As a way to structure our summer, my mother and I planned to have a weekly outing with the kids.

And really, I should say my mother did the planning. I just showed up with tots in tow, who immediately zoomed off into Grammy’s arm without a backward glance in my direction. 🙂

We kicked off summer with a field trip to the Tracey Aviary in Salt Lake City, UT.

Grammy sat the kids down and led them in a couple bird themed activities. First was building a brown bag nest, laden with jelly bean “eggs”.

My mom is an avid bird watcher and kindly shared her aviary pass to get us all into the park.

I admit, I’m surprised at how much the kids took to the birds. Arrow was diligent to mark her notebook each time she saw a bird, and Archer was quick to point out a hidden feathered face within its enclosure. They were very excited to point out to Grammy the birds they saw swooping in between the Liberty Park trees after we left. If my mom was hoping to make them future ornithologists, then I think she was successful!

This jailbird was pretty cool, though I would hate to be his prey with that gaze.

I was surprised to discover they had a little library in the aviary. How is this sustained?? I don’t think many people bring spare books into a park with an admission fee. Nonetheless, I did partake! I mean, a book on feminism and economics? Yes, please!

Then we were off home – our first Grammy field trip a raving success.

Thanks Grammy!