spring break...woohoo!

Who would have thought that an overnight trip to SLC could be so full? Thanks for the great idea Michelle. Like I said earlier, I wanted spring break this year to be slightly memorable. I wanted some quality time with my little family. Guess what...you don't have to go do Disneyland to get it...although that IS on our list for next year. The kids had been asking me for 3 days if they could pack yet. We had a blast. Happy kids. Here's the low-down:

We stopped by the Pioneer Museum while driving around looking for a bathroom. I have to admit, I wasn't real excited about this one. But, the kids loved it. The sweet ladies over there gave them all a scavenger hunt, and would you believe it...they found it all AND had a great time?

An amazing refurbished firetruck. It was gorgeous...and firetrucks don't tend to impress me.

After that, we headed over to the conference center. The kids had never been there, and I wanted them to see where General Coference takes place and where the prophet speaks to us. This is just outside, by the fountains. Nothing special, I just thought it was cute of Emily.

This is Lizzy, same place, 5 seconds later. It really was this cold and windy. Her poor face says it all. It looked SO much nicer than it felt. Oh well.

Harry was our tourguide. He was a gem. I wanted to hug him...but didn't. He had so much information to share with us about all the treasures in the center. That place is full of treasures. If we look a little off in this picture...we are. It's taken in a mirror a couple floors up. Sweet Molly sat in her stroller like that for the whole trip. I love her for it. She missed her nap both days, but somehow managed to hold it together. I was so happy.

Thursday we were off to Sweets candy factory. Dave had a friend who worked there and was able to take us on a tour. Quite the popular thing, I guess. The place was packed. It was actually really fun. We told the kids it was like Willy Wonka's. Well...it was a stretch, but close enough. We had to wear hair nets. Who doesn't love hair nets? We made off with gobs of candy, namely salt water taffy (juicy pear = heaven). :)

Hoogle zoo was next on the list. We met my niece and her "friend" Bryce there. It was FUN, FUN, but frigid. No jackets either. Oh well, we pushed through it and had a great time. The train ride was our first stop. Dang that is one short ride. Worth every penny, I guess, since it was only a buck.

Molly WOULD NOT look at the camera. Look at that sassy little thing.

She loved the penguins though. We all did. I think they may be my favorite part of the zoo. They are funny...and don't even realize it. Plus they are outside = NO STINK. I could seriously have vomited when we went into the reptile/bird/whatever area. Whew. It hit me right in the face...I had to keep sniffing my map.

Alex waited ALL day to go to the little play area. I think all he really wanted was to go in the burrow. Was it worth it bud? He says yes.

Lastly the elephants. They have some new (or new to ME) elephant thingy you can climb on. When you sit on the trunk, it toots and honks and plays music. Interesting and funny. Christy WAS NOT going to be left out!

We are really tired today, but man, did we have fun. I think my favorite part of all was staying in the hotel. Once we got Molly to sleep, we all cozied up and watched AI together. I kept looking over at the kids on their bed and smiling. They were so happy. Giddy. I wish I could capture that feeling in a bottle. I love them so much.