A Morning with the Ducks

Some of you may not know, but Phil and I fed ducks on our first date. It was not the scheduled activity for the evening, but it was perfect. Phil hiked Mount Timpanogos the night before and was exhausted when he got back, so our night got a little delayed. By the time we got done with dinner and tried to go to our scheduled activity (Color Me Mine), it was near closing time. So instead we grabbed some bread and went to a local park and fed some ducks and then swung on the swings and talked. It was a perfect night and really gave us the chance to get to know each other.

A few weeks ago, on a sunny (but cold) Saturday morning we decided to take Felix to Gallup Park. While we were there we got to look at the ducks, geese, and swans. Felix loved it. Especially since he's getting pretty good at saying quack and could talk to the ducks! We were kicking ourselves that we didn't bring bread with us to feed them, but promised we would next time! (In fact, as I type this, Phil and Felix are at the park feeding the ducks!)

 This particular swan decided to follow us around!

It's so fun to watch Felix discover and learn new things. He finds so much joy in simple things like buses/airplanes/cars, leaves blowing in the wind, or birds chirping. And now ducks, swans and geese swimming in the river! I need to be better at remembering that even though things aren't new to me, almost everything is new to him and to stop and take a minute and watch the ducks, or step on a stick, or throw a rock and let him explore this big big world. Luckily Felix has a Dad that's really good at that, who likes to take the time to experience these things and learn about them. I'm so lucky to have these two. 

Our Trip to Cabela's

I've never been to a Cabela's before. I've heard about them and we've even driven by their headquarters in Sidney, Nebraska,  but I've never really had a reason to go. Until this past December. 

Winter with a toddler is hard! I'm always trying to figure out fun things to do with Felix, but mainly indoors because our little man does not like playing in the snow and I do not like playing in the cold. So during Phil's Christmas break we decided to take Felix to Cabela's to look at the animals. It was perfect. Felix got to run around (the store wasn't too crowded), look at animals and fish, climb some stairs and sit on some benches (two of his favorite activities) and it was free, which is always a bonus. 

Our ride down there

This bear was huge!

The "mountain" in the middle of the store

Who knew Cabela's has such great home offerings?! Camo recliner? Yes please! (there was even a mini version, but Felix much preferred the adult sized one)

Staring down the fox

One of the many benches Felix climbed on

Felix loved the fish! There was a little turtle that was especially fun to watch.

I actually felt like the experience was educational for me. I learned about a few new species of animals I wasn't familiar with and I got to peak a little into the world of hunting, which I have no experience with at all. Did you know that Mr. Cabela and his wife are big hunters and would take hunting trips all over the world? We saw some of their kills/spoils/prizes from Asia and Africa. Very interesting.