June 15 - June 28 (Lots of Pictures)

During the second two weeks of summer, I've been busy :) On the 16th, my hiking buddies and I decided to hike the trail up to Silver Lake (In American Fork Canyon, past Tibble Fork and just before the Granite Flat Campground).

If this is the kind of treatment I get on a hike... I can only imagine what kids at the school do to me when I'm not looking...

Our little band of intrepid hikers

Unfortunately we didn't make it to the lake... a thunderstorm ensued and we turned around to try it another day.

On the 17th, I went with my friend Stacey and her boys to the Living Aquarium. It was pretty cool. Here are some jellyfish.

This octopus decided to sprawl himself across the glass.

Hungry? This is the biggest lobster I've EVER seen!!!

This pool had about 5 sting rays swimming in it. You could touch them if you wanted to. It took me quite a few minutes before I'd actually put my hand in to touch one. While we were there, one little boy fell into the pool! I felt bad, but it sure was funny!!!

Logan and Random, riding the canoe

I love this picture. Everything was painted on the walls, but for whatever reason, when I took a picture of it, it came out looking a little on the 3-D side.

After the Aqarium, we had a run-in with some Storm Troopers at Boondocks, but we quickly got the situation sorted out and we were able to play our little hearts out!

On the 18th, I went to Lagoon with Stacey and the boys. It was a lot of fun!

Stacey and Logan were on Blast Off.

I did Re-Entry with Stacey and Logan, and got this picture when we were dropped. I love Stacey's face and if you look hard enough, Logan's eyes were the size of his head!

After we went on Rattlesnake Rapids twice (there was NO line at all) and got completely drenched, we took a ride on the ferris wheel. Here's Logan and Random

Stacey and myself.

Here's a picture of the Tidal Wave, when we were on the Sky ride across the park.

On the 19th I went to visit my sister, bro-in-law, nieces and nephew. We had fun playing games and talking and being silly. I came home Sunday morning.

On the 23rd Becky and I attempted to hike to Silver Lake again.

Her husband came with us, and the kids opted to stay at Grandma's house.

This guy we met on the trail. Becky would have walked right into him had I not said anything to her. I saw his ears flapping and said, "Becky! That's not a horse!" - we had passed people on horseback earlier. She looked up, saw him, and backed away. We watched him go down the hill and to the stream. Lucky for us, no mamma moose was around to feel threatened by us being there - to protect her son.

We made it to the lake. There were many HUGE boulders submerged in the water. Such a pretty sight!!

Lots of snow still up there. I stood in the water and within a minute my toes felt like they had needles sticking in them. That water was FREEZING!!!

Here's me, Becky, and Chris. Chillin' on the rocks, looking out at the lake.

Yesterday, the 27th, Stacey picked me up and we went to Thanksgiving Point Gardens (she'd never been there).

When we were walking out to the car, this moth was on the wall and it intrigued me. I think it looks cool - but I'm wierd like that anyway.

Here's a profile view of the moth. I don't know why I think it's so cool... but I do.

There were so many bright colored flowers at the Garden! This flower was sporting a grasshopper this year.

This flower was trying to not be part of the 'in crowd', by showing off a lovely brown stripe tattoo :)

I LOVE the Koi pond area. The fish were so big and bright colored!

Stacey had mentioned something about a frog needing to be in the pond, and as we were walking away, we found him! He was just floating on the water, chillin. We named him Froderick.

The rose garden was fabulous! I was impressed with this picture, so I put it up to show it off ;)

When we stopped at the bathrooms, I saw this nest and by standing on a bench, got a picture of the three little birds inside. I was able to watch them for a good few minutes and saw the mommy bird fly in to feed them a couple times. So fun!

After we walked around the Gardens, we went over to the Children's Discovery Garden and walked around that. It was cute. This bear is in the 'bear cave' and actually startled both Stacey and myself. It was funny!

Luckily, he stopped long enough to get pictures with us both.

Overall, the last two weeks have been very fun and exciting! I also got to visit with some friends I haven't seen in a while, and go to lunch/dinner with a couple of them. The next two weeks should prove to be just as exciting and fun. More hiking, family parties, and hopefully a trip or two in the mix. Stay happy and we'll be in touch! ;)