AN AFTERNOON AT RED BUTTE GARDENS

^^^the desert plants are always my favorite^^^

^^^walking the gardens^^^

^^^dipping our feet in the babbling brook^^^

^^^picking a few herbs in, what jared refers to as, the "snack garden"^^^

Back when we were students at the University of Utah, and we lived downtown, we used to wander through the gardens almost weekly. It's been a while, but we wanted to go see some of the spring blossoms before the summer heat hits. It was a lovely day in Salt Lake City, and we were so glad we got to stop and smell the roses.

ZACH'S FIRST BIRTHDAY: WHEELER FARM

^^^the birthday boy^^^

^^^love these happy fellas^^^

^^^the birthday party^^^

^^^these guys wanted a piece of us^^^

^^^getting the babies together^^^

^^^jared had to jump in the ring and save this sweet mother goat. her poor head was stuck between the bars of the food trough- so she could eat but she couldn't get a drink or care of her little ones. jared got some major points by helping this little lady out.^^^

^^^zach eating one of his birthday cupcakes^^^

^^^i think he liked it^^^

since zach's birthday fell in the middle of the week, and lisa and nate have so much going on with baby #2 planning and so forth, lisa thought a relaxed picnic and visit to wheeler farm would be just the right thing. we had a little picnic dinner and then wandered around the farm to visit all the animals. what a great way to unwind with family in the middle of the work week.

SLC FAVORITE EATS: OMAR'S RAWTOPIA

^^^since, as most of you know, jared and i have been vegetarian for a few years, we're always looking for healthy restaurants that specialize in veggie options. over the last few years, friends, family, and coworkers have been recommending a little vegan restaurant called omar's. we're usually pretty cheap with our dinning choices, so looking over the prices on the menu (a little above our usual range) had kept us from ever actually eating there. finally, after yet another rave review from a coworker, we decided to try it. and...it was so darn good. carnivore or omnivore- you'd love it.^^^

^^^each entree is beautifully prepared and presented with a yummy balance of fresh herbs and spices. everything is raw and organic, so you leave feeling refreshed.^^^

^^^so good...and so flavorful. you gotta try it.^^^

FAVORITE PLACES: THE GREAT SALT LAKE

^^^me and the Great Salt Lake at dusk^^^

^^^what a hunk^^^

^^^such a beautiful and unusual landscape^^^

We wandered out to the Great Salt Lake to watch the sunset this week. The lake has always seemed like a mystical land- just a few minutes from downtown SLC, but such a completely different environment you feel like you've traveled to outer space. It was a glorious day and a good reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful state.

p.s. bring loads of bug spray

A LITTLE SPRING BBQ

^^^we had a little bbq over at my sister lisa's house this weekend^^^

^^^here's my super adorable nephew zachary, hanging out on the porch swing with his dad, nate^^^

^^^and of course, my ever radiant sister with her beautiful baby boy

 (who earlier that day had bonked his head on the wall while playing)^^^

^^^lisa is only a few weeks away from having another cute baby...this time, it's a girl!^^^

^^^zach loved the corn...^^^

^^^...and so did jared^^^

^^^and all the while, scott threatened to punch me if I took his picture...sound familiar?^^^

The dinner was a bit of a potluck so we all brought our favorite foods and threw them on the grill. Nate and Kelly were the master chefs, Jared and I shucked corn, Scott wanted to smash the camera, and Lisa tried to relax (since baby #2 is almost here!). After we were all full-up on BBQ, Nate made some homemade ice cream for dessert...and even though we were pretty stuffed we had to try some of the delicious fresh homemade strawberry goodness. And let me tell you, it was worth it.