Zoorassic Park

The last couple weeks we were able to have J's parents stay with us; Deloy was finally back in the states for good, we thought. We wanted to be able to entertain them so Wed the 13th, we took them to Lagoon, and Thurs the 14th, I took Sharon to the zoo with me, the kiddos, and Liz and Connor while Deloy went golfing.
The zoo this summer has dinosaurs which the kids loved. And it was so fun having Liz and Connor come with us. The weather was just perfect, and we were able to see all the animals. They are doing a massive remodel that will hopefully be open next summer. It will include a polar bear exhibit like the one in Sea World, bears, sea lions, and sea otters. And even when Ry dropped and broke my camera into the giraffe cage, we still went on to enjoy the rest of the day (hopefully the warranty J bought will cover the cost of fixing my camera)
After the zoo we met up with Monica, Greg, and Deloy and headed to Downtown Philly in SLC to have dinner. It was sooo good, really yummy philly steak sandwiches. Then it was time to head home. Sadly, we found out at the end of the night Deloy has to go back to Guatemala...hopefully it will only be a week and a half this time.

Connor, Rhett, Ry, Liz, and me

Dinosaurs have taken over the zoo!




Sooo cute how kids just love to pose on animals


Training the giraffe. The last shots before my sweet and helpful Ry dropped the camera into the cage. Good thing the trainers were there so they could retrieve the camera for us before the giraffe had fun with it.

Appreciation

On July 7th, J's orthodontist rented out the Roy Aquatic Center for all the patients to go swimming for free....Patient Appreciation Day. They said it was immediate family only so we obeyed the rules and didn't invite anyone. But it was crazy mayhem. The line to get in was wrapped way down the street. I don't think everyone else read the rules but we still had fun. They had a clown, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, prizes, a live band, and they fed us "dinner"-a chicken leg with a scoop of potato salad. It's the thought that counted and the kiddos had a fun time.
We have had a very fun week, long and packed full of activities but I feel so lucky to be able to take off from work so much and enjoy my family time.


Rhett and Ry going down the slide


NO ONE wanted to leave

Harmons Day, part 2

On Wednesday July 6th, we went to Harmons Lagoon Day again for another great day with "St-George" Grandma and everyone else. Me and Sharon headed down early in the morning so she could have enough time to ride a lot of rides with the kiddos. After J got off, he met us after. We kept our wrist bands on from the day before so we were able to enjoy all the free yummy treats again. And of course, we had another packed day of fun!

More balloons on day 2

Riding the "phineas" wheel with "St-George" Grandma


The sweetness of happy children

Ry enjoying the cotton candy

Our friend, Kerri, and her 2 kids, Emily and Cole, even got in the spirit

Harmons Day, part 1

July 5th was Harmons Lagoon Day and it was sooo fun, as usual. Even Dathan, Kel, and the kiddos were able to come this year. Of course they provided free brownies, chips, watermelon, popcorn, cotton candy, popsicles, and soda. They even had free face painting, balloons, temp tattoos, and kids games. They really just out do themselves each year. And J finally won in the raffle this year...a cookie press and pans he said I can use to make him treats! So thoughtful!

BALLOONS FROM THE CLOWN


TEMP TATTOOS


FACE-PAINTING
Jace

Ry and Rhett

Bryson

Meeting up for one last ride


Ending the night with hugs and caramel apples

Let Freedom Ring

On the 4th of July, we met up with Mom, Dad, Kyle, Amos and their kiddos, and Dathan, Kel and their kiddos. We headed up to Avon to shoot guns, 4-wheel, and eat lunch. I couldn't believe how much snow was still on the mountains in July...which really contrasted with the hundreds of flowers in bloom in the meadow.
Later that night we wanted to see fireworks but those of you who know me pretty well, know I cannot stand crowds and traffic in and out of a park. So we headed to Amos and Kyle's to go have dinner. After dinner we walked to a church by Amos' house to see the night view...little did we know we would get to see at least 20 different firework shows, very cool!!! Great idea Amos! It was such a great day to be able to be with family and just enjoy eachothers company.


RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
Kyle helping Rhett use a shotgun...he enjoyed picking up the shells instead

Dad, Dathan, and Kyle skeet shooting

Me and Kel try our hand at it...we didn't do too well, but still fun

TIME FOR LUNCH



TIME FOR SOME 4-WHEELING
Grandma and Bray

Mom and Ry

Uncle Dathan and Rhett

Celebrate Good Times.....

After the baptism, Dathan, Kel and their kids and Kyle, Amos and their kids came over to our house to eat chinese/five star, do fireworks, and of course to chat. It seems we Allen's always have something to say. When dinner was over (and Dathan was in full bliss from his spring rolls and pad-thai) we went downstairs to get cool and watch a movie till it got dark enough for fireworks.
When we were finally ready to start the show, everyone made their way outside. Kenna and Oaklee didnt quite make it; they were super exhausted. So sorry they are not in the following pics.
Dathan had the best assortment of fireworks, and knew just the right ones to use. Kyle and Justin also added what they had bought so it made for a great show. The three of those guys had so much fun being in charge. Bray and Rhett put their two-sense in as well. It was really fun seeing all the men bond over fire!!!
After the show, the kids went inside while we stayed outside. Despite the HOT day we had, it cooled off very nicely and we were able to sit outside comfortably and look at the millions of stars and of course, talk some more. We were enjoying the night so much until we realized it had gotten really late and everyone had 9am church. So we had to call it a night. I must say it was one of the most relaxing and fun nights. Thanks everyone! :)

PREPARING FOR THE SHOW





I don't know what Bray thought was so funny...

Rhett's pick of fave firework

Sleep finally caught up with Kami

Popsicles make everyone happy, especially Haylie

Can you believe this was our grand finale firework? See, Dathan really had great taste.

Ending the show with sparklers...Ry, Justin, Dathan, Rhett, and Bray