Grandpa Ron called up last Friday night to invite us to the train expo in Ogden - it was GREAT! Grandpa Ron, Grandma Julie, Lindsey, Natalie, Chandler, Brandon, Grant and I (Jared was judging a mock trial ;) ) all rode the Front Runner up there, which in and of itself was lots of fun - it's double decker ;) Then we had lots of fun watching LOTS of model trains on amazing tracks of all sizes, looked at amazing Lego trains and Lego cities, operated our own Train, rode on a large train representing the Jupiter train (one of the trains at Promontory Point) and riding on a super cute and fun little train that went on a track, but my favorite part and probably every one else's favorite part was the train playground which consisted of 5-10 retired train engines, cars and cabooses which you could climb on and in. We had so much fun finding photo ops and exploring the trains - I never appreciated just how huge they really are - it was actually pretty frightening being up on the top, and I don't get scared easily with heights. We also enjoyed a yummy Subway lunch and then the trip home on Front Runner. It was a GREAT day - I was so grateful Dad invited us to go. I know my boys had a great time. The only thing that could have made the day better would have been if Jared, Scott, Taylor and Kevin could have joined us. We had so much fun and took so many photo's that I only put a few here - the rest are on the slide show - enjoy ;)
Grant's favorite was the Beluga whale they are so fun to watch! 
We always enjoy the sharks - Jared has transferred his crazy interest in sharks to Brandon - I am waiting for the day when I find out they both went shark diving - it would be a dream come true for Jared. :)
Last time we were at Sea World we had a great time feeding the dolphins and rays - but that was not an option this time but that did not stop us from having lots of fun interacting with the seals and sea lions. Brandon loved feeding them fish - Grant was terrified of how load they bark and how close they get.
We took a break from all the animals and played in the Sesame Street play ground. Brandon loved Elmo's flying fish ride with dad!
He thought he would love Oscars garbage ride - but neither of us enjoyed that one much :)
We didn't have time for all the shows we would have liked to watch - but we were still lucky enough to see the dolphins do a few tricks :) I love dolphins!
I love that kids are friends with all other children no matter where they are or who they are. Brandon and his friend had a great time running all over the aquarium looking at the large fish and sea turtles. So cute - wouldn't it be great if we could all be this kind and friendly - I wish I was!
We waited for a little less then an hour to get the best seats in the house for the Shamu show. Jared found great seats in the very center and just close enough to get a little wet but not drenched. We thought this would make it more fun for Brandon because whales are his big thing right now - we are getting quite a collection!. We we began the Shamu chant - which Brandon will still do from time to time, and then Shamu splashed us. Grant and Brandon both cried - Grant got over it real quick but Brandon was furious that Shamu got his pants wet, maybe that has somethings to do with all of his hard work in potty training?
Despite getting wet I think Brandon loved Sea World - and he certainly does still love whales - he know a LOT about them!
Jared playing with the King Cobra - so cool!
This is Sunny the Komodo Dragon - did you know that their saliva is so toxic and full of bacteria it will kill you - Yikes! Brandon loved that Sunny came to say hi and got up to walk around - it was like a good omen for the day - it had been raining before we saw her and then after playing with Sunny we enjoyed cold but sunny weather :) Thanks Sunny!
I do not like Hippos - I think they are disgusting - for example did you know that when they poo they flick it all over with their tail - gross!! But Brandon thinks they are awesome!! This one sure did put on a show for us - eating, showing off its tusks, pooping - yuck!, and swimming - Brandon was thrilled!
The Okapi is one of Jared's favorites - they are so cool looking - and related to one of my favorites - the giraffe.
Dee Ann and I also really enjoy looking at all the amazing plant life in the zoo - so pretty!
The polar bears were active - eating, scratching, and walking all over - that rarely happens.
The jaguar took a special interest in Grant - Grant was fascinated by the jaguar - it was so fun to see it so close!
Love all the giant animals that you can play on!
The camel and the prong horn appeared to be fighting with each other, butting their heads together - weird!
As we were leaving the zoo we saw at least four different peacocks show off their feathers - they are so beautiful! 
After a good 10-20 minutes of chasing the laughing leprechaun I went inside to find that my house had been turned upside down and there were little green foot prints all over the walls, furniture, and floor. I yelled for the boys to come in and see. 
We figured the leprechaun must have been inside the house looking for the perfect place to hide his gold treasure so we quickly began hunting and soon found the gold behind the fireplace. 
The gold was delicious!!! 
After all the excitement we snuggled on the couch to watch "Finnians Rainbow" with Fred Astaire - love that movie and the music! It was a super fun way to celebrate the holiday. I think Brandon believes in the leprechaun more then Santa. :)
Two new nightstands, a new head board new bedding new pillows, a new dresser and a new book case. :) YEAH!
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