First-a-versary Celebration

So, we had our lovely first-a-versary this weekend. We wanted to celebrate, but we'd been out of town for a whole week a little while ago, so we knew it'd have to be a mini-cation. We decided to go all the way to Salt Lake and play at some places we've been wanting to get to while we're still here in Utah. So, here's what we did!

One: We went to The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. I can't remember the last time I went to an aquarium. I know I've been to one before, but I honestly can't remember when. They had a variety of fishes and other marine life, from ocean animals, to local animals, to South American life. Deg's favorite was the jellyfish display - he was mesmerized by them! I loved the coral reef display. It was all very beautiful and colorful and I'm definitely glad we got to go.

Two: We had dinner at Benihana. I've never been before (I know, gasp). I mean, I've been to tepanyaki restaurants before, but the show at Benihana is spectacular. Deg had the seafood combo (shrimp, scallops, and lobster) and I had filet mignon. I've never had such tender meat/seafood in my life! Deg couldn't quit raving about the shrimp. It was delicious and a fun way to celebrate.

Three: We went to The Gateway Mall. It was just a short trip to keep us busy till we could do the next activity. I wouldn't mention it (Deg hate's shopping) except that we ran into my mom and my sister and my brother there. How random! They were back-to- school shipping in Utah, as they do every year, and happened to be in Express at the same time we were. How funny!

Four: We stayed at a bed and breakfast called Wildflowers. It was such a cute place! The ladies that run it are these cute grandmotherly women who left a key at the back door just for us and made us the most delicious waffles in the morning! It was adorable and it felt like staying at someone's home rather than at a hotel, which was fun to do for a change. Apparently, the gals have a cookbook of recipes they use at their restaurant as well. I'll have to check that out!

Five: We spent the next morning at Hogle Zoo. I haven't been to a zoo since my 8th grade class trip to DC when we went to the national zoo, and trust me, we were a bunch of 8th graders - we weren't paying any attention to the zoo. I have wanted to go to the zoo for awhile, and I had one free ticket, so why not? There were so many fun things to see, including all the babies! There was a 9 day old giraffe (he was my favorite - so adorable), baby meerkats, a baby snow leopard, and a baby black-footed cat (it's like a teeny tiger from Africa). The elephants should be having a baby any day now, by the way. I love animals, and who doesn't love baby animals? It was a blast!

So, that was our year-a-versary, and it also completed one of my goals: see 3 new places. Between the aquarium, the zoo, and Benihana, I have it covered! Now, I did have a head start on that one with the Grand Canyon and Cedar Breaks, and hopefully this weekend I can throw in Park City and the Thanksgiving Point dinosaur museum, but when you can accomplish a year goal in one weekend, that's pretty good.

And that's it! Again, happy versary, Degger!

*Author's Note: I am going to finish As the Treadmill turns soon, I promise! Trust me, there's a resolution!