Reading Pays Off

I've heard many stories of a young Jared who loved to read. Jared was reading Roald Dahl before he was in Kindergarten and would later read on his walk to school! Well, this wasn't the Jared I married, so last Christmas I gave him a zombie book and asked him why he didn't read anymore? 

I now have a book enthusiast for a husband.

For the past eight weeks Jared and I have been taking part in our library's adult Summer reading program. In order to qualify for a grand prize, we had to read three books that were at least 100 pages long, and for every five books we read we got to pick up a prize at the library (we claimed a flashlight and lots of candy). 

Stats: 

Lauren - 10 books, 2,269 pages

Jared - 15 books, 5,431 pages

Tonight we gathered at the library for a culminating event to celebrate the many great readers in our community. (We really just went to win a Kindle). I can't list all of the prizes that were given away tonight, but trust me, there were over a hundred. 

Jared played it cool (see the pic below) and read while the winners were being announced, but I was biting my nails and frankly, getting depressed. You see, there was a time when I won a lot of contests. But my luck ran out when I got married, don't ask me why.

 I finally gave up on myself and thought, "Just let Jared win something!" and voila! Here's Jared with his $5 gift certificate to a cafe we've never heard of. Yay!

  This would have been a frowny-faced picture if we went home empty-handed.

Jared had to pick up a few books before we left for home. I hope he doesn't still expect prizes!

Capture the Light

Yesterday I began packing for our move next month, when I came across an old pack of Sparklers. I added it to this year's pack and Jared and I had a good time.

 Success!

 "Bird"

 Jared wrote "LOVE" but I told him to write it over and over so it got a bit messy...

 Lauren's initials

Infinity 

 Jared started down the street and ran toward the camera. Does anyone else see a freaky image in the top right corner?

Jared's initials, which he likes to point out are the same as James Bond, Jack Bauer, and Jason Bourne (and Justin Bieber) 

We still have 10 sparklers left, if anyone wants to join us for next time!

Aviary Day

Yesterday, Jared & I went to the Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City with Alisha and her kids. We got in for just $1 each with our Pass of All Passes. Sadly (or maybe not), I don't have any pictures of Alisha or me. We were pretty sweaty by the time we left so you'll just have to use your imagination. 

Jared handled his Uncle duties very well. He led us around the park and made sure we made it to a couple of bird shows. He even held up two children at once so they could see a Macaw. It's good training for him.

Here are some pictures from our adventure:

Learning myth/facts about Owls 

Burrowing owl

 Annie kept climbing on rocks and asking for her picture to be taken

Annie & Uncle Jared

Searching for wild birds

Jared had his suspicions confirmed that female peacocks are brown

Just after I took this picture, the boy in the yellow shirt looked through his binoculars at the peacock and yelled, "I see one mommy! I see one!" 

The peacock was about four feet away from him at that point.

We got to see many birds, but I don't think it's as exciting as what can be found at the zoo (notice that most of my pictures are of people). Next stop: Hogle Zoo!