What a week!

This past week, the four of us headed to Utah to visit Dave's dad Ralph and Ralph's wife Ida. We had the best time! Ralph and Ida are the sweetest hosts and are so much fun to be with. The kids thought it was Christmas with all the toys Ida got for them to play with. We were also spoiled with Ralph's cooking. Danish pancakes with powdered sugar and strawberries for breakfast, steak and spaghetti for dinner, and a huge feast for the dinner they hosted on Sunday. I always feel bad for Dave, because both of his parents are fabulous cooks and then he ends up marrying someone who can burn a pot of boiling water. I think Brynn's got the cooking gene however. She loves to help out her Grandpa Ralph in the kitchen, and she is one of very few people that he doesn't mind having in his space while he's cooking. And Ralph lets her lick the bowl and taste all the sweets he's making.
While we were there, we also went to this place that had a skating rink, a jungle play area (kind of like a McDonald's play area but 4 times the size), a bouncy area, and an arcade. The kids (ok, and Dave and I too) had so much fun burning some serious energy there. Shortly after we got there, the school group that was there left, and we had the place almost to ourselves. We rented a couple scooters, Dave got some roller blades, and we went around the skating rink. Reminded me of elementary/junior high again.

The kids also had fun playing in the arcade. It was funny to see Brynn with that same look of intense concentration that Dave gets.Collin wanted to play the games too. He was trying to play a hunting game with a plastic gun that was bigger than him.

The next day, we all went to the Hogle Zoo. Here is most of the gang on the zoo train (Ida's daughter and grandson were also able to go with us to the zoo).

Collin looking like a little tourist:

Brynn and her Grandpa Ralph checking out the animals:

We also got to see Dave's grandma while we were there. She is such a sweet lady, and it was nice for Collin to finally meet her.The kids had fun chasing bubbles in her front yard. In fact, we are already missing the nice weather we got to enjoy on our trip. Playing outside, going to the park, and going for walks will not be happening for us here for awhile. One afternoon, I took Brynn out in Ralph and Ida's front yard to play. She was loving it so much she began singing and dancing around on the grass. I got these pictures of her.

Brynn taking her dog for a walk in the stroller

Ralph with the kids loaded up in the wagon for another trip to the park

Meeting a dog at the park. (Collin LOVES dogs, as you can tell).

Ralph and Ida--thanks for letting us visit. We had so much fun seeing you guys! We appreciate all you did and how sweet you are with the kids. We already miss you both! Thanks again, and see you soon!