State Fair, 101 Inventions that changed the world, and Grandpa's Birthday!

I couldn't decide whether to separate each event, or put them all together- Obviously I decided to put them all together.
We took Cam to the state fair last Monday for the first time. He had plenty to look at, and I think he had fun seeing new things.

I thought this goat was so cute! It was such a little one and it was laying in it's bowl!

Dan and I bought a deal online for discount tickets to a traveling exhibit at The Leonardo Museum downtown. The exhibit was 101 inventions that changed the world. It wasn't a very large exhibit, they way they presented it was as high tech as I have ever seen in an exhibit. They had a giant room with screens all over- and the exhibit was played via movie. They had it arranged so that each item was being projected all around the room- on every wall and screen, and even on the floor. It was really neat. There was a room with display of many of the objects mentioned.

There was a computer- the very first apple. Dan was so excited and said, "Those are the computers we used to play 'Oregon Trail' on!"

The museum also had part of the exhibit dedicated to inventions that changed the world that originated right in Utah!
Dan's favorite invention that came out of Utah is.... The Atari! That's right! It was developed right in Farmington Utah by a young employee at Lagoon!!

This was the most intriguing invention exhibited from Utah. Apparently Cameron's too. He seems to be quite involved with studying about the Jarvik!

The Frisbee came from Richfield....

 The Television!!!

 Then the last one in the exhibit from Utah- The Knockout Mouse. This one peaked my interest as well!

 A beautiful quote from the creator of the Atari:

 I loved this exhibit/piece of art. It is a hylozoic veil. 

This is a great explanation courtesy of The Leonardo's website: "Hylozoic Veil is the vision of world-renowned Canadian architect Philip Beesley. Mr. Beesley's installations have been displayed all over the globe, including the 2010 Venice Biennale. The Leonardo is thrilled to host Hylozoic Veil, Mr. Beesley's only permanent installation in the United States and the largest in his Hylozoic series. 

This unique three-story piece is an immersive, responsive environment that combines physics, chemistry, sculpture, engineering, and even hints of artifical life. It reacts to your presence, paving the way for the responsive architecture of the future. Hylozoic Veil combines art, technology, science, and an enormous amount of creativity, making it the perfect embodiment of The Leonardo Museum. See it from our public lobby, up-close on our Second Floor Observation Area, or look at from above on the Third Floor." 

Today is Grandpa's Birthday!!! We celebrated yesterday. He informed me that he is turning 39! I asked if that was the age he would choose, and his reply was, "39 was a good age!"
I am personally so so grateful for Dave in my life. He is an amazing Father and Grandfather. He is patient and kind. He is a good example of the Priesthood, and I've never heard him speak badly of anyone.
Cameron liked the candles!! We love you Grandpa! Happy, Happy Birthday!!!

Museum of Natural History

Today we decided to have a family day and visit the Museum. Neither Dan nor I had been in years. The museum had received funding within the last 5 years to expand and rebuild, so they are no longer in President's circle at the U, but up near Red Butte Gardens instead. The new building was amazing. We spent hours there today. I personally love the fossil and dinosaur exhibits. We got a view of their special storage area, complete with specified temperature and climate controls for the various fossils, minerals, and artifacts. We also got a good view of the paleontology lab.
Cam did really well. Dan and I both hope to instill a lifelong passion for exploring and learning, and starting him out young is the best way! I am amazed at how much he actually takes in. I know that he won't remember today when he is older, but hopefully with repeated exposure to so many different experiences, he will naturally be inclined to want to learn.

Dan wanted a picture with all the skulls- the timeline of Darwinism at it's finest. We descended from Apes!!! That is a good laugh, and Dan and I chuckled and took a moment to reflect on the spiritual side of history. So many of these fossils and artifacts are from millions and millions of years ago. Amazing to think just how old our Earth is in years as we measure it. I am so so grateful for the truth and understanding the gospel brings. I find that having my testimony only makes me appreciate history more- The beauty and life that our Father in Heaven has created!!

Cameron was so good. He had fun. He really seemed to enjoy it and take it all in!! I think that we generally don't give babies enough credit. He was amazed by some the exhibits and excited by others! It was way fun to watch him!

The Paleontolgy Lab...

 The blog won't do this photo justice. However, the museum had multiple terraces with "outdoor exhibits" of many rocks, minerals, and plants native to Utah. On the roof, the view of the valley was spectacular, so I definitely got a panorama!!