Oklahoma Aquarium

Last Friday, we took a trip with Cousin Athena and Aunt Karla to the Oklahoma Aquarium.

We had gone about a year and a half ago, and the trip made us realize how much these three have grown up in that time! They had a lot of fun together!

They enjoyed the various "touch tanks" quite a bit, even Athena.

They especially enjoyed when they opened up the sting ray and shark touch tank.

I was pretty impressed that all three of them touched a sting ray. Another favorite was a tank that had a tunnel underneath it that the kids could crawl through. Inside the tunnel were ladders that the kids could use to climb into tubes that looked out in the tank...pretty cool.

We went through the walk-thru shark tank.

We fed the turtles, though I didn't capture a picture.

We also were there for feeding time in the coral reef tank. Scuba divers climb inside. After the feeding, one diver went around and waved to all the kids.

A very fun trip!

Cardboard Box Cars

Last Friday, I got out some cardboard boxes to make "race cars" for the kids. The kids ended up enjoying it even more than I thought they would.

I drew a steering wheel on the box, then let the kids go to town with markers and stickers, decorating their "cars."

After some decorating, the kids got in to "race."

Then they had to do some more decorating. They decided that the stickers could be buttons, so they had to put on ones to go underwater, up in the sky and to find buried treasure (among others).

They also knew that Athena was coming over on Saturday, so they insisted that I bring out another box to make a car for her.

Of course, after Athena's car was done, they insisted I get in it, and we went on quite an adventure, which included getting out of the car and swimming in the ocean and getting out in the sky and sitting for a while on a cloud. (I do just love their imaginations. There was a moment during this time that I thought, "This is exactly what childhood should be.")

Never underestimate the fun of a cardboard box!

Rocky Mountain Adventure Part Seven

Today was our last full day of vacation. As always, can't believe how it has flown. This morning Brent was really sweet and let me get a massage, while he and the kids did some exploring around the resort. This afternoon, we went to the community rec center, which has a really neat indoor pool.

It has a big slide, a lazy river and a whole splash and play area for kids. We had a great time!

Brent and I went down the big slide, but the kids were too little. They did enjoy the little slide in the kiddie area, though. They also had a diving board, so I dove off and impressed the kids. It's a nice thing about three-year-olds. They are easily impressed. The kids enjoyed the lazy river and they also had a basketball hoop and basketball, which Tyler loved. Definitely glad we did this!

Rocky Mountain Adventure Part Six

Yesterday, we ventured back to Rocky Mountain National Park. This time instead of driving the full park, we stayed on the western side and spent our day exploring various trails around the Colorado River. The kids got to do their favorite activity - throwing rocks and sticks into the water.

We also got to see a moose up close when she grazed on the opposite bank of the river.

Ashley was happy to be able to get her hands a little dirty.

The kids also loved having Brent swing them out over the edge of the water.

Ashley picked a few wildflowers (which I'm pretty sure is not allowed in national parks)

The kids and I also took off our socks and shoes and dipped our feet in the freezing cold water...refreshing!

Here are a few more pics from the day:

Rocky Mountain Adventure Part Five

We ventured up high into the mountains again today. We drove up to Rollins Pass on what was apparently the road to get here prior to US 40.

We stopped along the way to do some exploring.

When we found a creek the kids had to spend some time throwing rocks in the water.

We also packed another picnic and enjoyed a mountain view for lunch.

At one of the stops, we let Tyler try to take some pictures. Here is the series:

Maybe, we need to work on not putting your finger in front of the lens. ;) Still I think he did better than Ashley. Here are her attempts.

Once we were up at the pass, we found another hiker to take our picture. Tyler decided to hide behind the sign, but it is technically a picture of all four of us.

Up at the pass, there was a beautiful lake.

There were also some spots with snow on the ground, and the kiddies loved playing in it.

Now for a few scenery shots: