Staycation

 Christian was able to take some time off for a last of summer vacation.  We toyed with the idea of driving to California and spending time with family and the beach, but in the ended decided not to drive and to stay and have fun here.  It was our first ever "staycation", and it was a BLAST!
Day 1:  We started out by going up to Snowbird.  We did all their summertime activities including the tram--which is a ski lift type tram tram that takes you up to the summit of the mountain where you can walk around and enjoy the gorgeous view of the mountain ranges and valley below.  so cool. There was also, a high-wire ropes course, bungee trampoline, rock wall to climb, an alpine slide, a mountain coaster (a ski-lift chair on a zip line), and bounce houses.  It was SO fun to spend all day letting the kids do these activities as much as they wanted, and all the while being up in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
Day 2:  After an exciting day yesterday we took it easy--riding bikes, and playing at home until afternoon when we went to the zoo.  They have a new harbor exhibit there with seals, otters, a polar bear, and black bears that we wanted to see.  The exhibits are well designed where you can see the animals close up, which was great.  Also, their polar bear loves the attention.  It swims up to the glass where the kids are pressing their faces to, and pushes off their faces to swim backwards in the the water...and he does it over and over again! So funny.

 

Day 3:  Ready for another exciting day, we took the kids to Cowagunga Bay, a newish water park in Draper.  It is pretty small, but they use the space well.  There water slides, a pool, a lazy river...all the necessities for a full day of water fun.

 

After the water park we drove home to change, shower, and pack an overnighter bag to spend the night with our good friends up in Park City. They had found a fun condo to share there.

Day 4: We went up to the Smith & Moore (lake) area to hike around for the day.  Aside from Chad being tired it was great fun.  We got to play in the stream with friends, found a snake, and watched Steve try to catch a fish with his bare hands.

We love enjoying the great outdoors with friends.  After our hiking we ate lunch at a fun roadside diner that had great BBQ food. Then we walked around Park City and played at a local park before dinner and swimming. 
Day 5: Time to come home for Church and a day of rest.  What a great staycation...the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.