Maslow Park's Splash Pad

Today was our first time to visit a splash pad this year. The kids had a great time even though the water was chilly. We brought enough waterguns that Alex was able to lend a few out.

Marie-Anne

Old Mormon Fort- Timeline

On Saturday we visited the Old Mormon Fort for a timeline. Actors were dressed in period clothing from the Vikings, Romans, Civil War, World War 2, and Vietnam.

Sabrina's favorite was the ladies, especially the southern belle. She got super shy when she asked them to pose with her.

Alex and Frank both got to shoot a six shooter, (with blanks, of course).

The guys also got to shoot a springfield musket, (also with blanks).

We had a good time and learned a bit about each time period from the actors.

Marie-Anne

Wetlands Park Nature Center

The Nature Center had its grand opening this past Saturday. I took the kids today and we were very impressed! This is an awesome learning place that I would gladly pay for- and it's free!

The Nature center is very hands-on. There was so much that I didn't even get a chance to look at it all. I am so glad that it is only a few minute drive from our house. We will be going back soon.

There was also a fun play area. The kids both loved it.

After exploring the Nature Center until a few minutes before closing time, we went for a walk. The weather was nice. We saw bunnies, quail, and many bugs. We also heard birds singing.

If you look closely you might see the cricket jumping from her hand. (The brown line above and to the right of her bracelet is the cricket.)

We had a great time together. We highly recommended the Nature Center to several familes at church.

Marie-Anne

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

We took advantage of National Park Week to visit Lake Mead for a family picnic. We went to the spot that used to have the coyotes- I miss them. I totally understand why they were removed (we guess that's what happened) because people would feed them from their cars in the picnic spot's parking lot, but I still miss them.

Frank grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. YUM!

When we stopped at the store for the hotdogs and buns I picked up a couple of water guns for the kids. They had sooooo much fun with them. These two really are best friends- they have become even closer lately.

I had a great time today. I had a good talk with Frank, my best friend. We had good food. We got to spend time together. It was great!

We explored "the Jungle of Nevada" which was the picnic area. Sabrina asked if it was the jungle of Africa. I told her it was the jungle of Nevada which is even more exotic. As a mini Earth Day project we picked up trash.

Here's the view of Lake Mead from the parking lot below the picnic area.

Marie-Anne

National Park Week

This week Monday April 22- Friday April 26 is National Park Week! All National Parks are FREE! Take advantage of this great deal if you can!

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

Marie-Anne

Church Fellowship at Harmony Park

Tonight our church had a picnic fellowship at Harmony Park. We had a nice time.

The kids had a great time playing at the play ground with their friends.

Frank and the guys played touch football in the almost dark.

We also had lunch at our friends' house- so we got double fellowship.

Marie-Anne

Climbing trees

Before the fellowship at church the kids got to climb the tree in the back corner of the parking lot.

Marie-Anne

Lewis Family Park

We took the kids' scooters to Lewis Family Park for some exercise. We went around the park twice. The kids wanted to play at the playground, but we didn't, because we had other things to do.

Marie-Anne

Old Mormon Fort

Yesterday, we went to the Old Mormon Fort to learn about geology from a representative of the Nevada Division of Minerals. He also talked about the dangers of abandoned mines.

After that we wandered around outside for a while. There is a brook and a small pond. We heard and saw lots of birds. It was an enjoyable afternoon.

Marie-Anne

Science at the library

Yesterday, we stopped at the library in time to catch the end of a science demonstration. Alex impressed every one by answering all the questions correctly.

After the demonstration Alex wanted his picture taken with the "cool scientist".

Marie-Anne

Game Night

Tonight was game night!

The boys played Mount & Blade, a computer game. Frank was on one computer and Alex was on the other. Alex was super excited and kept yelling commands for Frank.

The girls played several games Sabrine style. The only one we followed the rules on was the first one. Sabrina made up her own rules for the other games.

When Alex wants to play a game that is too complex for Sabrina, Frank plays with him while I play with Sabrina.

Marie-Anne

Bluebeard

The last few times that Frank went to the pet store with us he mentioned we should get a bird. On Saturday he got to choose one. Bluebeard is now residing in our living room. This picture does NOT do him justice- he's gorgeous! It will take him a while to adjust to living with us, but we are working with him.

Marie-Anne

Mount Charleston

Saturday was family day! We went hiking at Mount Charleston. It was the perfect weather for being outdoors. We all had a great time.

Our first stop was the visitor's center. The size of this tree always amazes me.

Our hike was kinda off the beaten path so we pretty much had the trail to ourselves. It was so enjoyable to spent time in nature and soak up some quiet.

 

 

The kids' favorite part was walking on the logs.

 

 

How do you like my country girl's runway?

 

 

We had a great hike is a very nice setting. It was a fun and relaxing day.

 

Marie-Anne