Russian Granny SLC 2016
This June, Russian Granny Irina came to visit her favorite American grandsons, and I can say that, because they are the only American grandsons she has. We had fun galore and we love her to the moon and back! I made her a promise that we are gearing up to return the favor in the next couple of years, when the boys are a bit older, and let's say, American-Russian relations are gonna be A-OK?
The boys just adore her, and we do too.
Walking around one of my favorite streets, South Temple.
Russian Food
She makes the best Russian meat pies, AKA "Chebureki", and a few other delicious dishes. I love these watermelon moments as well.
Bowling Lanes
We took her bowling, and of course, she won. Why would we have it any other way? Or, it could be that Tony and I really suck, because even Kohen came in 2nd place.....and, we had bumpers.
BBQ
We had our first, hopefully annual, front lawn BBQ. It was a total success, and soooooo much fun to have family with us.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
The boys had been dying to take grandma to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, which never disappoints. It's like little boy heaven! Grandma even walked the plank! Ok, so the bridge - but, it's a hanging rope, basically.....
IHC
We visited Tony at work so that Grandma could see the glorious (ness) of an American hospital. After all, the views are stunning and the ice cream was great!
Gardner Village
One cute little hidden gem of the valley is Gardner Village, where on most holidays, you can have fun galore. We shopped for a bit and treated ourselves to amazing little tart pies. My most favorite treats from GV are the caramel apples covered in white chocolate and rolled in cinnamon sugar; you know, if anyone is free for delivery.
This is the Place
We went to another one of my favorite places, This is the Place park. It's so full of history and charming little houses. We love the views, the splash pad, and the many children's activities like the the petting zoo, horse rides, art activities...... So far, they have served THE best flavor cones of all time, and I love their grilled cheese sandwiches. Oh, and the adorable candy store......
So you know, all those things I mentioned above? None of them were open because we went on a Sunday. So, don't do that. However, we got our own, private train ride around the park, the boys had the gold mining creek all to themselves for a few hours, grandma bought treats and shopped her head off at the souvenir shop.
Herriman Reservoir
Our close-by favorite spot to hang, full of sand and probably not so clean water, but who cares, right? This is a little gem that the boys love. It's so fun to spend the day in the sun, without packing for an overnight trip to the nearest lake. Sometimes, all it takes is one bag and swimsuits.
Jersey Street Concert in Daybreak
So, I wasn't aware, apparently, but my Mom is a total Zumba addict. Naturally, she couldn't hold still when the fantastic sound of Jersey Street came on, and threw some moves. She is so spiffy, and classy. On the way home, in the car, she busted out her phone and started signing along to the songs which she frequently played on the piano when I lived in Russia. It flooded me with the most wonderful memories, and I asked her to record those songs for me, so hopefully, I will have wonderful MP3's to share shortly. Her playing the piano and the sound of her voice are one of my favorite things about her. I am obsessed with it, and I can't wait to share how wonderful that part of the late night, dinner party Russian culture really is.
We attended Kohen's last day of school performance.
Seven Peaks Provo
The beguiling sounds of the wave pool, the fast and scary slides, what's not to love? This is serious business.
Ogden, Ut
We love Ogden for its stunning summer beauty and the plethora of restaurants. The Oaks has become one of our favorites because of its gorgeous patio seating right on the river, the glorious scenic drive through the canyon, and a menu that will suit the hungry.
When you have little people, you can't leave Ogden without visiting George Eccles' Dinosaur Park. It's one of the best, with its life-sized dinosaurs and interactive exhibits inside. My boys definitely dig this place. ha ha get it?
Silver Lake
I'm not much of a fisher-woman, but, Silver Lake is one of my favorite spots to enjoy some solitude and the clear, glass-like state of the water. Grandma Irina wanted to try her luck at fishing, but not before we blew a hole in our tire, quarter of a mile away from the lake. Good thing, it took us close to an hour, to figure out how to get the spare tire from underneath the truck bed, because the owner's manual was oh, so very descriptive and nicely written out, with helpful pictures...............
Once we made it around the bend, little fishies took their time coming to us. Grandma Irina was the only one who caught a fish, after all that. Doesn't she look so happy? She had to learn how to cast the pole, and it was the most hilarious thing, ever, and I mean, ever. After several attempts, she reeled one in!
Honeyville Hot Springs
We found the perfect little place to swim year round, in Honeyville, UT. Where's that? About an hour from SLC, and so worth the drive. This place features 2 large pools and hot tubs, filled with natural hot springs, a blue water pool to cool off in for when the others get too hot, and the best warm water hydro tube slide ever!!!!! Because this place is open year round, and the water is always warm, this would make the perfect little relaxing getaway for two, especially in the cold Salt Lake winters.
The boys and their grandma had too much fun on the fast slide!
We even met "Russkie tetki", which is "Russian ladies" who were also visiting Utah, and I had the most fun talking in my native language, which is less than perfect, but I think they got me!
Red Butte Gardens
Yet another of my SLC favorites! For most of the year, this place is very colorful, but magnificent year round. You can hike by the river, walk through the trees, listen to the waterfalls, stroll through the herb garden, hang out under the pear vines, smell the flowers, or just completely overwhelm your visual sense with the surrounding beauty.
Temple Square
The number one must see! The best part is we got a private tour of the Conference Center from Tony's grandparents who are currently working there. There is so much history that we never knew about. We had an amazing time and are so thankful to have these two in our lives. We learned so many great things and got to feel the beautiful spirit that is present inside. Who knew, that, when the prophets are addressing the world, the grand auditorium actually does not face the front of the building or the Temple Square, but is actually on a diagonal towards the west mountains? We also learned that when this building was being built, the President of the Church at the time, Gordon B. Hinckley, wanted each seat to have an unobstructed view of the pulpit, and they were able to accomplish that, by having the entire second floor resting on 34 cantilevers, which allow the balcony to sink down when at full capacity, and raise back up when the seats are empty.
After our tour, we went for lunch at one of our favorite places downtown, The Garden Restaurant which is located on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial building. I love JSM for its stunning grand hall and the crystal chandelier hanging in the center. It's one of a kind. And, we got to take a secret tunnel to get from the Conference Center to the JSM, because apparently, all of the church buildings in the area of the Temple Square are connected by underground tunnels. For cool, ha? But.....I didn't tell you that.
We even spotted Mitt; he was busy.
It was nice to leave the boys at home and have the day to ourselves. They aren't quite appreciative of the arts, as of yet. We strolled around the Temple grounds and then headed to the State Capitol.
State Capitol
I think this about does it for Grandma Irina's trip to Salt Lake. The boys are so in love, and they miss her dearly, as do we. I still cannot believe the amazing life, and the opportunities that I've been able to have because of her bravery and determination through my adoption process, and the love of my Heavenly Father. I will always cherish her as my beautiful mom, my aunt, and one stellar, strong, beautiful woman. We can't wait to see you soon!
The boys just adore her, and we do too.
Walking around one of my favorite streets, South Temple.
Russian Food
She makes the best Russian meat pies, AKA "Chebureki", and a few other delicious dishes. I love these watermelon moments as well.
Bowling Lanes
We took her bowling, and of course, she won. Why would we have it any other way? Or, it could be that Tony and I really suck, because even Kohen came in 2nd place.....and, we had bumpers.
BBQ
We had our first, hopefully annual, front lawn BBQ. It was a total success, and soooooo much fun to have family with us.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
The boys had been dying to take grandma to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, which never disappoints. It's like little boy heaven! Grandma even walked the plank! Ok, so the bridge - but, it's a hanging rope, basically.....
IHC
We visited Tony at work so that Grandma could see the glorious (ness) of an American hospital. After all, the views are stunning and the ice cream was great!
Gardner Village
One cute little hidden gem of the valley is Gardner Village, where on most holidays, you can have fun galore. We shopped for a bit and treated ourselves to amazing little tart pies. My most favorite treats from GV are the caramel apples covered in white chocolate and rolled in cinnamon sugar; you know, if anyone is free for delivery.
This is the Place
We went to another one of my favorite places, This is the Place park. It's so full of history and charming little houses. We love the views, the splash pad, and the many children's activities like the the petting zoo, horse rides, art activities...... So far, they have served THE best flavor cones of all time, and I love their grilled cheese sandwiches. Oh, and the adorable candy store......
So you know, all those things I mentioned above? None of them were open because we went on a Sunday. So, don't do that. However, we got our own, private train ride around the park, the boys had the gold mining creek all to themselves for a few hours, grandma bought treats and shopped her head off at the souvenir shop.
Herriman Reservoir
Our close-by favorite spot to hang, full of sand and probably not so clean water, but who cares, right? This is a little gem that the boys love. It's so fun to spend the day in the sun, without packing for an overnight trip to the nearest lake. Sometimes, all it takes is one bag and swimsuits.
Jersey Street Concert in Daybreak
So, I wasn't aware, apparently, but my Mom is a total Zumba addict. Naturally, she couldn't hold still when the fantastic sound of Jersey Street came on, and threw some moves. She is so spiffy, and classy. On the way home, in the car, she busted out her phone and started signing along to the songs which she frequently played on the piano when I lived in Russia. It flooded me with the most wonderful memories, and I asked her to record those songs for me, so hopefully, I will have wonderful MP3's to share shortly. Her playing the piano and the sound of her voice are one of my favorite things about her. I am obsessed with it, and I can't wait to share how wonderful that part of the late night, dinner party Russian culture really is.
We attended Kohen's last day of school performance.
Seven Peaks Provo
The beguiling sounds of the wave pool, the fast and scary slides, what's not to love? This is serious business.
Ogden, Ut
We love Ogden for its stunning summer beauty and the plethora of restaurants. The Oaks has become one of our favorites because of its gorgeous patio seating right on the river, the glorious scenic drive through the canyon, and a menu that will suit the hungry.
When you have little people, you can't leave Ogden without visiting George Eccles' Dinosaur Park. It's one of the best, with its life-sized dinosaurs and interactive exhibits inside. My boys definitely dig this place. ha ha get it?
Silver Lake
I'm not much of a fisher-woman, but, Silver Lake is one of my favorite spots to enjoy some solitude and the clear, glass-like state of the water. Grandma Irina wanted to try her luck at fishing, but not before we blew a hole in our tire, quarter of a mile away from the lake. Good thing, it took us close to an hour, to figure out how to get the spare tire from underneath the truck bed, because the owner's manual was oh, so very descriptive and nicely written out, with helpful pictures...............
Once we made it around the bend, little fishies took their time coming to us. Grandma Irina was the only one who caught a fish, after all that. Doesn't she look so happy? She had to learn how to cast the pole, and it was the most hilarious thing, ever, and I mean, ever. After several attempts, she reeled one in!
Honeyville Hot Springs
We found the perfect little place to swim year round, in Honeyville, UT. Where's that? About an hour from SLC, and so worth the drive. This place features 2 large pools and hot tubs, filled with natural hot springs, a blue water pool to cool off in for when the others get too hot, and the best warm water hydro tube slide ever!!!!! Because this place is open year round, and the water is always warm, this would make the perfect little relaxing getaway for two, especially in the cold Salt Lake winters.
The boys and their grandma had too much fun on the fast slide!
We even met "Russkie tetki", which is "Russian ladies" who were also visiting Utah, and I had the most fun talking in my native language, which is less than perfect, but I think they got me!
Red Butte Gardens
Yet another of my SLC favorites! For most of the year, this place is very colorful, but magnificent year round. You can hike by the river, walk through the trees, listen to the waterfalls, stroll through the herb garden, hang out under the pear vines, smell the flowers, or just completely overwhelm your visual sense with the surrounding beauty.
Temple Square
The number one must see! The best part is we got a private tour of the Conference Center from Tony's grandparents who are currently working there. There is so much history that we never knew about. We had an amazing time and are so thankful to have these two in our lives. We learned so many great things and got to feel the beautiful spirit that is present inside. Who knew, that, when the prophets are addressing the world, the grand auditorium actually does not face the front of the building or the Temple Square, but is actually on a diagonal towards the west mountains? We also learned that when this building was being built, the President of the Church at the time, Gordon B. Hinckley, wanted each seat to have an unobstructed view of the pulpit, and they were able to accomplish that, by having the entire second floor resting on 34 cantilevers, which allow the balcony to sink down when at full capacity, and raise back up when the seats are empty.
After our tour, we went for lunch at one of our favorite places downtown, The Garden Restaurant which is located on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial building. I love JSM for its stunning grand hall and the crystal chandelier hanging in the center. It's one of a kind. And, we got to take a secret tunnel to get from the Conference Center to the JSM, because apparently, all of the church buildings in the area of the Temple Square are connected by underground tunnels. For cool, ha? But.....I didn't tell you that.
We even spotted Mitt; he was busy.
It was nice to leave the boys at home and have the day to ourselves. They aren't quite appreciative of the arts, as of yet. We strolled around the Temple grounds and then headed to the State Capitol.
State Capitol
I think this about does it for Grandma Irina's trip to Salt Lake. The boys are so in love, and they miss her dearly, as do we. I still cannot believe the amazing life, and the opportunities that I've been able to have because of her bravery and determination through my adoption process, and the love of my Heavenly Father. I will always cherish her as my beautiful mom, my aunt, and one stellar, strong, beautiful woman. We can't wait to see you soon!
