Lagoon!

We met at Natalie and Jon's in the morning to eat lunch and have a family home evening lesson. Papa taught us about spiritual gifts and encouraged us to help our children know what spiritual gifts they have as well as nudge them gently in the direction of the spiritual gifts we perceive they could develop. It was a simple but profound lesson and it's been on my mind ever since. I felt very inspired during his lesson, that this is one of the primary objectives of a mother's nurturing. And I felt called to pursue this mission actively while my children are little and all throughout their growing up years. I have far to go as I begin this process, but the journey excites me. It's always been my deepest, most poignant desire to help my children discover who they are, love who they are and those around them, grow their talents and gifts, point them to the temple, and return home to Heavenly Father. And this charge to recognize and encourage the development of spiritual gifts fits right in with what I feel my motherhood purpose is. Thank you Dad.

*****

Easton and Natalie and Nana rode most of the rides together--Easton's favorite was the Tidal Wave, the Swings,  and Bombora. (I think they went on the Swings 5 or 6 times in a row). Tate joined me and Patrick for most of the day--riding all the new rides he's grown into now that he's barely 46". He loved the Wild Mouse, the Turn of the Century, and most of all the Bumper Cars and Wicked. When we watched his face during Wicked the first time, both Patrick and I were scared. He looked like he was going to be sick or pass out. But as soon as the ride stopped, he got the biggest grin on his face and said, "Let's do it again!!!" And we did--4 more times that day. Easton decided very diplomatically that he didn't want to do Wicked this year (even though he'd been talking about how it was his favorite ride all year.) But that's okay. Maybe next year all 4 of us can go on it together. Maylie loved the Bumper Cars too and the Merry-go-Round and the boats. She didn't love the LadyBug Drop--she was so scared. So we didn't go on that one again. It was so much fun to go on rides with my children. It always is. I don't know why, but it always strikes a sense of wonder in me to see the childlike wonder of my children. They are mesmerized by everything and their enthusiasm bubbles over into my heart as well. It's so fun to take them on all the rides I loved growing up. It's always so magical.

As it turned out, rain was forecasted for our Lagoon trip too this year. But our sweet boys prayed in faith again and fully knew the Lord would bless the skies. And he did. Again. The weather was perfect for almost the entire day. And then around 8:00 pm the downpour began. We were drenched and huddling under shelter while Easton ran around with Jason (who had a jacket) and went on as many rides as he could. Easton wanted to stay and ride more until Lagoon closed, but the rest of us decided it was a good time to end our evening and barely made it to the car in-between downpours.

What a special day we had! I only wish that it wouldn't have been raining there at the end so we could have bought bounce back passes! Maybe next year.... :)

A Few More from Lagoon.

This place brings back so many childhood memories.  Of running around and around with my little sister accomplice, Nicole, and riding every ride big and small until the park closed up.  The Jet Star was our all-time favorite; I can't count the hundreds of times we must have ridden it over the years.  When the Samurai and Rockets came, we loved those too.  And, or course, Rattlesnake Rapids was always the family favorite.

And now it's been our little family's tradition.  We missed Nicole and Jason, but the rest of us were all there.  It was nice to see Natalie and Jon since they've been away to DC for the summer.

Dino-Drop...Nana and Natalie love this as much as the boys.

Miss May was quite the trooper this year.  She was too little for most rides, and really detested the blue hand stamp she had to wear, but she was a sweetie.

Patrick and Easton on the Classic Jet Star

These 5 decided to brave Rattlesnake Rapids twice this year and Natalie and Tate were the only ones to get absolutely drenched!  Patrick and Jon stayed relatively dry and Easton was sad that he was the driest.

Nana and Maylie at the Teacups

Just before the curious Tater started inching his way toward the lighted fountains.  Needless to say, both he and Easton were soaked within minutes.

Worn out on the way home.