Banana Cave

Pete has had this past week off for vacation. Or, I guess the new, hipper word is "staycation". We have been able to get a lot done on the house and it has been nice having him around.

A highlight of the week was when Aunt Tara picked up all four kids and took them to her house for two nights. Yeah for Aunt Tara! Not only do all the kids love her, but so do I, so it was a great peace of mind knowing that they were so well cared for. You may be wondering what Pete and I did with almost three kid free days. I have two words for you. Banana Cave. One of my favorite places in Salt Lake is Market Square. It sells salvaged freight amongst other things. It is awesome. There are two separate stores packed full of stuff and cheap,cheap,cheap. One sells clothes, shoes, haircare, makeup, office supplies, anything you would find at a Target, as well as food. There is a designer section where there are no children under 16 allowed and they have extremely high end goods that are heavily discounted. The other store is industrial and I have never had a need to explore it. On Wednesday, Pete and I thought we'd see if they sold furniture. They do. More importantly they have a section called the bargain cave. All the items that are on their way out are given a final chance at the cave. You can fill a banana box for $5.00. So we did. Totally awesome, worthless things amongst a few that we may actual want or use. For Siobhan...a stack of math and English workbooks that she will be working on this summer in preparation for high school. She also received a few skinny scarves and a I Heart Geeks coin purse. If you think I am mean, ask her how she did in school this year.

Hans was the recipient of a cowboy hat,blow up Koala that says G'Day God, lemur, a really soft mouse that is actually a cat toy, a celebrating Mass for kids book, wristbands, sweatband, magnifying glass, a stack of about 200 tattoos and various other crazy things.

Oscar now has several rolls of register tape, which he uses to make long diorama type pictures and comics, barf bags that actually say that on them, army patches, comic books, more wristbands, and a calculator/ruler and a book of cheat codes for video games.

Olive is the proud owner of several American Express restaurant check holders, perfect for her new restaurant set up in the playroom, a set of pricing signs, a water bottle holder, hat, scarf, headbands, a stack of megaphones and tights.

For the man in my life, a new scarf, socks, chef hat and apron, shower slippers, cigar cutter?, sushi roller and a Michelob light lip balm on a neck chain.

I also was able to find some great things for myself also and we wrapped up a day on our own eating popcorn chicken in bed after killing way too much wine. So, thanks Tara for a great break. I think that was the first time all four kids have been gone for a full day. It was strange without them but we somehow managed.

After presenting the kids with all their loot, Oscar felt it necessary to keep the party going and searched the lawn with his metal detector for any more goodies. The best part was the neighbor boy brought out is own and joined him. Once again leading me to the conclusion that this is the place.