Memorial Day Weekend

Rand and I have had so much going on with school and work and other things that we decided just to relax and have fun Memorial Day weekend. Going out of town wasn't really an option for us for a number reasons, and so we just did some fun things around town.

Friday night, that weekend, we went out to dinner and then hit the Nickelcade up in Orem. That was actually a lot of fun. We played some skee ball, football, basketball, racing games, DDR, another game like DDR...but it's all with your hands. It was a blast. Rand beat me in most everything. I had a few good moments: winning one round of a car racing game the one time we did a four way race with two other guys (always nice to have the one girl win!), I also beat Rand as the DDR and hand-DDR games (but it was also his first time ever playing). Lastly, I did beat him in the basketball shooting game. That was pretty funny because there were a group of high school boys watching us. They had been stuck at that game for awhile and took break to let us play 2 rounds. I think they got a good laugh out of me beating Rand both times! Though to end that game Rand said, "Now let's go play real basketball!" I concur...he is the better athlete! That is why I will take this win and run with it!!!






Saturday and Sunday we got some things done around the apartment and spent some time with Rand's family. His Aunt Barb and cousin Brecka (sp?) were in town. Brecka's little girl is adorable. We had dinner up at Rand's parents house on Saturday and played some bocce ball in the backyard (tradition). Again, Rand usually dominates in the yard games...but Memorial Day Weekend was not to be his: I WON!

Sunday after church we all got together again, this time at our apartment. We had dinner (brought by Rand's parents) and then went to the cemetary to visit the gravesites of Dave's family (Rand's dad). It was a beautiful day out there with lots of visitors.

Monday we got up and did some triathlon training. Then we headed up to Sandy to the Living Planet Aquarium. When we first got there the line to get in was out the door. We started to wonder if it was worth going, but decided to be patient and wait it out. It was a pretty cool exibit. For most of it, I'm glad that all the creatures are behind glass!

But I did love the 'touch pool' with the rays in them. They felt so cool and wierd at the same time. It was funny to see all these kids just reaching in to touch them...and then there's this grown adult who is a little hesitant because you just don't know what they'll do (as if they'll put dangerous rays in there!)



But then it was Rands turn and I realized I wasn't the only hesitant one. Rand reached in to touch the ray, and as he did another one swam by and it touched his hand. It startled him and he flung his hand out with a small scream, splashing water all over the lady next to him and giving most the people around a good laugh. Literally, there were dad's and mom's around and across from us getting a good chuckle. He apologized profusely to the lady he got wet, and then turned back to see a small boy reach in, pet the ray and run his hand all the way down it's tail and grabbing the end and touching it. I told him he probably shouldn't do that (I watch the news), to which he so knowingly informed me that they are harmless and have had the stingers removed. haha...gotta love being shown up by someone almost a third your age!


If you haven't been to the aquarium...it's a great date idea. Especially with the 'touch pools', it makes for a fun experience.

After the aquarium we headed up to Park City to stay for the night. We went and had dinner up at the Park City Mountain Resort at Baja Cantina. Then we headed over to main street to walk around and get some dessert at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. It had been a long time since either of us had eaten a carmel covered apple: it was worth the wait. So yummy!

After main street we headed back to the hotel and hit the swimming pool. It was located inside this little atrium area and was pretty nice. I thought it would be freezing because the weather had taken a dip that weekend and was rainy and cold. But the water was super warm (almost too warm). We met this really neat family there and talked most the time with them. They were from Kentucky and the father was in Utah to run a huge convention about alpacas (I didn't even know there was enough interest to hold a small gathering). It was interesting to hear about. His wife and daughter were along for the trip and some family vacation time. He apparantly comes out every so often to Utah, so we were telling them about the sites. We also found out that they do lots of humanitarian trips to South America and other places. This girl is in high school and has already been to the amazon a few times! This was our second trip recently where we met some really neat people who are out doing some really cool and great things and giving of their time. It's a great thing to see and be reminded of, and to realize that we really can do more!

It was a great weekend and going back to work was depressing (and we both love our jobs!) It will be a while before we get another chill, relaxing, don't worry about anything else, weekend again!