So we packed up the car...met up with Tricia and her kids and we all headed down to Manti! Along the way we passed the "Lavendar Fields" at Young Living Farms and I have been wanting to stop for ages! We went to their little visitor center and noticed they had all of these outdoor gardens and play areas. We walked around a medieval village with a lavender labyrinth and the kids couldn't resist the "stocks' for a few torture pictures! Funny thing was, the sprinklers were on so there was a lot of screaming and squealing.
Next we walked passed their fish pond that had paddle boats, the rock wall and on to their western town. It was crazy, all these little play stores and houses, with tons of bleachers like there are big performances here. So after we went back into the visiter center to get my lavender oil I asked them when their facilities were open or used...... and their answer was "Lavender Day." So they have this amazing park, open to the public, with tons of crazy things, but they really only use it once a year. The kids want to go back for a picnic.... next year on our way to Manti!
We enjoyed a night out with Grandma and Grandpa at a local burger and donut joint and then went back to their place to get settled in....cousin sleepovers are always a riot...the first night Tricia woke up at around 3 and Truman and Olivia were watching TV because they thought it was morning.
Grayson, Chloe and I got up and met Grandpa at the temple to do baptisms. It was Chloe's first time. It was neat for them to see Grandpa in his white suit, giving them love and instruction. And the temple workers are just darling!
Later we went for a little walk up main street and found an awesome playground that the kids loved....everything spun! They would spin Luke around fast and then tell him to run and it was sadly hilarious! We had lunch at Joe Mae's Bakery....amazing chocolate dipped macaroons. She was a fun lady to talk to, she raised her kids in CA and decided to move to Manti and start a bakery. She isn't a member, but she loved the quaint feel of Manti because of the temple. Could you imagine taking that kind of leap to do something you love?
Josie's favorite part of the day was the monkey bars that were just her size...she made it all the way across!
I just happened to catch this shot, too bad they are cousins and that she's bigger than him...they are darling!
After an afternoon of swimming at the outdoor pool and slide, a great BBQ dinner prepared by Grandma and Grandpa, we walked around the temple grounds with Grandma! Here she is telling the kids that these doors are the special entrance for the prophet if he ever comes to the Manti temple to the Priesthood Room. The kids felt very important knowing this secret information!
The Skousens packed up and drove home, but we wanted to hang out a little longer, and it just happened to be Pioneer Day! Fairview had a big parade and antique car show that had Rock's name all over it! Hans even came down to spend the day with us before he flew out the next morning on another work trip! 
Rock was loving this vehicle...cool, whatever it is.
The kids all had their turn on the Rock wall....even Josie in her flips!
Josie took this picture...not too bad. Poor Grandma was fighting allergies and her eyes were all red.
What a lucky girl to have such awesome Grandparents and to know them!
Skousens taught Josie a little cheer...pretty cute!
We had an awesome time in Manti! I LOVE spending time with my parents, especially just sitting around chatting. Manti is a great town. I could raise my family there, but don't know if I could endure Hans' 2 1/2 hour commute to the airport. We can't wait to go back for our next visit!
No comments:
Post a Comment