Lots of Fun at the Zoo

 We go to the zoo a few times a year, so I know I've already posted pictures of it, but there were a few new sights to see. We got to attend with my family and cousin and her cute daughter. 

I'm always a fan of the elephants.

 There was a zookeeper telling us about a barn owl.

But the highlight of the day was seeing the polar bear. She was raised in captivity and used to humans. She really liked putting on a show for the kids. She'd swim right up to the glass and the kids would all squeal . . .

then she's swim back to her rock and repeat the dive over to the window.

Logan couldn't get enough of watching her. He threw a fit when I forced him to see the other animals.

My cousin and daughter. You can tell the kids are still mesmerized by the bear.

Sam is such a cute daddy.

Marlee warmed up to me and gave me a smile.

A carousel ride is a must-do. Logan picked the polar bear of course.

The last animal we saw was this orangutan. She reminded me of the "Thinker". 

Fun times as always!

Field Trip: Apple Orchard

 One of the perks of being in preschool is going on field trips! Logan went to a local apple orchard for his first field trip. Here is his class checking out the mom and baby deer hanging out in the orchard.

 After learning all about apples and how they grow, each student got to climb a big ladder and pick apples for every member of his family. Logan got to go first, partly because he couldn't wait to climb the ladder.

He was a little confused that he had to turn around to pick the apples. He got in position and picked the apples with both hands, just as he was taught. He was super excited to get them.

Mom made a yummy apple pie dessert a couple days later. Such a good experience for these kids.

Park City

 As is becoming tradition, we joined my side of the family for a little getaway up to Park City.

 We went on the same hike around the famous white barn. The weather was perfect and the scenery gorgeous. The fall colors were just starting to come out.

Logan had fun climbing this big tree with Daddy and my brothers.

I love this path because its paved and easy for little legs. Its not really a hike since most of it is level. 

So much beauty to see.

My cute parents.

 Jenni, Sam and Marlee

Logan venturing off-path and me trying to work with the sun flare.

 

 We swam a couple times, played games, ate too much food and enjoyed being together. A highlight for me was going on the Alpine Slide with my sweetheart, followed by a caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, also a tradition. Benj took pictures of us on the ski lift that I'll have to steal from his phone.

Why not end this post with a couple of bathing beauties?

Hopefully its not a year til we make it back up there. :)

Go Team Blue

 Logan had his first soccer game last Saturday. Benj was also asked to be the coach. We've been prepping Logan and trying to practice with him the past month or so. He's one of the youngest on his team and therefore a little less coordinated. Have you ever watched a 3-year-old soccer game? Its hilarious. I'd say 1-2 players on each team kind of know what they're doing, while the others tend to do their own thing.

He was super excited to wear his soccer stuff. Once we got to the field he made his way straight to the playground. Darn those distractions. 

He was a little unsure about the whole thing. I kind of expected that to happen. He hung out by Daddy when he was on the field (don't they look cute in their matching shirts? Benj's is from Uruguay where he served his mission). He tried to kick the ball, missed, and landed on top of it. A fit soon followed and he didn't want to play much after that. I couldn't help but laugh.

Daddy was a great coach. I think Logan will get the hang of things the more he plays. I read somewhere that there's nothing better than learning you can do something you thought you couldn't. I hope this soccer experience will build his confidence, allow him to make new friends, and encourage good exercise. Above all, I want him to enjoy himself.

Good job Logan! I'm proud of you!

Fire!

 This is what we do while baby sis is taking a nap . . . 

Fireman Logan to the rescue!

Our neighbors, whose kids are grown up, have let Logan borrow this awesome retro fire truck.

 It's a little hard to steer, and the ladder jabbed Mom several times while pushing, but it has a great bell for ringing!

If anyone in the neighborhood needs a hand, you know who to call!

First Day of School

We've been counting down the days for the past week . . .

 

to the first day of preschool!

I really can't believe Logan is old enough to go (yes, I'm going to be sentimental for a minute). When oh when did he get old enough to leave me?

 

He's so ready to go. I know he'll love learning (and playing, and treats, and field trips, etc).

He thought he was going to ride a bus since we've been reading a book that has one in it. He didn't act too disappointed when we got in the car.

 

 

I saw this idea to do a photo with interests on the first and last day of school each year. I think it'll be fun to see how his interests change.

 

The first day the parents got to attend with the students. I think it was good for the kids to orient themselves with the classroom and the teacher.

 

Who wouldn't want to be in preschool?

You get to play with toys . . .

make crafts (we also made a cute tote bag),

and finish class with a yummy apple cupcake.

 

His teacher, Miss Patti, is fantastic with the kids. There are 9 boys and 1 girl in the class (poor little thing). Logan already knows several kids from the ward and playgroup. 

 

I think the real test will be on Thursday when I leave him there. It might be hard for the both of us.

 

Good luck Logan!