First off... we had a great at-home date last weekend. We've been rather strapped financially this month from Christmas and traveling expenses, so we've been spending very little money on entertainment to help make up for it - so dating has been scarce the past few weeks. We decided we needed to do something fun as a couple so we had a romantic dinner in our living room. :) Ben's always so good with setting the atmosphere - with candles, cloth napkins, and our china. He even wrapped up our pink lemonade bottle in fabric so we felt extra fancy (and pretend like we were drinking an expensive wine at a classy restaurant). Well, we had a lovely dinner after the kids went to bed and I am amazed at how well you can replicate dining out when on a budget.As another inexpensive family outing we spent a Saturday morning at the Railroad Park in Scottsdale. We hadn't been in a long time and the kids loved riding the train and carousel, playing on the big playground, picnicking, and getting a little ice cream. Yum! And what a mess!
Ben had to take a test near Philadelphia this past Monday. I really can't believe they make all the DO students 
fly all the way across the country just to take a test - the good part of it is it's really the last test he needed to take before getting his degree in June. What a relief that will be! (The bigger relief will be matching with a residency we want in March). Anyway, after taking his test he drove over to Valley Forge (it was only a few miles from his hotel) and took some pictures. He said that it was really awesome and was cursing my camera for running out of battery after only a few pictures. Oops! Probably should have charged it before giving it to him to take. 
So, after buying a van (see previous post) last night, we woke up this morning with no where planned to go, but anxious to get out and drive our new vehicle! :) So, we arranged to meet up with Ben's sister's family across town to go to the Museum of Natural History in Mesa. What a fun place! It had been at least a couple of years since I had been there last and I forgot how amusing it is. The kids can pan for gold, go through old jail cells, and view lots of dinosaur fossils! It was a lot of fun. After the museum, we went to the Mesa Temple grounds for a picnic lunch and then had a little treat afterwords at Bahama Bucks. A very pleasant Saturday outing.
So, I still need to post about Chinese New Year, but I'm waiting on pictures to get sent to me from the family. I know you just can't wait! ;)
I don't know why I even checked your Blog this early in the morning (habit?), but I'm glad I did.
ReplyDeleteYou give your kids so many fun learning experiences. They'll be way ahead of the curve when school starts for them.
I like your romantic evening on a budget. Maybe we should do that. We've been financially strapped for 27 years.
Those Valley Forge pictures look like some I took when we lived out there during our first years of marriage.
It's always interesting to see pictures of you outside in snow free parks. I have to admit that it's a lot easier to raise kids in a place where you can go outside all year long.
Even though I was a California girl, I expect that Utah is home for the rest of my days on earth. Even though I love the mountain trails here, I will probably start to appreciate visiting a daughter who lives in a warm place during the winter.
Here is a history question. How many soldiers died in Battle at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania? Read on for the answer..
ReplyDeleteYou mom is correct regarding Valley Forge, I recall touring the cabins and listening to the revolutionary garbed guides describing the history of the late 1770's with George Washington and his continental army. There was never a battle fought here but approx 2000 soldiers of the 12000 total died as a result of the harsh conditions and lack of food they experienced over the winter months.
So the answer is zero, there is so much American History in the Philadelphia area, which includes Independence Hall the Liberty Bell and about 2 hours drive to the West, Gettysburg.
We enjoyed the Valley Forge park grounds for weekend picnics in the summer months, I recall picking "and eating" blackberries, quite a contrast to what the Continental army endured some 230 years ago!
Susan, you were born just 8 miles away in Norristown when we lived in nearby Hatfield. I hope you get a chance to take your family there in the future, it's really a wonderful area, just learn from the experiences of General Washington and go in the summer months!
Love the candles!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like so much fun. You are such a great mom. And your date at home sounded fun too. I need to do stuff like that with Travis more often. Anyway, and I love the van. We will be getting one when we have another baby or if our current vehicle decides to quit. It will be nice to have a bigger car.
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