It is so wonderful to see them grow up and learn and progress through life, but it is also so hard, no matter how much a try to savor the moment or how many pictures I take I can't stop or freeze time and it wont stop me from missing it when it is gone! 
 Cute Pete was "helping" Trent to climb to a standing position, I am so impressed with Pete's patience with Trent!