Cousins Camp Utah Day 2 THE ZOO

Jackson, Zack, Blake, Max, and Cad

We decided that the next day would be a day that the kids could just play and run around.  No better place than the ZOO!

We of course had to get some pictures before we started.  We mom's did a little shopping the day before and all the girls got matching outfits.  (Aliza's does match, just a different pattern).

Abby, Brooklyn, Maren, Brynn, Breelyn, and Aliza

 

Our cousin, Trina, met us there with her four kids.  Brighton, her baby is such a cutie.

Finally, we got started.... we didn't get far before the kids were hungry, so we found a spot to eat our lunch.

The kids had a fabulous time, 

They were fortunate to touch a big snake.

(That one was for you mom:)

We went to the bird show....which was very cool.  

What a great day we had.  Anny and her kids came up to Kass's house to stay the night with us so we could have more fun the next day....... till the next post.

Blessing #24 Pioneer Heritage

Day one of Cousins Camp in Utah

June 15, 2009

This year, we wanted to make cousins camp a little more spiritual, I mean, how often have we gone to Salt Lake and haven't been to temple square!  We started off at the entrance of where the Pioneers entered the valley.  This is the Place Monument.

We had BIG PLANS for this day.  A scavenger hunt!  We were going to have the kids find certain church historical sites at Temple Square but.......

we weren't very prepared, and with 12 small to semi small children... when you aren't prepared... CRAZINESS!

The above picture is not completely accurate (the kids look too well behaved).  After parking near Temple Square, we proceeded to the Beehive House.  Kass had to stay out to feed Callahan, mom decided to stay out with her to keep her company.  So, Anny and I attempted to take these 11 children through.  The older kids (there are only five of them) did pretty good, the other six were running every which way. (the stairs behind the kids..... running up and down was their fun and Anny and I didn't have that many arms).  We were going through with another family and their older kids were helping us, that in itself was a blessing.  The poor sister missionaries were glad to see us go I'm sure.  I think they didn't give half their information because the kids were so out of control.

After that fun experience, we ended up at Temple Square.  The kids enjoyed watching the fountain for a while, but there was so much construction inside Temple Square itself, we didn't stay.  Dinner at Spaghetti Factory was much better.  I think the kids were so hungry they didn't run around too much.

Even with all the craziness, I did feel the spirit and a special reverence when we visited these sites.  It was special to explain these things with the children, and I'm sure they got something out of our field trip.  They at least understood that Joseph Smith did not go to the Salt Lake Valley.

We are so BLESSED to know our heritage.  To be and walk where they did, and see some of the original works and items that they had.  We are BLESSED for the sacrifice of the pioneers of the church!!!