Tracy Aviary

The boys and I went adventuring today to the Tracy Aviary in Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. I've lived in Utah most of my life, and this was the first time I've ever been!  I think it's kind of a hidden gem and can't wait to see when all the updates in progress are finished next year. We will definitely go back. Here's what we saw:

 Flamingos! Including a baby one (look closely at the picture below and see if you can spot the little gray fuzzball on the shore -- so cute!)

  

And I loved the Scarlet Ibises. Their color was so amazing!

 

The toucans were also very pretty and fun to watch. I couldn't get a good photo. It was indoors and my flash was acting up, and they were constantly in motion. Here they are "kissing!"

The golden eagles were huge and impressive.

And the Peruvian Condor was enormous!

Other highlights of the day included seeing a big group of kids gathered around a somewhat agitated peacock, who was squawking incessantly (understandably). Upon hearing its call, more than one child called to their mom, "It's a snipe!" or "Mom, it's Kevin!" My boys found a peacock feather and loved tickling each other with it. My other favorite memory was when we were feeding the ducks, Zach would chuck a handful and say, "Here!" (and he has a pretty good throwing arm -- watch out, ducks!).

Pioneer Day at Lagoon!

We're kind of hooked on spending Pioneer Day at Lagoon! It is surprisingly not very busy, and this year we found an amazing last-minute deal that made me not shudder at the ticket prices! The boys love it, and we usually go with some or all of Grant's family, which makes it extra fun. I grew up going to Lagoon with cousins, and summer doesn't quite feel complete until we've had a family day there.

 

These are my two favorite pictures of the day. I got amazingly lucky on the timing on these!

 Brothers! When they weren't having power struggles over steering wheels, they were adorable together!

There is a picture of me on these boats from when I was close to the boys' age, and I actually have vague memories of riding them (back when they were pale blue)! It's one of my earliest memories.

Eliot and Cole -- love those buzzed-head buddies!

Zach and Logan. Love their faces!

 

Cousins! The new Tipsy Teacups ride was darling and fun!

Ah, the bumper cars! Funniest and most frustrating moments of the day! This video is so cute of E and Z together, but what I wish I would've gotten on film was when the boys got stuck in a traffic jam and Zach started pointing and scolding all the other kids around them ... and then, when Eliot was unsuccessful at getting them unstuck, Z tried to take over the wheel. That's my Zach. Priceless.

Preschool Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Click here to create your own Shutterfly photo book.

My sister Mary shared the FANTASTIC idea to take pictures and make a photo book of all those bulky, but too-cute-to-throw-away preschool projects! LivingSocial was offering a great deal on Shutterfly books just after Eliot graduated, and this is the final project! I still have a stack of things I want to keep the originals of, but this made it much easier to toss the other stuff. Combined with some of our favorite photos of his preschool experience, I think it turned out fun! Eliot has no idea I made this, and I can't wait to surprise him when it comes in a few weeks!

Beatin' the Heat

It has been H.O.T. in our neck of the woods lately!! We're doing any and everything we can to keep cool!

 

 We're downin' lots of Otter Pops ...

 

 Chuggin' plenty of water ...

 

... and hittin' the pools and splash pads!

Fourth of July

I love the Fourth of July! I'm starting to like it as much as (or maybe more than?!) Christmas. Summer is my favorite season, and the Fourth usually involves all of my favorite summer activities: time at the lake, barbecuing and eating outside, plenty of watermelon and ice cream, patriotic music, and fireworks. Our Fourth was full and so much fun this year! We started off with a Dickinson family pancake breakfast at our house, followed by wave running at the lake.

Zach is a true water baby and when he wasn't mooching cruises around the wakeless zone from anyone on the machines, he was content to sit on the shore and throw rocks into the water. The bigger the better! 

And he had to try out cousin Brooklyn's float ring, too!

After the lake and naps for our worn-out boys, we went to Grant's parents for a barbecue and "Cul-de-Sac of Fire," which did not disappoint this year! In Eliot's words, "Those fireworks were totally wicked!!" (And they were!) 

 

The boys got all star-studded for the children's parade, where Eliot was not sheepish at all about joining in on a way-too-small tricycle. 

 

And he's already found the secret to winning over the ladies -- share your "pop-its" with them!

 The morning after the Fourth, we got up early and caught the end of the Balloon Festival in Provo and got donuts at Macey's. The only missing element for me this year was running in the Freedom Festival, but I opted out not knowing how I'd be feeling post-Ragnar. Something I did do for the first time this year was read a historical novel about U.S. History, and that really helped add to the spirit of the holiday for me. I read 1776 by David McCoullough. It was very different than I thought it would be and definitely not light reading, but I really enjoyed learning more about the first year of the Revolutionary War and plan to read a book about U.S. History every summer in the weeks leading up to the Fourth. It made my experience so much more meaningful.

They Call the Thing a Rodeo ...

For the week during the Lehi Roundup Rodeo, the song constantly running through my head is "Rodeo" by Garth Brooks.  All I can hear in my head is "It's boots and chaps, it's cowboy hats ..." as they line Main Street with flags and horses and bulls start filling up the corrals around the rodeo grounds. The entire city shuts down starting Thursday, horses and carriages tromp down Main Street Thursday night for the stock parade, and later that same evening, we start hearing the thump of music, cheers of the crowd, and announcer over the loud speakers just a few blocks away at the Rodeo, and we know ... it's Roundup time!

I wasn't quite sure what to think about Lehi when we first moved here. I didn't grow up shooting guns or riding horses, so I've definitely felt out of my element. I never considered myself a "city girl" until we came here, but now that I'm surrounded by houses with horse property and a town full of people that love their rodeo, I have to admit, I'm getting a little sucked in! We caught a bit of the horse parade this year, and I have to admit, it took my breath away to see those tall beautiful animals trotting together down our historic Main Street with cowboys and cowgirls holding up our nation's flags. It was so neat to see young boys mounted on huge horses riding along next to their dads and grandpas and realizing this is the heritage of this state and the town I now call home. I loved it! 

And Eliot fell in love with the rodeo the first time we went, and, since it falls at the end of June, he thinks it's now part of his birthday celebrations. If you ask him what his favorite parts are, he'll tell you he loves the motorcycles (there's a "half time" motocross show that's pretty thrilling!) and the snow cones. Maybe he'll grow to appreciate the rest of it when he's older.

As for me, I love the barrel racing and when they let the horses loose at the end of the Saturday night show. They come out without saddles or bridles and just run together. It's majestic and beautiful, and I can see why my father and grandfather loved riding and caring for horses on their Arizona ranch years ago. 

This year Grant's family came with us, and it was so fun to watch Grant's dad, who also grew up on a ranch, admire the horses and cheer on the cowboys. It was also very fun to watch our nephews squeal with excitement and watch in confusion as they took in their first rodeo. Cute Logan was hilarious and wore his sunglasses late into the night ... he won't take them off! So of course we had to sing him, "I wear my sunglasses at night ..."

And all the aunties were along, too ... Aunt Gaylyn won best-dressed cowgirl and Grant's dad won best-dressed cowboy. I found cute prizes for them at my favorite local store, Pioneer Party.

 

And of course, the inappropriate clown ... not sure why they keep inviting him back, but he makes us blush every year. Not looking forward to when Eliot actually understands his jokes ... geesh.

 

And one of my favorite pics of the evening. Grant with two little cowboys, Eliot and his cousin Cole. We're lucky enough to live close enough to walk. 

I have to admit it, Lehi's growing on me! Shortly after driving down our flag-lined Main Street, past all the brick store fronts with all the chairs and blankets set out for the parades, I even told Grant, "I think I'm falling in love with this place!" It's a fun place to raise little boys, for sure! Zach's new word after last week is "Hosse!" (Horse). We haven't taken him to the rodeo yet because it starts so late, but no doubt, he'll love it too! If you're ever out our way the end of June, come join us! We're sure y'all will love it!

And Now We Are Six!

It's hard to believe, but Mr. Eliot is SIX years old! He is a joy and a delight and way too smart for his own good! He's a champion reader, a social butterfly, a sweet and tender son and brother, and a total chatterbox! What I hear most about Eliot from other people his how much they love his excitement and enthusiasm, and how proper and polite he is. They are amazed by his ability to articulate his thoughts and feelings and the vocabulary he uses. I wish I could take credit for all the good things about Eliot, but honestly, so much of it is just who he is naturally and all the things he's picked up from reading! We have to get after him for having his light on late at night and reading away. I'll find stacks of books by his bed in the morning. He just can't get enough and absorbs everything he learns. But most of all, we are so proud of what a loving and friendly person he is. He is genuinely interested in other people and has a contagious excitement for life. It's easy to be happy when Eliot's around. I love seeing how excited kids in the neighborhood and his cousins are to see him. He is the life of our party, for sure!

For Eliot's birthday, we had birthday donuts and presents in the morning, we biked to the park, played with toys and watched his new movie in the afternoon, and went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Dickinson and Nanny McEuen. He got to sit on the birthday saddle, but wasn't too sure about everyone singing loudly to him (he's never been a fan of too much noise!). The party continued with cupcakes and ice cream out our family BBQ before the rodeo.

 Eliot's current favorites:

• Grandma! They have a very special bond, and I don't think there's anyone he gets more excited to see! (Except his cousin Cole, he tells me ...)
• All things Lego and Star Wars, and even better if they're combined! We tried to hold off on the Lego phase as long as we could to avoid the expense and having small pieces around our house, but he got a set for his birthday and is beyond hooked!
• Favorite foods are pizza, hot dogs and watermelon, but he's really a good eater and will try most anything I put in front of him.
• He loves going to Trafalga, the Rodeo, and late nights and sleepovers with his friends and cousins.
• He loves playing with Daddy and looks forward to Saturday mornings, when he's allowed to get up early to watch cartoons with Dad.
• He loves his Magic Tree House book club and gets right in there with all the older boys (most of the kids in the group are grade schoolers, probably around 8 or 9 years old). We're already into the Merlin Mission books, and he just gobbles them up!
• He's the master of the iPad and runs it better than I do. His favorite apps/games are: 1) Fix-it Felix, Jr., 2) Yoda Chronicles (Lego Star Wars game), and 3) Mr./Mrs. Potato Head.
• Loves playing on the swing set and running through the sprinklers.
• He has become great at coloring and is constantly asking to print out coloring pages.
• His favorite treat is snow cones.
• He's my big helper with Zach and will often go into Z's room in the mornings to keep him entertained while I'm finishing getting ready. I usually find Zach in a crib full of books and toys, but there's nothing sweeter than listening to Eliot sing or read to Zach. He has his little bro wrapped around his finger. They are best friends, and I love seeing their relationship grow stronger every day!
• He's getting more responsible and helps around the house. Grant has recently taught E how to wash dishes, and he does a great job!
• His favorite shows are Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Toy Story 2 and Ratatouille.
• His favorite songs are Some Nights (radio version only!), Ho, Hey! and songs from the Tarzan soundtrack.

Ragnar

I ran my first Ragnar this year! My sister Mary has been trying to talk me into for years, and I finally decided to brave it. Everyone's first question for me (assuming they know what a Ragnar is; if not, I have to explain) is, "How'd you like it?" And my answer is I loved it ... and hated it ... equally! I've run in several 5Ks and 10Ks and two half marathons, but Ragnar is its own beast. The stop and go and lack of sleep and the event taking two days is pretty brutal. I think running a half is much easier, for me at least. I like to be able to get up first thing, go run when it's cool, and be done. I can stay in the game mentally for two straight hours. 24+ is another story ... On the other hand, Ragnar is a blast because of the social aspect! Running with a team and having that built-in support was awesome, and the wackiness of the whole event -- everything from the decorated support vehicles to the crazy costumes to the amazing people watching -- makes it such a good time!

And I LOVED doing this with my sister Mary. She's my closest sister in age and best friend, and I love sharing my love of running with her. Usually we run a 5 or 10K together on the 4th of July, so this definitely amped it up a bit!  Here we are before our first leg, smelling good and looking pretty (all of that changed in a hurry!)

Our team name was Cirque du Sore Legs. My bro-in-law Scott, who actually goes by Louie (long story ...) was the team captain, and my sister Mary ran with us.  They provided our vehicle, which was generous in more ways than one. The stench of that poor thing by the time we were done ... oy! I think everyone else should have chipped in a little extra with their gas $ to get their car detailed afterward. Hoo-ee!

Members of our van (this is post almost everyone's last leg ... hence the forced smiles and bleary eyes):

Louie and Mary up front, Rich and Kiirsten in back.  Missing is Ty, who was battling up Ragnar Hill at the moment. He joined the team last minute (like the Monday before) to fill in for a friend. He definitely earned the "best sport" award!

Since Mary handed off to me, we decided we needed to practice our "handoff" before we started. Just like the pros do it ...

And every true Ragnar racer needs a tat to identify themselves. In Utah we like to brand everything with that proud symbol -- our SUVs, minivans, and definitely our arms and calves. The thing didn't wash off for a week!

My favorite part about this picture (besides that I look like a hillbilly with a missing tooth) is that the SUV behind us says "Flat Racks" ... speaking for myself, at least, it may be appropriate! Maybe next year I should join that team ...

And we come to (dun, dun, dun) ... the night run!! This portion of the event was more than a little bit crazy.  It was 11:00 or so when we pulled into a campground near a reservoir to "sleep" for a couple hours while the other van finished their second legs, but there's no way you can sleep. It's madness.  It's people crashed out all around in sleeping bags and cars pulling in and flashlights in your face so people can go use the porta potties, car alarms going off and people talking and laughing way too loud. It's organized insanity! And yet that was my favorite part of the whole thing. My sister and I just lay in our sleeping bags looking up at the stars and talked and giggled, just like when we were kids sharing a room. We would snicker at the dumb stuff people would say when they'd walk by (our personal favorite was the man who said, "I had this cousin who used to say "Reservation" instead of "Reservoir," and he'd always ask us, 'I wonder what Indians own this water,' and we never knew what he was talking about.") Really?!

My night run was not too bad. All downhill (6 miles) and nice and cool, but not cold. I was a little creeped out by running in the darkness, but with so many people and vehicles around, it wasn't too bad. My teammates kept freaking me out with wild animals stories, so that was honestly by biggest fear.  Running at 2 a.m. is just not something anyone should do, though! And the hardest part for me was how sore I was afterward, since my run was all downhill.  It made me really nervous for my last leg.  I also felt a bit nauseous afterward, too, so luckily I was able to crash out in the back seat for a few hours.

My last leg was by far the hardest. My legs were so locked up after my night run and being crammed in a car, so I waited in line for 1 1/2 hours the next morning for a massage just to loosen me up! It helped a little, but my last leg was my hardest by far. I had 5 1/2 miles to go in the heat of day.  We lucked out with really mild temps, but at 2:00 in the afternoon, it was still pretty hot. My brother-in-law saved me by bringing me a rag soaked in ice-cold water every mile or so to drape around my neck and wipe my face! Best idea ever!!

And THIS ... is looking down on Ragnar hill!  It was awful! I felt so bad for the guys in our van that had to tackle it! Hats off to you, Rich, Ty, and Louie!!

And favorite moment of the entire event goes to ... photo op with the "Roaming Gnomes" team!! They were hysterical!  They won the Instagram Photo Contest. Their costumes were awesome! Followed up closely by the Bostonians, who were all dressed as Minutemen.  We died laughing when we saw a George Washington-like character run through an intersection and tip his three-cornered hat at the police officer directing traffic.  Maybe when you're that tired, everything's extra funny?!

The Sore Leggers at the finish line!  There were twelve team members total, six in each car (two had to ditch out early for a wedding). It was so much fun, and yes, despite the pain and agony of it all, I would do it again!