Sunday, July 31, 2011

Family Vacation

Our family took a mini vacation this week down to Utah. My brother and sister-in-law were getting sealed in the Salt lake Temple, so we packed in as many fun activities as we could (fun was our weekend motto).

Lagoon was our first stop on our weekend of fun. As of yet, we have not taken our kids to this park, and now that we have gone, I can say that I am glad we did. The kids really enjoyed all of the rides and the water park. There was a lot to do, and there really was something for everyone—even the adults.

However, I at first did not know that Hudson was having a good time at the park. When we first put him on a ride, he sat straight-faced and did not smile, laugh or give us any expression at all (who doesn’t crack a smile when on an amusement ride?). As I watched him go round and round, I assumed he wasn’t having the least bit of fun. But when the ride stopped, and I went to take him off, he immediately signed for more. I was a little surprised seeing him want more, when he never showed any sign of having fun. But I listened to his sign, and put him on another ride. His expression never changed on this ride either, but I knew he was having fun. And after that I knew Hudson loved every ride, he was just expressionless. Luckily, he knows how to sign, so he could tell us—without the undesernable grunts—that he was having fun.

Elle, too, loved Lagoon. Her favorite rides were the rollercoasters and the “dragon ride.” She went on them over and over again. She also loved the water park (she begged the whole time to go there) but sadly she lost her brand new Ariel swimsuit—that she bought herself—at the park. We have repeatedly called the lost and found, but it seems her swimsuit is missing. I feel very sad for her. It is never fun to lose something.

But even expressionless and loosing a treasured item, we had a lot of fun at Lagoon.



Our next stop on our weekend of fun was the Marriot Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. Staying in a hotel is always fun as a child, and our children were no exception to this. They loved staying in a hotel for the night. Jumping on the bed, riding the elevator (and pushing buttons of course), exploring the room, exploring the halls, and sleeping all together was very exciting and fun to Elle and Hudson. It was also neat to have a view of the temple from our room. Sleeping in the Marriot was definitely a great part of our weekend.



Our weekend of fun continued with the actual sealing on Saturday. We all got ready in the morning and then went to the temple to attend the sealing (the kids waited outside of course). The sealing was wonderful, and we were so glad to get to attend with Dakota and Jae Cee.



After the sealing, we took LOTS of pictures, and spent time at temple square. The kids really enjoyed spending time there.



Some of my favorite moments were when the kids tried on Bridget and I’s shoes. Hudson walked around in Bridget high heels for a good while. It was hilarious. But it got even funnier when he stood on a little ledge and jumped off with the high heels still on. I was sure he was going to face plant, but he instead landed on both feet with the heels still on (very funny). Kids can be so entertaining.



I also enjoyed taking the kids to see the Christ statue. There is something so special and spiritual about going there. I love seeing Elle and Hudson’s faces when we walk around the last bend and see the Savior. Very special.



Our weekend of fun really did turn out to be so much fun. We packed as many things as we possibly could, and it worked our great. I am very glad for this time with my family, and I’m glad for all of the things we were able to experience together.