Spring Break

This week off went by quickly!  I admit, we were pretty lazy Monday and Tuesday.  We had plans to get out of the house, but Emily was up at nights coughing and sniffling, so we just stayed home.  We did dye the Easter eggs and she worked on some artsy crafty things.

Tuesday night after Aaron got off work, we loaded up the car and headed to Salt Lake just to get out of town for a couple days.  The main event of the trip was the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium where we met up with good friends.  

The favorites of the day were the otters and penguins.  

Emily peering at the otters more closely!

But another favorite, something she always looks forward to, is the touch tank.  She especially loves touching rays.  

But there were a lot of neat things to see, and since it wasn't especially warm outdoors, it was a nice way to spend the day inside.

The afternoon was spent swimming at the hotel pool before going out to PF Changs for dinner.  The Hughstons all agree that Salt Lake City is a better town when you don't have to be at the hospital the entire time.  We've stayed at this hotel numerous times, but yet this was the first time ever using its pool!

Friday we had another great day.  We watched the U.S. Alpine Championships on Baldy.  Then we went over to the Sun Valley Lodge for the Easter egg hunt before going to Dollar Mountain to watch the Big Air Exhibition with a 70' jump for skiers and snowboarders.  Emily's thoughts on the matter - she'd much rather be a ski racer than a jumper.  

Commence Spring

Friday was the start of spring break, and as soon as the early dismissal bell rang, Emily and I were off to ski half day.  It was a beautiful day and barely anyone was there, so we had a great afternoon.  

And I received this email from Swiftsure, who is also taking a spring break. 

On the right, you can see the picture of Emily on Stuart.  It makes me smile to see them use her photo is their media!

Saturday was an early morning in order to get to Zoo Boise in time for their Easter Eggstravaganza.  

Emily's favorites this time were the playful sloth bears and the baby wallaby.  

And no trip would be complete with getting her face painted!

Sunday morning meant we had to check in on Oreo the rabbit while our friends are out of town.

Then we went on a bike ride to the river, where Gerda enjoyed her first dip of the year. 

Then Emily and I decided it was a great afternoon to go swimming as well, but at the pool of course.  The river was a little too cold for us!

Science Fair Success

Science Fair was March 16th.  Emily did a great job of putting her board together by herself and presenting it to the judge, Principal Thad Biggers.  She was a little nervous having to talk with him about her experiments, but she must have done well because she walked away with the first grade's top honors!

 Recently a very large potato rolled into town, it was a great photo opportunity!

 And school continues to go well.  Celebrating the 100th Day and Read Across America were two big events at school lately.

Ski school has ended.  The last two sessions were on the big mountain, Baldy.  She loved, loved, loved it.  And yes, those are pine branches stuck in the girls' helmets.

Emily is in the purple coat headed for the gondola

But, we had to go back to Dollar Mountain for the Kindercup Race.

And while we aren't quite yet ready, but almost, for the science fair.  Dad thought it was a great time to introduce Emily to the chemical reaction of mentos and coke.  

And we spent the weekend in Boise.  The highlight of the trip was watching Greer perform in Seussical.  Emily loved this musical performance of Dr. Seuss books!  Greer did a great job, and Emily loved being able to recognize her in her many roles!