Pioneer Day

Last Thursday, Bubb and I drove to SLC to spend the Pioneer Weekend with the Wells. We had to stop in at the Gateway before going to the Wells' home, but that was a pleasant diversion because Bubb found some clothing she needed to buy. I found my appointment with the Apple store and got a new Invisishield installed on my iPad.

On Friday, we did a little shopping in the fabric stores (more skirts for the girls) and had a bite of lunch. We then headed to Red Butte Gardens, our new favorite oasis in the Salt Lake valley.



There was a fountain just inside the garden, and none of the kids could resist the opportunity to get a little wet. It was a hot day, and even Maggie got to put her feet in.



Romping in the fountain.



We went to the children's garden so the girls could play in the sand and we just lounged in the shade on the grassy knoll. Maggs got to have her own little photo shoot. Can you say, "Extreme closeup"?



After the girls got out of the sand box, they needed to rinse off (you know, fountain first, then sand box). I couldn't resist taking this image of independent Chee taking care of things.



She posed for me during her scaling of the lizards on the lawn, as well.



Here are the Wells children as we reluctantly left our peaceful (and nearly solitary!) visit to the children's area.



That evening, Sarah's ward hosted a Pioneer Day event billed as "Breakfast for Dinner." They normally do it on the morning of the 24th, however, the "other" ward in their building was taking a turn at the morning time, so it was done on the evening before the 24th. I got a couple of head shots of the kids. Our Jake is sure growing up. I can't believe it. He is a pretty nice brother, too.



Here is a photo of when Maggie is happiest. You guessed it, when her Mom has her. (Note the "big hair". I love the twin antenna look.)



The upside of the event for Jake was that there was a lot of food, including a nearly unlimited supply of bacon. He had his share and then some. There was also a pancake eating contest, but we talked Jake out of participating. We watched him nearly blow chunks at the event a year ago. Nothing puts a damper on an eating contest like the scent of fresh barf.



Following the pancake contest, all the of the kids rode their decorated conveyances around the church block. I was posted at the top of the street to make sure everyone turned the corner. The Wells kids rode their scooters. Of course Jake is fast and confident on his.



Katie is a notorious speed demon on hers, and she looks so pretty while pushing it. Kate and Lyd decorated their scooters with the help of their Mom, Jake wasn't interested.



Finally, Lyd came chugging by. She is starting to get the hang of scooting, and seems much more at ease now. She sure looks cute on her short handled Razor. Thanks to Sarah and Aaron for inviting us to come to SLC.

Buboppy