Bluebird Chocolates

My mom, Annie, and the kids came up to visit a while back so we tried to have lots of fun for the day. We started with a trip to Bluebird Chocolates to go on a tour of the candy shop. We saw how they made caramel popcorn and found out that the Bluebird Restaurant is no longer part of the same company as the chocolates (and don't carry them in the restaurant candy store) even though they started from the same family. They use almost all of the original machinery and equipment as from the beginning. 

We love popcorn.

They still hand dip all of the chocolates they sell. Of course during the fall and winter holiday months they make and sell the most chocolates. Here's a video of one of the workers hand dipping the chocolate. 

Of course, we then had to buy some. They were so good that later that week, I took Jake back so we could buy a few more. 

After we had spoiled lunch, we came home and ate anyway. Then headed off to the splash park down the street. It always takes Sammi a bit to warm up to the idea of playing in the cold water but she, along with all the other kids, played and splashed a lot. 

Even though it was a short trip, we were glad they came up to hang out with us. It's so fun to have family close enough to occasionally stop by. 

Always playing

We like to play. My sister stopped in town now that she lives on the road so the girls and I drove down to hang out. After trying to make schedules work and trying to figure out what to do, we ended up and the South Jordan Heritage Center (Gale Center). The kids love it there. I wish there were  more places like it. 

Attending school from earlier times.

Buddy (aka Tanner)

How many people fit on your rocking chair?

 The center tells about South Jordan, Utah's history but has many interactive/play areas for kids: a general store, the school house, a pretend house with a kitchen, table, food, but also have information about past and present South Jordan. It's fun to see art from current residents or heirloom items passed down from generations on display.

Later we took a trip to St George. We stopped in Cedar City to hang out with some good friends who live there and so Jake could visit the dentist, which is our friend's profession. The other reason for the trip was the Las Vegas Tough Mudder. We headed down early and walked a little on the strip. Some much has changed since that last time I was down there to hang out. We parked in "Excalibur's" parking lot with little intention of going inside until Ellie and Sammi started talking about how excited they were to go into a princess castle. We walked in and then basically out again.

Sammi loves chocolate but wouldn't touch the M.

 Ellie wouldn't even pose for a picture with the M&M. They did think it was really cool. Ellie wanted to try some of the roller coasters but we weren't there long. It was a tough night as we were staying in a hotel cause the boys wanted to run early. Dinner was late and it was about 9:30 local time before we got back to the hotel and put the girls down for bed. Sammi has the annoying internal alarm that wakes her up at about 6:30-7:00 am Mountain time so she woke us all up at 5:45 am local time which was fine because that was about 5 minutes before Jake's alarm was set to go off so we could pack, eat breakfast and be on location to start the race by 8:00.

Early morning group, first run (before).

Early group, first run (after)

 Yes, some of them ran it twice. It was a long day.

Second group.

 It wasn't as warm as we thought it should be because a storm was blowing through. There was chill, wind, rain, sun and then warm/hot. The kids entertained themselves by playing sufficiently in the dirt. Sammi loved putting in on mommy and Madi's shoes/socks.

Second group, after and slightly cleaned up.

They are always looking for people to join their group and do the race. Here is a video of the last obstacle at almost every race, Electro-Shock therapy. Enjoy. Yes those are live wires. If you want good videos where people are knocked on their behinds because of the shock, just look on you-tube. If you want to participate in the next event with them, let me know. If you talk with Jake, he will convince beyond a shadow of a doubt to join. He's a lawyer, he does that sort of thing.

Baby Tanner, especially for Uncle Jeff

Just like Jeff was always vying for favorite uncle, I am trying for favorite sister. I even took a video of Tanner just for Jeff so he could see how big and talkative Tanner has gotten. 

Favorite sister, right here.

Work 2nd Annual 5K

A couple of weeks ago, my work held their 2nd Annual 5k run. It's part of our work exercise program. Annie came out to run with me, but unfortunately I'm not in as good of shape as she is. Macy wanted to come so she came with her bike. There was a good turnout from the employees as well. Macy and I stretching before the race.

Ellie waiting to start the race.

After warming up a little, we started the race. Even though the original plan was to run together, both Annie and Macy were faster. I didn't realize how much your arms provide momentum when you run.

Luckily Macy came also and rode her bike along side Annie while Ellie and I followed behind. The race went well except Ellie hated it when we jogged toward the setting sun because it was too warm. The problem with that was the last mile and a half was mostly facing the sun. My choices were either continue walk at a fast pace and listen to her cry or continue running (even though I was completely exhausted). Being a first time mom, I chose my discomfort over hers. I hadn't trained too well for this race but I finished with a decent time at a little over 36 minutes. Remember I was also pushing a stroller.

Even with my lack of training, there were no injuries. Maybe next time I will training better before running a race.