Surprise Date and a Play Date!

 So Stephen told me he was taking me on a surprise date and didn't let me know what it was until we went to leave.  My dad was so gracious to come and babysit for us while we went out to...an Art and Soup Show!  It was FABULOUS.  We headed up to the Salt Palace and walked like a mile to the right room (seriously - they offered a shuttle when we asked for directions) - it's a HUGE building.  When we got there, there were art booths everywhere and 25 restaurant booths all set up for you to sample their soups and goodies.  OH it was heavenly.  I recommend it to any and everyone.  They do it every year as well.  I am SO coming back next year.  Our favorite soup was a tomato basil bisque with slow cooked pork as a garnish from the 5th Street Grill.  SO savory.  We walked around like we had a ton of money (since it was a charity event with an auction and everything).  I was determined to bid on something...until the starting price was always at least $100.  Too bad we're poor students.  Oh well. :)  

After we sampled everything...and went back for some seconds, we were stuffed and decided to walk off some of it.  So we moseyed up to Temple Square and admired the temple and enjoyed chatting in the amazing weather.  Seriously - the weather has been scrumptious!  I've actually gotten quite a sunburn from being outside a lot these last few days.  Anyway - it was an extremely fun date, and I have the best husband in the world.  :)

A high school friend of mine, Britney, came to town this week and was clever enough to get those of us who are still somewhat around here together with our kids.  It was so fun to catch up with them and see all their cute kids.  Kirsta, Hollie, Britney, and I all go way back to 9th grade....oh the days.  We were all in the same musical - Carousel...as in - we WERE the carousel.  Hollie had more of a decent role, but we were all as happy as clams at a clambake. :)  Haha.  We've stayed friends all through high school and farther even though we've gone different ways.  It's amazing to find GOOD friends that are great influences on you all around.  

We had a lot of fun filling each other in with what our husbands are up to, what we're up to, and making plans for future get togethers.  Ross left telling everyone that we met new friends today (which was true since he hasn't met any of their kids yet - which each of my friends had a boy Ross's age - score!  Ross really wanted to see the ducks most of the time or eat snacks (figures) and Ruby made a friend out of Kate who was happy to help Ruby everywhere.  It was adorable.  It's crazy how fast time flies - especially when you measure it in kids....they grow like crazy and totally show the change in time as you meet up after so many months or years.  Anyway - it was a blast!
 

She loves a good swing :)

Ready to pile some wood chips :)

Eating some wood chips...blah

Our little friend, Kate wanted us to watch her tricks.

Slide riding...a rare moment for Ross :)

He survived ;)

Swinging - left to right - Levi, Britney, and Kirsta's kids, Kate, Kirsta and Jude, and Grey.

Levi with a shirt Ross LOVES.

Kate with some sweet hair!

Ruby digging :)

Thomas, Hollie, and Lucie :)

Collin (Kirsta's) and Jefferson (Hollie's)

My sweeties :)

Our little circus - the kids were DONE and ready to bail. :)  Ross, Me, Ruby, Collin, Grey, Kate, Kirsta, Jude, Kylie, Levi, Britney, Hollie, Lucie, Jefferson, and Thomas!  Whew!