Staycation

In late June, we decided a family vacation was well overdue. Since this year a real vacation isn't feasible for many reasons, we decided that we would run away for 24 hours instead. We had such a great time as it was a much needed break from reality. 

Dan had been attending a two week training on base that is part of his upcoming rank advancement. Friday afternoon, Daphne and I went to his graduation ceremony and then off we went to SLC to stay at the Embassy Suite (We love their amazing breakfast and great military discount!).

Dan receiving his diploma

Daphne was thrilled her daddy free to spend time with her now that his training was over!

 After we check into the hotel, we went over to City Creek to window shop and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. I have always wanted to go there and try their cheesecake and it didn't disappoint. Daphne was quite entertaining while at the restaurant. She had fun testing out her lung capacity by squealing loud enough to put on her own little show for all to see (or more accurately...hear).

At the Cheesecake Factory

After dinner we headed back to the hotel. Daphne and I both fell asleep by about 8 PM while Dan got to stay up late and enjoy getting to watch SportsCenter. The next morning Daphne got up about 5:30 so Dan and her went down to enjoy a first round of breakfast until mommy was ready to join for seconds. We definitely got our money's worth. I think all in all, Dan ate about 4 times that morning. The hotel had different tour groups staying at the hotel which equaled lots of little old ladies who loved coming up to Daphne in hopes to pinch her cheeks. She quite enjoyed being the center of attention while Dan ate, and ate, and ate...

 After breakfast we decided to take Daphne swimming for the very first time! It was the perfect opportunity as there was no one else in the indoor pool. She was a little tired so there weren't many smiles but she didn't cry so we considered it a success! We didn't keep her in the pool long since the water was a little cold, but all in all, we had a fun time.

Ready for pool time!

Right before entering the pool. She wasn't sure what to think.

In the pool with daddy.

Sitting in mommy's lap after swimmin'

After pool time we headed out to the SLC Farmer's Market and enjoyed lots of free samples while we walked around and looked at all the booths. From there we decided to go to "This is the Place" Monument Park (Once again, we LOVED their amazing military discount!). Neither Dan nor I had been there in a long time so it was nice to go there again.

We first went on the train. Daphne loved looking out the windows.

We enjoyed looking at a few of the buildings, having lunch, and watching a Native American Dance Performance. Our last stop before they closed was to the petting zoo. Daphne got to ride a pony for the very first time (or more like sit on the pony and look pretty while we took pictures of her pretending to ride the pony...).

She is a pro already!

 After the park closed, Daphne and I crashed in the shade while Dan enjoyed reading all about the actual monument. What a fun 24 hour vacation!