Los Hermanos and BYU Volleyball

On Saturday we spent time with Nate's family - attending a recital given by his Mom and sister's students (including his brother and sister), then eating lunch at Los Hermanos. That night we attended the BYU v Stanford Volleyball championship. BYU defended their title and beat Stanford in a sweep the first three sets. It was a close game though so it was fun to watch. Proud of my Cougars!

a day in Salt Lake City

As part of an early birthday gift to me, we spent the day in Salt Lake, visiting the Museum of Natural History, eating at 'Spitz' for lunch (a Greek Restaurant downtown), dropping Mason off at my sister Jenet's house, going to the Temple, and for dinner eating at one of my favorite Utah restaurants 'The Wild Grape'. 

Mason was asleep for the first part of the Museum, which was perfect because it gave Nate and I a chance to spend time and sort of delve into the Museum. He woke up for the history of Chocolate part of the Museum (of course), because there was an aroma of chocolate in the air that I'm sure Mason could smell :). Then we briefly took him to see the other part (dinosaurs, etc). Nate and I were both extremely impressed with this museum. It's obvious that they didn't spare money making it nice and educational.

Thanks to my wonderful sister Jenet, Nate and I were also able to go through the Salt Lake Temple (where we were married more than three years ago), for the last time in a while. We love that place of course, since it brings but some of our sweetest memories. Dinner was amazing - I got my favorite Salmon, and Nate got one of his favorite's New York strip steak. It was the best birthday celebration day I could have asked for. We drove back to Orem but Mason was still awake, so we decided to top off the day by using our two free gelato coupons at 'Terra Mia', where Nate and I went on our first date.  

Color Me Mine and Provo food trucks

As an early birthday gift, Nate took me to a place I've been wanting to go the last few birthdays, but just never have gotten around to. I loved it! Thanks Nate for indulging me! Also, Nate says he isn't good at crafts? Whaaat? Obviously not true!! That night for dinner we checked out the Provo food trucks. YuM! We had some Mexican tacos. They really made me miss those Mexican tacos and authentic food in general so much! My sister Shirley and I lived in Mexico city when we were 14 and 12 (respectively) and I fell in love with the people, the culture, and the FOOD! I've promised to go back someday. Cancun anyone? Maybe after Law School!

My hopeful artistic side emerging :)

The pre-final product

The Mexican Tacos Truck called 'Pico Norte'. Almost as good as the real thing!

Ha! Those two boys crack me up!

Such a ham!

French Toast from 'The Matterhorn'. Best french toast I think I've had. Nate likes Kneaders french toast better for some reason.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Zupas

Have I ever told you that Nate spoils us? Well...he DOES! He's leaving soon to Cali, so we are SOAKING up time with him! On Wednesday he took us to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. It was so very fascinating to see the huge variety of underwater sea creatures, coral, etc. We started off with a 4D Imax video on underwater sea coral. It seemed like Mason just wanted to run around the theater the entire time, but Nate and I enjoyed it...and I guess we thought we looked pretty cool in our glasses. For lunch we stopped by Zupas, and then to top it off we drove to Squaw Peak to look over our beloved Utah Valley that we are going to miss so much. Nate said a few farewell words to the Valley, with a "we'll be seeing you soon Utah" at the end. We are really going to miss it here!! I've fallen more and more in love with Utah as I have grown older - the beautiful Mountains, the 5 amazing National Parks, the family-friendly environment, the four seasons, the affordable pricing, the dry air, and most especially the good people. This place will always be home to us! So, Utah, don't say goodbye to us forever....cause we'll be seeing you soon!

a little chilly, so we covered Mason with his coat. You can still see his cute little smile though.

At least Nate looks legit

Not even sure why we brought in that stroller, since Mason was in it for about 30 seconds, then wanted to push it the entire rest of the time.

Nate loved this sign...obviously! I call him "Marco" Polo for a reason

Pretty amazing to look up and see sharks swimming above your head.

My favorite 'Berry Salad' at Zupas. Going to miss you too, Zupas!

Mason and Nate incredibly impressed with that brownie.

view of the valley from our dirty car window

Love this place.

Heber Valley Railroad/The Polar Express

Mason LOVES trains! Of course what little boy doesn't, right? So when Nate found a groupon for a train ride on the Heber Railroad, we jumped on it (haha, no pun intended). That was our family home evening activity last night. As far as enjoyment you get from watching your child, this pretty much was a ten out of ten. He LOVED it...especially once he got used to the loud sound of the choo choo. I think it was a little louder than he was expecting. So fun though...singing, dancing, cookies, beautiful scenery, open windows and fresh air. What more could you ask for? For dinner we went to 'Dairy Keen', a classy burger joint with amazing shakes, and a fun train traveling around above your head. Nate and I decided that if every restaurant we went to had a train in it, our dining experience would be more enjoyable...for all of us :). Fun, fun night! So glad we get to make these fun memories in Utah!

 

REAL Salt Lake

 

One of the things on Nate's bucket list was to go to a Real Salt Lake game. Since we leave soon to start on new adventures, we decided to go last Saturday night. What a fun environment. It was also so great to watch such professional athletes. They were incredible! Amazing that 4 of the Word Cup team will come from this team here in Salt Lake City. That's double the number of any other team. We learned their song, and met some fun people at the stadium. Beautiful evening! By the way, they won 1-0 against Portland. I think I'm a fan now. Soccer is quickly becoming one of my favorite spectator sports. I hope Mason will want to play someday.

 

 

Easter Weekend

Loved spending this beautiful weekend together with family and friends. Mason especially loved all of the candy, and the time outside. It was a great weekend! Happy Easter!