Red Butte Garden

Yesterday we decided to visit Red Butte Garden and see what flowers they have in the Spring. Brian had heard their daffodils were noteworthy. And the big hill right as you arrive is full of daffodils. But the first section we had to visit was the children's area. Elliott and Trevor loved exploring these tunnels.

 When they made it all the way through, they came out of a giant snake's mouth and then we could see how the tunnels snakes around. This would be pretty cool when the leaves come in.

 This cute little hideout would be perfect for a kid picnic. (The circular door reminds me of a Hobbit's house.)

 Also, these stump chairs would be hidden when this weeping tree fills in. 

 These iconic lizards are still cool. I wonder if the plain brown one in the middle feels bad that kids choose the bright, colorful lizard to climb on.

 Elliott pointed this out and said, "Don't play on the flower BED, get it." We were impressed that Elliott caught the joke before us. It is pretty funny. 

 My boys, relaxing on the swing, protecting their eyes. 

 Some of the trees and shrubs had beautiful blossoms on them. 

 We climbed up the paths in the new water conservation garden. We recognized some cacti from our Arizona trip. And some of the shrubs were planted in such designs that Brian remarked they looked like a painting. It will be neat to see when they grow a bit.

Way up at the top is an overlook area, perfect for pictures.

 Yay, I get to be in a picture too. (I made Brian take the phone to take a picture.)

 Then we wrangled Elliott into taking our picture. 

 Elliott liked taking rests on any bench we came to. He especially liked to whip out his kindle and read "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." Trevor took rests in his stroller, but was very excited to explore and lead out.

 We were shocked to turn a corner and find that the duck pond had been drained and was under repairs. We took a video, but no pictures. However, we remembered to take a picture at the moose. 

 We could see trails on the hills above and Trevor wanted to climb "the mountain" all the way to the top. At the meadow, we followed the trail under the oak tunnel and walked quite a ways. We could have kept going, but Elliott was tired and not feeling great and was complaining and dragging his feet. We took a selfie on a bench before he melted down too much.

 We told Trevor that we almost made it to the top and turned around to leave. We were all getting hungry and it was after 6 pm so it was time to go.

In the car, Trevor wanted to read his library books. 

 Of course, Elliott continued reading Harry Potter.

Brian and I enjoyed our drive home and talked about how wonderful the day had been. It was a perfect day for walking and enjoying nature and the beauty and fragrance of Spring.