A grand experience...

Grandma Chris wanted to do something special with Sarah for her 9th birthday. She made reservations for High Tea at the Grand America hotel. We were seated in a beautifully decorated lobby complete with crystal chandeliers and a harpist. The hors d'oeuvres and specialty hot chocolates were delicious. However, it was the "tea flower" that stole the show. Upon our arrival, our waitress placed a small bundle in a tall, stemmed glass. After a few minutes, we saw the hot water do it's magic. It opened up revealing a beautiful flower. It was so fun to watch. After our "tea" we wandered around the hotel enjoying the paintings, antiques and beautiful furniture. Sarah even got to watch a bride in the courtyard. What a special and indulegent afternoon indeed...thank you Grandma Chris!

Earth Day...an accidental celebration

On a whim, my mom called and asked if we could me them at The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. After some quick shuffling of afternoon schedules, we headed over. It just so happened to be Earth Day as well...what a happy coincidence and a great way to celebrate our earth. We've been to this little aquarium a couple of times and we love it. We are in Utah so  you must keep your expectations accordingly. That being said, I couldn't think of a better use of an old grocery store (or was it a Robert's? lol) It really is a wonderful little place to visit and we couldn't wait for a return visit since they added the penguins. The kids had a great time running around with G'ma and G'pa. As always, the jellyfish, little "Nemo's" and stingrays are a big hit. We also loved seeing the Octopus and all her eggs dangling to the side of the tank. It was bittersweet to observe the circle of life there...knowing she will soon die after laying her eggs. By far, the highlight was the penguins. They really put on a show for us and we could have watched them all day. It was so fun watching them chase each other under the water...they are fast! And have you ever noticed how a penguin gets out of the water...very cool and cute. This was particularly fun for Andrew to see, who has had a love of penguins since he got "Ping Ping" when he was a toddler. We are so glad G'ma and G'pa called and we could spend the afternoon with them...what a great day!

Utah State Fair: enjoy the goodness

For the last couple years, the kids have been attending the State Fair with Grammy (and sometimes Papa). The kids seem to have an internal clock whose alarm starts going off in mid August. "Is it time for that festival thing?" one will say. "When are we going on the rides with Grammy?" from another, and, "I want cotton candy!" Yes, the time has come. The Utah State Fair is here. Time for the children enjoy the Fair's nutritious and delicious offerings, feel the thrill of semi-safe rides and have a few lessons in animal husbandry. This year also threw in some rain, a meatball stain on mom's boob (courtesy of Moochies) and some $30 cotton candy (Megan lost money while buying a treat). No matter. We enjoyed it all the same. A highlight each year is sitting in on a session of animal judging (for lack of the correct term). Last year it was the sheep and their "cronches" (as Sarah said...lol). This year it was two varieties of cows; the Holstein and Jersey. Who knew a prized cow had a rear bone structure set high and wide....with full, bulging udders? Yes, love what we learn and what we learn to appreciate at the Fair! Thanks Grammy...we loved continuing the tradition!!

Celebrating 65 Years!

This last weekend, the Medeiros family celebrated the 65th wedding anniversary of Pat and Ginger. Wow...now, that's worth celebrating! Rick had arranged for all the kids to surprise them at "The Roof" restaurant at the Joseph Smith building. (gorgeous roof-top view of the temple and downtown SLC...and a yummy buffet) It was so fun to surprise them as they got off the elevator. Unfortunately, G'pa felt too sick at dinner and had to leave early. He didn't feel well all weekend, but put on a brave face for the rest of us. We really had a great time hanging out all weekend. This was the first time Marc had ever been to our home. We absolutely loved having him here and can't wait for him to visit again. It was so fun to visit with Tammi about her new home and to talk home decor with her! On Sunday, everyone came to church with us. They got to see all of us "perform" in some way or another...it was the primary program, Chad was conducting, Josh passed the sacrament and I taught the relief society lesson. Sunday night, G'pa felt especially sick. He spent tues-wed in the hospital. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and it was determined he had likely suffered a mild heart attack sunday night. Although he wasn't feeling well all weekend, it was sure special to have the Medeiros family together...great time...great memories! G'pa we love you and hope you feel better soon!