Philadelphia - Day 2

We were up early this morning. We got ready and headed to the concierge level for breakfast. Just like the other Marriott, it was great. We had oatmeal, eggs, bacon, bagels or toast, fruit, lots of muffins and breads, cereal and more. It was awesome.

After breakfast, we headed outside to buy our tour tickets. Unfortunately, the guy selling them was out of 2-day Philly Passes, so he had a bus come to pick us up (seriously - a whole bus for just us) and drive us to the Independence Square Welcome Center. We headed inside to pick up our tickets and realized that is where you have to get the tickets for Independence Square. We stood in line and were able to get a 10:15 time slot for our tickets. That was about 35 minutes away, so, we headed outside and toured the Liberty Bell exhibit first and then headed over to Independence Square.

The Liberty Bell was awesome. Cole couldn't believe it was just there, in the building, not in a case or up in a tower or something. We took some pics and walked almost straight through the exhibit - there was no line or crowd at all. Then, we crossed the street and went to Independence Square. It was super cool as well. First, we took a tour of Independence Hall. The first room was a courtroom from that time. There were jury boxes, a cage for the accused to "stand" trial (he had to stand during the entire trial), a place for the judges and tables for the lawyers to sit at (together) and a place for the witness to stand and testify and benches for those who would be testifying. Then, there was a gate or fence that kept others out of the courtroom area but allowed them to watch.

The second room was where the State Assembly of Philadelphia met. It was the biggest building (and room) for miles. So, it was lent out when others needed it. That room was where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the negotiations to solidify the terms of it were hashed out. The chair where George Washington sat to preside over the 2nd Continental Congress was actually there - the original chair!!!! Philadelphia was our capitol before Washington DC was built. We learned a lot and I loved seeing the actual room. They had panels in front of the doors. I thought it was just to cover some part of the room that they didn't want visitors to see, but the guide said that the panels were there at the time and were to keep the people seated closest to the door warm (to not have to feel the wind blowing in through the less than sturdy door) as well as to keep the people's papers from flying around whenever the door was opened.

Next, we went into a building that housed an exhibit about APS - American Philosophical Society. I was stunned to see the names of the members of this society. There was artwork, journals and pictures.

Then, we went into the West Wing building. It was where the House and the Senate first met. We saw offices of the senate secretary as well as other offices and we saw where the representatives of the colonies (and then states) met. George Washington presided. The Senate room was bright green (it reminded me of the bright paint we saw when Steve and I went to Mount Vernon and were told that paint and especially bright paint was a sign of wealth). The window coverings were red velvet - it was posh for that time, I'm sure.

After that, we headed back over by the Visitor's Center and we jumped on the bus (one of the busses comes around every 20 minutes and they make 26 stops around the city). We rode up on the top, open air part of the bus for a while and saw some really cool stuff. There was Betsy Ross' House, a huge bust of Benjamin Franklin where his clothing is made of keys, the spot where Benjamin Franklin was buried, the Franklin Bridge, the LDS Temple, a huge archway in Chinatown that was given to Philadelphia from China and was built without screws or wires - Lego style and the Constitution Center.

We then noticed that the kiddos were getting hot and tired. So, we got off at the next stop, which was the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We headed into the building, showed our Philly Pass and checked our backpack and headed into the museum. We had picked up a flyer that had a map but couldn't seem to match up the layout of the museum with the map. There were a couple of cool exhibits - one with textiles from India that were so beautiful. Women's clothing that was bright pink and orange and turquoise. Gorgeous. Another exhibit was clothing that sends a message - basically clothing that has something written on it. Pretty cool. Steve walked into one exhibit that was about women, but he came right back out saying it was not appropriate for our little ones. Apparently, there was some lesbian photos in there and we just didn't think Reagan and Cole needed to see that today. Well, being unable to find the other exhibits, we asked someone (really, there weren't very nice people in that building). Turns out that we were in a museum other than the Museum of Art (why do they have the Museum of Art brochures at the front desk then?). We needed to walk across a couple of streets and up a hill to find where we were going. We did that and then found the actual Philadelphia Museum of Art.

This museum is huge! Like, we seriously got lost. There was a fabulous exhibit of armor and weapons. Tons of soldier gear - the armor for the men and for the horses.... we even saw some for boys. I can't imagine how they could fight in that or even move or breathe. It covered most of their bodies and chain mail covered what the armor didn't. It had to be SO heavy. Then, we saw swords, guns, crossbows, hatchets and other weapons. Next, we went into an exhibit containing images, statues and items about Christ, Mary, Saints and other religious figures. It is interesting how people portray Christ. So many of the paintings and sculptures had him skinny and frail and feeble. Maybe I've seen too many Bible Videos or too many modern pictures of Christ, but I don't identify with these  at all. Not that I visualize him as large and imposing, but I certainly don't see him as weak. I know he was beaten down and he was tortured and crucified, but I don't think he was less than all -powerful. He allowed that to happen to him - he wasn't unable to fight back.... he CHOSE not to fight back. Anyway, I respect those who have portrayed him in whatever way they have chosen to in order to revere and love and worship him. I just see him differently (or I visualize him differently) than they do. I still enjoyed the exhibit very much.

After that, we went into an exhibit of the Presidential China. Different Presidents chose different china patterns. It was interesting to see the tastes of the different time periods and Presidents.

We also saw an Asian exhibit with all sorts of items from vases to desks to roofs to houses. It was cool. Finally, we went through the first exhibit of Michael Nichols. He had nature photos of animals. They were beautiful.

Once we were done with the museum, we caught the bus again and went past the statue of Rocky Balboa and the steps (to the Philadelphia Museum of Art) that Sylvester Stalone ran up in the Rocky movie. We thought of, and talked of, our late son Kevin who was a HUGE Rocky fan. Yep - Kev would be proud. We rode the bus back around to the end of the tour and then got on another bus as our hotel is on stop 6. We got off the bus - hot, sweaty and sticky. Reagan and I went to the room while Steve and Cole went to pick up some sodas. They hit the concierge lounge, but it was closed. Then, they hit a 7-11, but it had little to nothing. They settled on bottles of soda. We lounged for a bit and then went to the Reading Terminal Market. It is a huge warehouse type building with booths and booths of food items (both cooked and raw). I saw several Amish people selling food. You could seriously get any kind of food in there - Italian, sandwiches, corn dogs, sushi, donuts. We each picked up a different meal and brought it back to the hotel. We ate, watched some iPad and worked on our computers while we finally cooled off. We have our passes for the bus tour again tomorrow and we don't leave for DC until 5:30.

NY - Day 4/ Philadelphia Day 1

We got up early today and headed up for breakfast. Steve took some pics of the workout room while he was in there - it is so cool. It has one side that looks out onto Times Square and another side that looks out into the open, middle of the hotel. Love it.

When we went for breakfast, it was SO crowded in that concierge lounge. Crazy. Maybe because today is Thursday and we are heading into the weekend, more people are coming for the weekend? Don't know, but we couldn't even find a place to sit. Finally we did. Steve had gone to work out so we only needed 3 seats for a while. Then, he joined us and, luckily, we had a 4th seat by then. Cole had brought Jr to breakfast and everyone in the seats around Reagan and Cole were chatting with him about his dog. One lady was showing him pics on her phone of her dogs at home. Crazy! A lady who worked there said "We don't allow pets in here, but I guess he's ok." Cole said "I think she thinks he is a REAL dog." He loves that puppy.

After we ate, we returned to the room to pack up a bit and then we walked to Rockefeller Center. Reagan and Cole wanted to do a bit of shopping so we hit the streets. Cole brought Jr of course. We went to the huge Nintendo Store. Unfortunately, this wasn't as much of a thrill for our kiddos as we are Xbox fans. No matter, it was cool to look around. As we were walking, we looked around the corner and saw Radio City Music Hall and Fox News - had to snap a pic of each of those.

Then, we went to the Lego Store (I'm always impressed with the huge lego formations they have made). It's right in Rockefeller Center. There was also a huge balloon of a ballerina girl. Apparently, it was a Jeff Koons art piece. I remember studying him in a college art class. I never understood how his stuff was art. Oh well.

Next, we walked around the corner to American Girl Place on 5th Avenue. Reagan had said she wanted to shop there. As I was talking with Steve, I mentioned that I wasn't sure she would get her trip gift there since she is sort of "out" of American Girl doll stuff. Well, I shouldn't have said anything because her walking around in that store put her right back "into" American Girl doll stuff :)  She kept apologizing and saying "I'm sorry - I know all of you guys don't want to be here, but I really love playing with Danielle (her American Girl doll) and it's just such a fun place to shop." I apologized to her for saying anything at all. What? Am I trying to have her grow up even faster? No way! She can play with dolls until she is 30 for all I care. Whatever makes her happy :) So, we sent the boys out to explore somewhere else and she and I hit all 3 floors of that store until she found a little something she wanted to bring home. She was thinking a locker for her doll since she - herself - will have lockers at school this year. It was over $50 and I quickly looked it up and found a similar one on Amazon that could be there by the time we returned home and we wouldn't have to fit in our suitcases. She ended up choosing a suitcase and travel pack for her doll. Great - not too big and it was super cute.

After our bit of shopping was done, we headed back to the hotel to relax for an hour or so before finishing our packing and heading to Philadelphia. We walked to the Subway we had taken yesterday to get to the World Trade Center. Unfortunately, this meant a lot of stairs and that was complicated. We had troubles again with our Metro card, but once I swiped it again, it worked. Then, we waited on the train platform and, I swear, every other train platform we saw was cleared out with trains coming and going except for ours - drat. Finally, a train came for us. We only needed to travel one stop to Penn Station. Then, more stairs as we made our way to the Amtrak station which was inside Penn Station. I must say that Amtrak is great once you are on the train, but is not well organized at all. Everyone waits in the middle of the station until the track number is announced or shows up on the screen. Then, there is a mad dash to that track number. I kept telling Steve just to go and we would catch up, but he wouldn't. We eventually found the track and got into a car, but there were no 4 seats together. Steve and Cole took the bulkhead, which was helpful because they had all of our bags and backpacks. Reagan and I were more than halfway down the car, but found two seats together. Our train ride was supposed to be 90 minutes, but it ended up being more than 2 hours. There were delays on the track, delays at the stops. Oh well - we're on vacation, but if I was a business person trying to make a meeting, that would be a real problem.

Once we arrived at the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, we only needed to travel 1.4 miles to our Hotel - the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, however, that short trip took almost 15 minutes. There was crazy traffic. Our cab got us there faster than my Maps app said it should take, though, so, I guess we should be grateful. We checked in (the hotel staff gave Reagan and Cole popsicles) and they upgraded us to the Headhouse Tower. Basically it is an old train station that has been converted into a ballroom and hotel rooms. We take a sky walk over the street to get to it. However, the short walk is easily offset by the enormity of the hotel room. Same size beds, but we have a fold out couch and the room is huge. Lots of space for us to spread out (as opposed to our smaller, Manhattan room). We relaxed for a while and a lady came to make up the fold out bed for us. She told us of a friend and co-worker who had an 11 year old girl who didn't listen to her mom and went by the train tracks with her friends instead of coming home after school. Well, they were throwing rocks at the train and trying to touch the train as it went by. Apparently, these are slow moving trains, but still... She ended up losing her footing and reached out to grab the train to steady herself. The train dragged her over 500 feet, crushed one of her feet and damaged the other. She ended up losing both legs. She told us that this girl used to do ballet and all because she didn't listen to her mother, she had to have both legs amputated. Wow - that's a horrible story! She kept saying to Reagan and Cole "The moral of the story is that you MUST listen to your parents." We googled the story, which happened in May, and read the news articles about this incident. Apparently, they first thought the girl was 17, but then realized she was 11. She and her friends were in an area that no one was supposed to be and yep - just like the lady said... she lost her footing, was dragged by the train and ended up losing both legs. The lady said that today, the girl is being transferred from the Pediatric ICU today into a regular room or something like that. Well, that put a bit of a damper on our trip. Ugh!

We watched Jurassic Park on tv for a bit and then realized it was time for the evening hors de vours at the concierge level, so, we walked over the sky bridge back to the hotel and headed up. This one had little slider turkey sandwiches, veggies and dips, salad and cheese and crackers. Then, as we were finishing up, they brought out cookies and desserts. Yay - Reagan and Cole loved that.

Then, we went down and spoke to the concierge about the best way to see the city. He suggested a bus tour and we walked outside to talk to the guy about that. Looks like that will serve our purposes well, so we'll be up early to do that tomorrow.

Then, even though it was almost 9pm, the kiddos wanted to swim. They had a ton of energy and we figured it may tire them out, so we headed for the indoor pool. Of course, they quickly found some friends to play pool games with and Steve and I researched the options for our day tomorrow. That tour really does seem cool, so, we'll do that.

Out of the pool, showers and then to bed for us. We've got a full day tomorrow.

NY - Day 3

Today we were up early - 6am. We showered and headed to breakfast at the concierge level and then headed down to the Subway. I spent the entire subway ride listening to Cole campaign for a pet. First he started with dogs, then went to cats. He even tried bird, hamster or turtle. When I explained that turtles could outlive him, rather than be a detriment, he said "Cool! I'll give it to my son!!!". It's so hard because I know he would LOVE a pet, but he's at school and karate and guitar and football and guess who would be taking care of this pet? Yep - Moi! Plus, we travel so much. I asked him what we would do with the pet when we travel. He asked "What does Shanny do?' I told him she either trades with someone one or she pays someone to take care of Jackson when she is going out of town. "Hmmm" he said. Well, we could ask Grandma and Grandpa. Not sure which he is referring to as Steve's parents watched our geckos for us once, but my parents watch my sister's dog during the week when she is at work. Either way, I told him it wasn't fair to count on Grandma and Grandpa having to sit home to watch our pet while we travel and have fun. I got another "Hmmmm" from him. Oh well - at least he is processing it.... right?

We went to the World Trade Center site. We had a tour of the 9-11 Memorial and Museum. This was really cool because it was a tour designed for families with children. Apparently some of the other tours can be too difficult for children with more details (and pictures) of the attacks. This was really perfect. Our guide was great. We had about 8 children in our tour and their parents or grandparents. Our tour was a little less than 2 hours. It was great. We walked around the memorial and the guide asked the children questions and had activities for them. She showed us how the names were placed around the water areas and how they tried to tie families or friends together - meaningful adjacents. She also showed us how they place a white rose in the indentation of the names of the people who had a birthday that day. She let the children trace names onto papers that they could take home. She also told them stories of those who had died, those who survived, those who were heroes and those who were extraordinary that day. She told of the sites crashed into - symbols of American wealth, American government and American military.



Then, we went into the museum and she showed us artifacts that were there. It was really, really cool. Reagan and Cole asked great questions. We saw part of the antenna that was on one of the towers, the support places for the beams in the towers and a fire engine that got too close and burned the entire front of the engine. Whoa! After our tour, we walked around the museum to see other things that we didn't see on our tour. Then, we went into the museum store.  Cole decided on a search and rescue stuffed puppy dog for his trip gift. He deliberated for quite some time before deciding on a German Shepherd pup with a Search and Rescue vest. He said it would be a pup for Max (his full grown german shepherd dog at home) and he would call him Max Jr. or Jr for short. He LOVES his stuffed animals. He carried that pup around for the rest of the day.

After we were done with the memorial and the museum, we wanted to check out the Freedom Tower - One World Trade Center. This is the new building which is the tallest in the western hemisphere. We bought tickets to the observatory (102 floors of the 110 stories). Crazy - the views were amazing and the elevator ride popped our ears several times. We rented an iPad with info about the surrounding buildings and landmarks. We probably shouldn't have - it wasn't that great. Plus, we ordered photos of us up there - maybe we shouldn't have done that either. Oh well - it's a memory and we got the digital pics as well.

On our way back to the Subway, we walked through this building that was a mall. We didn't realize until we were inside that it was the funky looking, white, sculpture thing that we saw when we first arrived. We had no idea that it was functional, a building, or a mall. It was cool - they even had an Apple Store ..... Score!!!!! We walked around inside and looked at the stores and the art display on Michelangelo. Wow!

After we had our fill of gorgeous views, we jumped back on the subway and headed back to our hotel. It was about 3 and we were super hungry so we stopped and picked up McDonalds to go and went to our room. We ate and then Steve and I fell asleep while the kiddos watched some Netflix. When we woke up, it was time to get ready for our show - Wicked! Unfortunately, I had printed the wrong page at home and we needed to pay at the business center to print our tickets. I hate that! We had a bit of a stressful time getting everything printed off and then we walked the few blocks to the Gershwin Theater. Cole brought Max Jr. in my bag - silly kiddo. Of course, Wicked was AMAZING!!!!! We had 4th row seats on the aisle and it was fabulous. Cole said it was loud (I"ll have to remember to bring him earplugs next time) and kind of sad (he was really worried when they were going to hurt the lion cub, but the witch saved him and then Cole was ok). He was so cute with Jr. He held him the entire show. He kept petting him and when the show was especially loud, he would hold his ears. I looked at him and he mouthed to me "It's too loud for him." What an adorable kiddo - he worries more for his stuffed animal than for himself. Not sure whether to admire or pity that, but let's go with how cute it was.

It was a great show! Reagan was considering buying a Wicked sweatshirt for her trip gift, but at $60, we all thought she should keep looking.

After the show, we walked back to the hotel. Cole loved seeing the policemen on horseback and we had to get a pic. Times Square may be even cooler at night with all the lights and the screens just glowing.

What a great day! Fun filled and meaningful. When we were back to our hotel, Steve saw the workout room as we were going up in the elevator. It sticks out into the middle of the hotel and has a glass ceiling (kind of like the concierge level lounge). He decided he wanted to workout the next day.

I included a little video of our ride in the elevator. The elevators are in the middle of the Marriott Marquis and you walk to a central number pad and punch in the floor you want to go to. Then, it tells you which elevator you should go to. That way, they only go to certain floors. It goes fast too. The middle of the hotel is open and as you go up, you can see the meeting rooms on the 3rd floor, the lobby on the 8th floor, the fitness center on the 23rd floor, the concierge lounge on the 30th floor and then there is our room on the 37th floor. It is cool!!!!

NY - Day 2

Today, we woke up fairly late for us (although our bodies said it was 2 hours earlier). We headed to the concierge level for breakfast. Wow - great breakfast. We had eggs, sausage, oatmeal, muffins, fruit, yogurt and juice. Cole found a hot cocoa mix and hot water to which he added milk and made hot cocoa. Reagan quickly joined in. These kiddos are hot cocoa freaks. Remember how they had to have it every morning and evening in Hawaii? It's hot there. It's hot here - they are still drinking hot cocoa. Crazy kiddos! After that, we went back to our room to pack up and we headed out to Times Square. We took some pics and looked around. Steve spotted "The Naked Cowboy" and asked Cole if he wanted a picture with him. Cole just looked around and said "No!! What the heck?" Too funny. Next, we headed down the block to the M&M store. We were going straight to the Statue of Liberty after that, so, we didn't want to cart lots of gifts and stuff with us, but we needed snacks :)  Reagan, Cole and Steve, each filled a bag with their preferred flavors and colors.  Next, we headed down to the 42nd Street and Broadway Subway station. We caught the 1 line down to the end which was South Ferry. Since we had already bought our tickets, we went through the reserve line and were in the Ferry Building WAY faster than the other line of people who had bought their tickets that day. (This was something we learned last time - to not stand in that long, long, hot line.) Today, however, was not hot at all. I think the high was 78 or 79. It was great. Plus, there were some clouds - it actually rained for a bit... good thing we brought our umbrellas - and it was breezy which was great. We loved it! Unfortunately, one thing we didn't plan for was the wait time needed to get a reservation to go up into the crown of the Statue of Liberty. Last time we were here, it wasn't even an option as they were renovating. When I went to go book the tickets early for this trip, the next ticket to go into the crown was available in November..... NOVEMBER!!!! Ugh - so, we didn't get to go into the statue. Well, that gives us a reason to come back for another trip and to plan 4 months in advance :)

We rode the ferry boat over to the Statute of Liberty Island. We picked up our audio players and punched in the programs. One for the adults, one for the kiddos. Perfect. We held them to our ears as we were directed to walk around the statue and we learned so much about Lady Liberty. One thing - I had no idea that the thickness of the copper is only equal to 2 pennies... .WOW! I thought it would be much thicker. We learned about the statue, the architect who designed the pedestal, the framework inside and much, much more. One thing that I think was so interesting is that women were not allowed at the dedication or presentation ceremony once the statue was completed. Funny - a statue OF A WOMAN, about freedom and liberty, but no women were permitted to be there. I think they even read the poem "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning for freedom..." which was written by..... wait for it.... a woman! Apparently suffragettes were angry even then and they rented boats and sailed out in the harbor by the statue to protest their not being included.

After we were done at the statue, we boarded the boat again and took it to Ellis Island. The last time we were here (5 years ago???), we didn't get off the boat at this stop. I remember it was in August and was very, VERY hot. Plus, our babies were much younger and had done all that they could do that day. So, we headed back to our hotel.... actually, I think we stopped at a playground near Battery Park and let them play. They loved it. Well, they are older and we are looking to stretch their little minds, so, we got off at Ellis Island. I am SO glad we did. It was amazing!

It was so inspiring how eager the immigrants were to get there. They sacrificed so much. They hoped so much, they felt so lucky to be in America. The restrictions at the time were such that anyone who was sick or unable to support themselves were sent back home. There were other reasons as well. Only 2% were sent back, but that was a lot. The immigrants were given medical exams, questioned about their names and history and purpose for coming as well as their ability to read and write. They said that the stories about workers at Ellis Island changing people's names or disregarding their names were absolutely untrue. They said that the workers asked how to spell names and wanted to get it right. They kept great records and most people were "cleared" through Ellis Island the same day, but that many had to stay for days, weeks or even months as they were put through mental exams or physical exams or went before a board to prove they were not criminals, etc. It was very eye opening. They had letters from immigrants to family members back home. Their reports of America were glowing. They said that they lived better than a lord would back in their home country. They had freedom and liberty and that was awesome. One immigrant spoke of having to learn to trust the police. Back in their home country, the police could shoot you or cut off your head. They were not to be trusted. Here, that wasn't the case. We also watched a film about Ellis Island. It really was an amazing place to be.

After our time at Ellis Island, we took the boat back to Battery Park. There were some "characters" there that wanted money for you to take pics of them. One was a Statue of Liberty. Another was a Donald Trump. Steve had to get a pic with him :)  Then, we took the Subway back to Times Square. We were super hungry, so, we headed straight to the concierge level. They had ravioli and caesar salad, veggies and dip and cheese and crackers. Of course, Reagan and Cole made more hot cocoa :)  Then, we returned to the room and crashed. We watched a bit of tv, showered up and hit the sack.

NY - Day 1

We got up super early today (3am for this mama) and headed to the airport. Shannon was kind enough to drive us. We caught a 7:25 flight to NY, through Chicago. Once we arrived at Laguardia, we took a look at the hour plus taxi line and Steve made some deal with a guy to take us on a bus. We went to Bryant Park???? and then transferred to a van, thinking it would just take us the few blocks to the Marriott Marquis. Well, the van went south - away from where we were trying to go. Oh no! Turns out that someone else on the van needed to go somewhere else and they were going to drop them first. We were next, though, and we got to our hotel and checked in.

The cute lady checking us in was fabulous. She upgraded our room, gave us a room on the 37th floor with a view of Times Square (the pic at the top of this post was taken from our room) and gave us access to the concierge level. Yay! She was super cute. We headed to our room with Reagan and Cole being in awe of the glass elevators in the center of the hotel. They go SO fast. We dropped our stuff and headed to the concierge level to grab a bite. Geez - what a spread. Rather than just some Hors D'oeuvres, they had pot stickers, quesadillas, salads, veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, yogurt, and more. It was packed, though. We finally found four seats together and ate and admired the view from the level (on the 30th floor).

We came back to the room, intending to just freshen up and head out to Times Square, but we crashed. The tv was on and they have Netflix as an app on the tv, so, Cole signed into our account and started watching a show he likes. Then, we had a knock at our door. The cute check in lady had sent up some apples and bottled water for us - what a sweetheart.

Since I was up at 3am, I hit the pillow and crashed. An hour or so later, Steve suggested we get ready for bed. Ugh! We got up, changed, brushed teeth and said prayers and hit the sack officially. We were beat! Well, after a day of traveling.... We Are Here!!!!! Let's Go!

Finally - Photo Books Done....... Check!

Finally!!!! Since we began our blog - back in 2008 - we've talked of turning the blog into books for Reagan and Cole to handle and read and look at whenever they want to. Way back when, Blurb was the only option for this. Well, it wasn't as easy as it seemed. I started a 2008 Blurb book and had to re-format and modify each and every post. Hence my delay in getting them done and printing. Well, a few months ago, I started looking around to see where else I could get this done. Blog2Print came up in my search. It was SO easy. It isn't perfect, but it is still great. One thing I would like to change is that, obviously, when I have posted a video on the blog, that doesn't come through in print. I would like to be able to put a picture - representing the video - in place of the video and then print. I haven't found a way to do that yet, but I'm working on it.

I printed 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. We loved it. Then, Steve asked if we could make the pictures bigger. Yes but it meant lots more pages and ... lots more cost. The size and price of the book doubled just by making the pictures large instead of medium. Steve said to just go ahead and do it. These are our memories and the larger pics would make such a difference. Indeed they did. I printed 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 with the larger pics. We actually had so many posts in 2015 and 2016 that, with the larger pics, they were too big to be printed into one book. So, we had to divide them into 2 books for each of those years. No biggie - we love having the bigger pics. The question now is whether we re-print the ones with the medium pics so as to replace them with the bigger pics. Oh - and of course, we ordered 2 of each so that Reagan can have one and Cole can have one. They are basically our family's history for those years. As I've said many times, I don't journal, even though I should, and I assuage my conscience by telling myself that I'm documenting our life through our blog.

Anyway, we are thrilled to have these books and to have an easy way to print our blog. I get to choose the dates included in each book, the front and back cover photos and I get to write a dedication in the front page of each book. Yay! One project that has been hanging over my head for years is officially crossed off the list.

Another trip to Funtopia

We received a 2 for 1 coupon for Funtopia, so, we had to go. Cole's friend Chase - from football - has been asking for a playdate for weeks, so, why not meet up there? I had to laugh that as we got in the car to head down, Reagan and Cole seemed further away as I was talking to them. I turned around and they were in the third row of seats (we had put them up to take some kiddos home from an activity) and they were all the way back there. Cole's stuffed animals were occupying the second row of seats and were safely belted in :)   Silly kiddos.

We arrived at Funtopia, caught up with friends for a bit and started climbing. Chase's mom Brenda was actually the one who told us about Funtopia last year. The kiddos climbed and raced the clock. 

Of course, we had to hit the slide. Again, I can't help but say that Cole looks like an Oompa Loompa in his suit :)

Once again, Reagan got scared and let go before the top. Each time, I kept telling her "You've done it before." "You are totally safe." Somehow, that doesn't sink in and she lets go before she reaches the top of the slide. It's all good Reagan - whatever you want to do.

Cole and Chase had races up the rope ladder. After Cole won, Chase said to me "This isn't really my thing, just straight up. I'm more of a strategy guy, like in football." Ok Chase :)

They built staircases out of blocks and climbed them and they jumped from other blocks down to knock over the staircases they built.

Reagan loves to climb the "skyscrapers", well, so does Cole. I think it's a great photo op :)  Cole loves the wall where the footholds gradually drop, so, if you aren't climbing fast enough, you drop.

Another favorite is to jump off of the platform to the bag or the trapeze bar. Cole has to have the bag or the bar as far away from him as possible. He will ask the employees there "Please make it as far away as possible." Then, he jumps and always makes it.

   

Reagan is a bit more tentative. She likes to hold her belay with one hand which makes it hard to catch anything. She does it though - it just takes a few tries :)

It's funny - I would think that an hour isn't very much time, but after an hour, these kiddos are sweaty and tired. Yep - an hour is perfect here. An hour with a 2 for 1 coupon is even better :)

We seem to always come here with friends and yet, Cole mentioned that you really don't get to "play" with the friends because everyone is climbing their own wall or on their own slide or jump or whatever. I don't care - we are here, having fun together - that's a play date to me.



Thanks again Funtopia - We had a great time and we will be back!!!!!

Still Another Beautiful Sunset

We've had some fires along the Wasatch Front of late and the smoke in the air seems to make the sunsets even brighter with yellow and orange.

I loved the brightness of these colors contrasted with the blue of the sky and the purple of the clouds.

Just beautiful! We love our sunsets here - just watching the sun go down as we sit in our house or on our deck.

Mother Nature's paintbrush. Amazing!!!!

Cub Scout Camp at Camp Tracy

Each year, the Cub Scouts go to two days of day-camp at Camp Tracy. It's up Millcreek Canyon, so, it isn't very far. Cole had a great time his first day and came home filthy - literally filthy. We washed him (and his clothes) up and got ready for Day 2. They needed volunteers way back in April and I volunteered to go. In June, at the Cubanopolis 500, his cute Cub Scout leader said "You are the ONLY parent who has volunteered." What? How can that be? I love to be with them and to see what they are doing. I've certainly never been to Cub Scout Camp :) This will be fun!

Well, turns out they have a theme each day. Yesterday, it was a sort of Dungeons and Dragons theme and today it was a builder theme. They had flag ceremony and then sent us to stations. Our first station was an obstacle course. They time the different Troops to see who gets through it first (based on the average time of their Troop). Our scouts kept checking the leader board and, by the end of the day, we still had the fastest time per scout. Yay!!!!!

Next, we took a little hike to a teepee area where one of the leaders talked about Native Americans and their talking sticks. He divided the scouts into 2 groups and each group had to work together to make a talking stick. Cole's group took it seriously with each scout choosing a color of paint. They each got to paint a line of their color onto the stick so that each in their group was represented. The other group just randomly threw paint onto the stick and proclaimed it "The Poop Emoji". What?!? Oh well - I was glad that Cole was with the other group. Then, the leader called them into the teepee and told them a story.

Our next station was shooting BBguns. They LOVED this station. They still broke us into two groups. The first group shot while the second group sewed leather pouches to put their BBs into.

Next, we had time to go to the Trading Post where the boys could buy pocket knives or a first aid kit or soda or candy. Cole bought a pocket knife last year (he has 3 or 4), but he wanted one that was covered in camouflage. Alrighty then - whatever :) After the Trading Post, it was time for lunch. Each of the scouts had brought a sack lunch. We washed up their hands and sat and ate lunch. They were such..... well, boys. One would say "1, 2, 3 and everybody say butt". Then, they would all say "butt" and laugh like it was the funniest thing ever. Cole walked over to me and whispered into my ear "Do you see what I have to put up with?" Just a note - I laughed at this because we have had friends and family members for years who thought it was super funny to potty talk and I've always hated that. So, we've talked to our kiddos, forever, about how that's rude, base and not necessary. Now, when other kids do it, our kiddos just look at us and roll their eyes. I'm glad too - I don't want to make them stuck up or anything, but why let them talk that way? I guess it's just a pet peeve of mine. They have them dress like a scout and they have a code of conduct of how they are going to act like a scout - why ruin that with baseless talk? Oh well.

After lunch, we headed inside the fort to build. The leader had pre-cut pieces of wood and the scouts sanded them and nailed them together to make a display for their Pinewood Derby cars. After that, we went to the amphitheater for skits. They broke our scouts into 4 groups and gave them a few "props" and told them to make a skit. None of them really had a point and a couple of them had some gross references in them (potty talk again), but the boys had clearly made a story line and were trying to act them out. Love it. I remember doing that in Girls Camp :)  Once we were done with skits, we went on a hike and had to make a list of all of the things we saw (or heard or touched) on the hike. There was another leader board with which Troop had recounted the largest number of items on their hike. Well, we knew the number to beat, so, we kept going until we had the highest number. Yay again!

Our final station was a farming station. The leader taught the scouts about growing food and composting. They each got to plant a pea seed in a cup and bring it home. They also got to go around with magnifying glasses to see what they might have missed with the naked eye. Of course, there were those scouts who tried to light a fire with the magnifying glass or to burn a bug or something. Great - just great - but Cole and his friend John Henry turned over logs and rocks and found all sorts of critters under those. They had a great time.

After finishing the stations, we gathered together for flag ceremony. The leaders sang songs with the scouts (just like we did at Girls' Camp) and they played games. Then, they took down the flag and we headed home. I think Cole had a good time and bless his leaders for hanging out with these scouts each and every week during the school year. (We brought them red, white and blue gumballs to thank them.) We are done with scouts for the summer, but have a list of assignments to get done on our own. After all, only a month or so after we start back up, Cole will be moving on to Weeblos. He's got lots to pass off :)

Here's that video of Cole's group's skit. If you can see the point in the story or skit, let me know.... I've got nothin'!   :)

Well, I can now say that I've been to scout camp :) We had a great time, learned a lot and had fun. After all, that's what it's all about!!!

Another note - Again, just because this is our own, little, family scrapbook, I like to make notes to remember things that happen. I was so proud of Cole today. There was one boy who lives in our neighborhood, but doesn't go to church with us. He comes to scouts but doesn't seem to really get along with anyone. All of the kiddos in our neighborhood go to different schools (some go to public school, some to charter schools, some to private schools and some are home schooled). He doesn't go to school with many of the boys. Anyway, by the time we got to the teepee station (only station 2), he was getting in fights with the other boys, hitting them and walking away from the station. One of the leaders, whom we know well, said "He just can't seem to "click" with any of the boys. They are all friends at church or some at school. They only know him through scouts and he seems to rub them all the wrong way. I don't know what to do to. You can't MAKE someone be his friend." I laughed "Sure you can :)" I called Cole over and told him how this boy isn't getting along with people and we think it is because he doesn't have a friend. I asked Cole to make an extra effort to be his friend. Cole said he would and I saw them throughout the day talking. Later, Cole told me that he asked the boy about school getting out and he was rebuffed, but later in the day, Cole asked him what he was going to do for the summer and what sports he played, etc. He started to talk to Cole and they were together off and on throughout the day. The leader noticed too because she said "You have a really GOOD boy there." She said how much she missed having him in her Den (he moved up to Bears and she is a Wolf leader). Awww - yes, we have a good boy and we love him to bits. Way to go Cole!!!!!!