Week of July 17-23
Sundays at the Carlson household consist of church going and huge family dinners. Lots of cousins come to play and eat. This was a particularly fun Sunday dinner because we celebrated all the July birthdays. If I remember right, there are 6. Three of them come from our family alone. (We didn’t plan that right.) The children played their hearts out and we enjoyed that evening getting to see so many family members.
I planned to do a lot while in Salt Lake City because there are endless amounts of activities and sights to see. I was able to watch my sisters children for about an hour and that was great. Cousin time is my kids favorite time.
Salt Lake Downtown Library is pretty top notch. The children settled down to read books and even found an iPad to play on for a time. There are lots of great spots to read in that library. Gold star, Salt Lake!
We then took a bus to the Salt Lake Capitol for a tour. Traveling with children provides many educational opportunities. This was exciting, educational, and fascinating to learn about. The children were intrigued through most of the tour and learned a bit about the different branches of government.
The Daughter of Utah Pioneer Museum is right across the street from the Capitol. We had 45 minutes to cruise through 6 floors of pioneer history. Not nearly enough time, but what we saw made us want to head back there at another time. My favorite artifact were the baby shoes. I was basically drooling over the cuteness of them. The children were asking questions and learning so much about how those who came before us lived. They learned of their sacrifice and their primitive living conditions. A highlight of this leg of the adventure.
Jake was able to go mountain biking with his brothers and dad a few times. It was a great outlet for him, not to mention exercise.
We got lots of exercise with a couple of hikes this week. Temple Quarry Trail was super hot and the kids were less than thrilled to do this paved trail. We did stop and read about the rocks in the area and how all things in nature are connected. I tried bribing the kids with a $1 if they were the first to spot a mountain goat. No one was interested in looking for mountain goats. Only interest was getting in the car. We powered through as parents and got the kids to the car when the hike was complete.
I had a couple of girls nights out this week. We had a big week, as you can tell. I met up with some friends I had met in San Jose. Two had moved to Utah and one was visiting like myself. The four of us enjoyed a great evening together with fun conversation and girl time. Good friends are gems in life. Another night I went out with my mother and sisters-in-law. We saw a parody at Desert Star. It was fun to get out and do something out of the norm. We laughed and had good conversation as well. I had to soak in these girls nights, not too many of these will be happening abroad.
Other points of interest we explored was Welfare Square and the Humanitarian center. You can drive there or take the free shuttle from Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Welfare Square is welfare of the best kind. Teaching self reliance while providing support for those in need. The Humanitarian Center was fascinating as well. We saw refugees working to sort through clothes that will be donated to areas in need all over the world. It provides education, job training, and jobs to individuals who come seeking a new life in America.
We also toured the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church History Museum. What a fantastic job they have done with the museum. Lots of artifacts, facts, and history are housed here. There is lots to learn, a free movie that is done amazingly well, and a children’s play area.
Jake had a full of day of golfing this week as well. He took the eldest out to play a round of 9. She has been taking lessons for the last 3 years. They enjoyed their little date. Then Jake went out and played 9 more in a tournament. He played the best in his life. He had a successful day.
Cousin camp with Pa and Grams rounded out the week along with a Real Salt Lake soccer game that Jake and I attended while the children were at Cousin Camp. Throw in some apricot picking, a birthday party for my nephew, look at Pioneer Day parade floats, lots of swimming and we had a week that we did not sleep!
Instagram Photos: @karicarlson10 & @jakeacarlson
Facebook Stalking: Kari Carlson & Jake Carlson