St. PatRIcK's DaY at Epcot

     

We had a half day to see Epcot and wondered if it would be worth it. We knew the "Flower and Garden Festival" was going on, so that helped us decide. It was amazing. The flowers and Disney-themed topiaries were creative and colorful. We ran from country to country, but paused for awhile to take time for Scott to sketch and me to eat lunch. It was St. Patrick's Day, and lots of people were wearing green. The topiary characters were wearing green - in fact, they were green. 

gLiding over FloRida

The timing was perfect for our quick trip to Orlando last week! We got texts and pictures from home of rain and snow. Meantime, we experienced temperature shock as we stepped off the plane to 89 degrees! Doesn't take long to get used to that wonderfulness.

As is his tradition, once we were checked into our hotel, Scott went straight to the hotel's "tourist pamphlet" display and picked up an advertisement for airboat rides in the Everglades. Wait a sec. I thought the Everglades are way way south. (?) Come to find out, this place called Boggy Creek is at the northernmost point of the Everglades system and so, before I could say, "Real alligators," we were on our way to the Florida countryside. It was a short forty minute drive to go from mouse country to LakeTohopekaligo. (Short drive but worlds apart.)

Airboats are fast, loud, and fun. They skim the surface of the water powered by...not an airplane engine as I expected, but a Ford truck engine. The driver was friendly and knowledgeable and had a great twangy accent. 

I gave up trying to spot alligators within the first three minutes. Best thing to do is just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. 

The scenery is incredible. The sky, the water, the beautiful plants. As the lake reaches the horizon, the fluffy clouds come into view and take your breath away. 

            There were birds and ducks everywhere. We saw at least a dozen different types of birds. 

And HERE is our one and only alligator. The guide stopped the boat in the tall grass and gently floated with the current. Then he pointed and said, "There." Everyone saw it before me. It's right in the middle of the photo - a dark green spot that kind of looks like a tire. That's all we saw. No head, no eyes, no teeth. 

Although the alligator viewing was less than spectacular, the afternoon was amazing. As we drove, we saw cattle grazing in green fields - everywhere - and realized we were traveling through the boundaries of the LDS Florida ranch. We remembered a past trip when we toured the headquarters of the ranch. We tuned into the local country radio station and rolled down the windows to enjoy the warm, humid air. It was just one of those perfect days. 

 

music and biKes in Park City

Val, Merilee, Scott and I spent a wonderful evening at the Deer Valley Diana Krall concert.

It was the Utah Symphony outdoors series. We were so excited to hear singing Diana Krall. Somewhere in this crowd is also Doug and Kimberly. Doug has been a fan for years. 

Our seats had to be low, but we were glad we weren't in the blanket area. We had a picnic dinner too!

That's Diana Krall at the piano. She played and sang from the piano bench the whole concert.

And then it got dark - but it was warm and the music filled the night and it was magical!

The next morning we went for a bike ride.

Park City has lots of paths that are perfect for old people on cruiser bikes. 

Just to prove she isn't old, Merilee did tricks.

Not to be outdone, Val did a few of his own.

The scenery changed from Park City neighborhoods to a stream flowing through golden fields with the mountains in the distance. 

SiNging in the RaIn

What's more fun than an umbrella and a downpour? You'd have thought the circus was in the front yard of grammy's house to see these Las Vegas girls enjoying a beautiful summer rain!

The little one couldn't get enough of splashing in the puddles...she was soaked by the time the rainbow appeared. And Suzie danced her heart out, just like Fred Astaire in the movie...singing and dancing in the rain. 

Like mother, like daughter! And thanks to grandpa grabbing the camera, we have these priceless pictures. 

You can't see in the photo, but it was actually a TRIPLE rainbow - seriously, we could see three rainbows. This one was distinct and easy to see, the second was just above it and really quite visible, and the third rainbow was faint...we had to squint to see it, but it was there. And all were magical.

JuLy FouRth

  Independence Day, 2015!

The Fourth of July always starts with the delightful breakfast at Scott's cousin Craig and Dorothy's house. It's one of our family's favorite traditions. 

Craig cooks the pancakes, eggs and bacon. With a smile...all morning. 

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We love it when Scott's Aunt Carma arrives - with her sister and Scott's cousin Marilyn and Al.

 

Sierra and Bailee - our girls with twin birthdays on Jan. 19. 

We always have to take pictures of the kids in the playhouse. It's a favorite. 

This year, Craig and his family set up their wiffle-ball golf game.

Being with family and friends is the best.