Missing his Dada...

.....but at least he gets to talk to him almost everyday on Skype. Thank God for technology during these long deployments. Brenden knows that Dave is in 'Ganistan' but obviously doesn't know where that is. I am pretty sure he actually thinks he is living in the laptop! Part funny and part sad. He does know that he is fighting 'bad guys' and will fly home in his jet 'soon'. Here are two pictures. One of Dave and one of Brenden's trusty koalas. Too cute!

Brenden's First Day of Pre-School - Bittersweet..

It's was Brenden's first day of pre-school at The Learning Pad Christian Pre-School at Gila Mountain United Methodist Church. Three days a week from 9-12 he gets to be with friends and learn new things. Our little guy is growing up so fast. I wished Dave could have been there - it was an emotional moment knowing he is getting so big...

Heritage Park and Brenden's First Pony Ride!

This is The Place Heritage Park has come a long way since I was a kid. It is now a full fledged living history attraction that draws in a lot of visitors. Think a pioneer version of Colonial Williamsburg, VA.

Brenden had his first chance to ride a pony! He was a bit hesitant so we went slowly. Luckily he was the only kid at that particular moment who wanted to ride so the lady was very patient. She even lent him her hat for the picture. A true cowboy.

O.k we are fully potty trained! Well that is if there is a bathroom immediately available. If not - improvise! This was a secluded area so no humans were harmed for this picture.

Hogle Zoo and Zoorassic Park

This year Hogle Zoo has a display this summer call Zoorassic Park which features13 life-like animatronic dinosaurs. They are scattered throughout Zoo grounds which makes it very nice. Brenden had the liver scared out of him by the first one because it growled and shot water out of its mouth. He thought they were all real and steered clear of them. By the end of the visit though, he came around (a little) and was curious to see what they were as evidenced by the last picture!

Albion Basin in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Since we didn't go camping up the canyon, we thought we would at least go up there to have lunch and admire the beautiful wildflowers that are at their peak. So very pretty with snow that still hadn't melted. Clean, crisp mountain air. Brenden had a blast! He wanted to hike up to the snow and play in it. He obviously didn't understand that one couldn't hike up the face of the mountain. Silly boy.

Red Butte Gardens

Always such a beautiful place!! We go here each year and every year, Brenden has more and more fun. The Children's Garden is especially entertaining for him as it has a water feature to run through. He had such a good time with cousin Dan!

Enjoying Peter Pan in the evening:

Backyard Camping and S'mores!

We were going to go camping this weekend up Big Cottonwood Canyon but decided Brenden was maybe just a little too young. Hopefully I won't be so paranoid next year and we can go then. Dan was disappointed so my Mom decided to erect the tent in her backyard and have her and Dan sleep in it. Brenden had fun rolling around in it before bedtime and we made s'mores on the BBQ. Fun!

The Improved Tracy Aviary in S.L.C.

Tracy Aviary is one of two free-standing aviaries in the United States. It is over 70 years old and a cultural asset to Salt Lake City. Located in Liberty Park, the Aviary has gone through extensive renovations and improvement - so much so it is almost unrecognizable (in a good way). We wanted to go to the bird show to see if Brenden would be captivated. He wasn't exactly captivated but it sat through it with a good amount of interest.

After the aviary, we took him over to the Seven Canyons fountain water feature. I have posted in years past what an awesome place this is for toddlers. He just loves it!

A trip to Liberty Park isn't complete without doing the kiddie rides.. today we only did the 'airplane' ride which is who knows how old! Oh well he loved it!

Annual Summer Trip to Salt Lake City

It's August so it must mean time for a visit to my parents place in Utah. With Dave gone, we scheduled to be out there for two weeks!  There was a lot to do and see so I will break these posts up.

My friends Kat and Erica both have new men in their lives as pictured below. It was great to meet them! Erica has just married George and I will be back out to Utah in September for Kat and Christian's wedding!