Wednesday, May 21, 2008

St. George

I intended to post this earlier, but life (and a 630 page book) seems to get in the way of blogging.

The first half of Spring break week was spent in cleaning, packing and babysitting (see earlier post). The second half was really something worth recording for posterity. Grandma and Grandpa arranged for us to stay in my Aunt's condo in St. George for a few days. It was great to leave the wind and cold temperatures for a few days.



While on vacation we also conducted a psychological experiment to see if Caious would starve to death surrounded by food. I am aware he is a picky eater, but he will usually at least try the food we offer him . . . before he makes himself a big bowl of oatmeal. So we made sure to pack oatmeal. but apparently it was the had the wrong kind - quick oats are somehow offensive to him. To add insult to injury, we also brought the wrong kind of sugar. Who knew he only eats old fashioned oats with brown sugar and milk? We all do . . . now. Grandma got so exasperated at one point, she had him eat cookies for breakfast. Her famous homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. She reasoned that they had oats, raisins, eggs, flour . . . some of it was bound to be nutritious, right?

I took a different approach. I challenged him and everyone else to an eating contest at an all-you-can-eat Chinese Buffet. I was in the running for champion, but my dad beat me handily. I tried. I ate so much that I wasn't hungry again for three days.

Other than the food drama we had a great time. We toured a few LDS Church history sites. The children were surprisingly good. Except the baby who didn't get the concept of "be quiet, listen to the tour guide and don't touch anything" but she thinks the world revolves around her and rules of polite society only apply to her when it is convenient.

We also toured Zion National park. Some of my best childhood memories are of climbing the sandstone in Southern Utah. Sadly, climbing is now discouraged most places. The children still got to run and climb (in approved areas - I swear), plus Grandma was there with Skittles to keep them extra happy and energetic. Interesting enough, Caious had no objections to the candy she offered him. Andrew squirreled his away in his pockets. The next day he entertained us by stuffing 21 skittles into his mouth at once. Luckily he has room in there because he still has no teeth.

Kaiti loved the swimming pool at the condo complex. She swam for hours on end. Thanks to Aunt Susan and Cousin Meggie who were willing to hang out in the water with her. Caious played tennis as often as he could get a partner. Ellie and Andrew swam and played tennis, but only when we wouldn't let them watch any more t.v.



Bill took a day off and explored Zion National Park with us. It was a great vacation. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

4 comments:

Hilary said...

That's a great picture of Bill and Ellie. Next time you go to St George, let me know and I'll tell you about some places to climb in Washington, next to the freeway. Not as spectacular as Snow Canyon, but there are no guilt trip signs. Ben said he was a mountain goat.

Lauren said...

Looks like a great trip - St. George is soo beautiful - love the last picture!!

MamiJo said...

Sounds like you had a great time! We're getting plenty of hot weather and it only just began...

How was the Stephanie Meyers thing?

Unknown said...

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