Utah - Day 5

Our final day in Utah proved to be the busiest yet! We started off the day with a trip to the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City. My niece, Ella, had dance class in the morning so we opted to take a "Riggio Family" only trip. I must admit that the drive to the zoo was an adventurous one. After missing our exit, we took the long way around only to find a traffic collision which put us on residential side roads to make it there. We arrived to a parking lot full of people and weather that was less than desirable for a day outside, but, oh well! Our local zoo membership provided us with half off entry which is always a treat.

Our first stop was the train. Although it was a fun one for the boys, I have no clue how we were actually supposed to take in the sights of the animals given that we were travelling at 30 MPH past their cages. Whatever....the boys enjoyed themselves and, well, Jim and I just enjoyed the peace and quiet if only for a few minutes.

We quickly made the rounds and made a special stop for the Elephant encounter and the bird show. The birds mesmerized all of us, especially the Sea Eagle - what a huge bird he was! Jim event got to participate in the show as he held his arm out for the Raven to land on. Of course that did cost him a $5 donation, but it was certainly worth it. We also saw the newest member of the Hogle zoo, a baby Snow Leopard. The boys enjoyed the quick trip and we only wish we had had more time to spend there but we had a packed day to get on to.

Joshua, Matthew, and Jim enjoying the train ride

The Sea Eagle - look how big he is!

And who could miss the black bear rummaging through trash for a fish?

We made it back to my sister's house just in time for her and I to get some sister time in. We had an appointment at a local salon for a pedicure and "Glitter Toes." Both of us enjoyed the quiet time together and the conversation. I only wish we had had more time together but with 5 kids between us that is difficult to do.

And then it was on to the Museum of Ancient History aka the Dinosaur Museum. Matthew stayed home with Jim while my sister and I took the older kids to run around this fun place. Joshua, Ella, and Dominic were kind enough to pose for multiple pictures while Owen spent most of the trip in a time out. Poor little guy - he just couldn't seem to contain his excitement. Owen is proof that a nap is an absolute must!

Ella and Joshua enjoying the sand and water table exhibit

Combined, they weighed as much as a small dinosaur

SHARK!! - I love this picture because I have pictures of Joshua and Dominic with this same creature from when they were babies. Someday it will be fun to look back!

Ella uncovers dinosaur artifacts

as does Dominic

....and Joshua

And the finale of the evening were the fireworks we purchased earlier in the day. I'm not sure which Festival American Fork was celebrating, but I really didn't care when we drove by a fully stocked firework stand. Since they are illegal in Paso Robles, we just at any chance to blow up fieworks! The boys were so excited and Matthew clapped through the entire show.

We are already looking forward to our next visit to Utah and to the upcoming visit from my sister and her family for Thanksgiving. How lucky we are that our kids are more than just cousins, they are best friends. Thanks again for a fun week, Pattie. We love and miss you!