Ice Day at Hogle Zoo

We picked Saturday, July 18, the hottest day of the summer, so far, to go to the Hogle Zoo, (104 degrees F. at the parking lot, but a little cooler under the trees inside.) It was the zoo's once a year "Ice Day" when all the animals get an ice treat. We didn't care about the heat, (too much) we just had fun!

Grandma was glad for this outing with her two youngest grandsons, Kimball and Brayden

The first thing we did was go on a train ride. Kimball's been there before, so he was all excited. Brayden was a little uncertain, but it got better.

All Brayden wanted to see was the snakes, so we headed for the reptile building first.

We found a pretty spot to eat our home-packed lunch! Brayden is wearing the zoo hat his Grandma bought him. It has four wild animals embroidered on the front.

Kimball falls asleep while we continue on.

Grandma holds Brayden up so he can get a better look at the Giraffe's eyes which are painted with eye liner and mascara.

Brayden finds fun in everything around him!

Brayden weighs in. Looks like he has a little room to grow!

Brayden braves the cold ice for a prize!

Grandma and Brayden take a ride. Brayden Baer rides a Bear!

Riding a frog with Aunt Kate--no Hands!

A little room to grow!

Conversing with a monkey!

We had a really fun day! Because it was a special day, Ice Day, Beautiful posters were given to the children. Kate will frame the one she picked out for Kimball. It matches his jungle room at home!

July 16, Fun at the Library

This morning was Dad's day with the boys. They went to the park and fed the ducks and geese and played ball. Grandma went to the hospital and had a long visit with Grandpa. He needed cheering up. He will probably come home tomorrow.


That afternoon, Kate and Kimball came to visit and the five of us went to the Library to see a magician. He put on a very good show. Kimball enjoyed it part of the time, and part of the time his mommy took him out into the library where he had a good time pulling the entire row of books off a shelf.

The boys watch. The show lasted an hour.

On the way 0ut, Kimball looks at all the colorful books. He takes it all in. He plans to be a big "reader" likes his parents.

Kimball likes to climb. Later, at Grandma's house, while Kate tried to feed him, he climbed out of the restraints in the highchair, stood up on the tray and tried to climb up on the antique ice box behind him to get to the picture on the wall. It was hilarious!

July 15 - Another full day!

On the morning of the second day, we went to the special children's movie at the Layton Hills Mall and saw Dr. Seuss' "Horton Hears a Who." The boys got a special kid's treat of Popcorn, Root Beer, and fruit treat.

In the afternoon, Karston slept (because Brayden kept him awake all night), and Grandma and Brayden visited Grandpa at the hospital.

On the way home, we stopped at Smiths to buy salads for dinner. Brayden pushes the cart!

That evening we went to Cherry Hill and played a round of miniature Golf. Everyone played about the same, even Brayden, although he did lose a ball in the bushes one time when he was trying to put the ball in the air to go through the clown's mouth. Karston took pictures (Grandma forgot her camera). I will try and add pictures later.

July 14 - Continued

We put a lot into the first day. Karston and Brayden visited Grandpa at the hospital. He was very happy to see them.

After the visit to the hospital, we ate dinner at Wendy's and then went bowling. Brayden loved it and Grandma got him on video bowling a strike!

Karston did good. But sometimes it doesn't work out.

Grandma had a good time, too.

The scores improved on the second game. Brayden wants to bowl another time!

Brayden comes to Grandma's House

This morning Bryce C. arrived in Utah with Brayden and Karston. We have not seen Brayden for over a year and half. He has grown a lot. Bryce H. picked them up at the airport and brought them to Grandma and Grandpa Hansen's house. We are going to have a lot of fun. Brayden showed Grandma how he can swing on the monkey bars. Later this afternoon we will visit Grandpa at the hospital.

Weekend fun

Saturday, July 11, I was in charge of the family reunion. We held it at 5:30 p.m. It was a busy day before that. I did some more cleaning and yard work to get ready for Ed's surgery today (Monday) and went to our neighbor's plant sale. They have a green house in their back yard. I bought more than I intended, but planted our big pots in the front, and I think they look quite nice.

Ed's family came to visit just before the reunion, so, they joined with my family for chicken and salad and lots of visiting. We became better acquainted with my nephew Glen, and his wife, Katherine. Glen recently joined the church and they were married last November.

Ed with his cousin Margaret from Canada and his mother.

Kimball steals center stage, as usual. Glen and his wife are in the background.

4th of July Weekend

We had a wonderful July 4th weekend! We were able to take our 5th Wheel and drive to Mt. Pleasant on July 3 and park it on a strip of gravel in back of Kate's parents' house. They live in a 1930 two-story home on one acre of land. It has lots of grass and trees, a big spacious living room, a large kitchen, is one block from Main Street, one block from the church, and represents the best in country living. We stayed for two days, enjoying the festivities on Saturday. We had barbeques under their big shady trees and watched the fireworks from their backyard, even though we had to sit in a drizzling rain. We didn't care. We were glad that we didn't have to drive to see them--the only way Ed could have done it. They have invited us back next year. We'll make it an annual event.

Ed relaxes with Kimball in the 5th Wheel. Kimball knew what to do with the small flag I handed him.

We went to the 7:00 a.m. breakfast put on by the city and then strolled through the Mountain Man exhibits. Derek had joined us for the morning.

Derek shows Kimball a very tiny chihauhau. He was so cute!

Cyndy found swords and bought two of them so that she could swordfight with Brayden when he comes to visit later this month. She and Derek test them out.

Later in the morning there was a good old small town parade. The floats were pretty good and the candy they threw was plentiful. Cyndy grabbed a few pieces to give to Brayden when he comes. Here is Kimball and his dad honoring our brave soldiers.

Cyndy rests with Kimball . John (Kate's dad) sits in the shade in the row behind.

Later in the day, Grandma and Grandpa give Kimball his new 4th of July toy so that he can learn to walk.