We just went on the longest vacation we have ever had. We were gone a whole 10 days! Chris was trying to look for something for him and I to do for our 10 year anniversary, since we haven't had the chance to even get away on a dinner date (I am still hoping for a few hours for just the 2 of us!). He found something really fun, but we decided the kids would love it so we took them too. We packed the bed of our truck completely full and headed to Glenwood Springs, CO.
We got up in the morning and got into a tram car and headed to the top of the mountain.
This is the view on the way back down the tram!
On the top of the mountain is this Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
One of the very first things the boys wanted to do was jump on the bungee-trampoline.
Hayden learned to master the back-flip.
All 3 boys did the rock wall climb.
Our family went on the cave tour, which was pretty awesome! The kids did an enclosed trap thing they had to make their way through, they rode the mechanical bull, the raced through Fort Where Am I, which is a life-sized maze. We watched a few short 4-D movies, one of which was in an old covered wagon, we played several games of laser tag and went on a roller coaster that went part way down the mountain.
There wasn't a whole lot for this little one to do, but I think she still had a good time. It was a great day!
Of course we also had to enjoy the hotel pool both nights we were there. The pool had a big slide and a basketball hoop, lots of fun!
I think Chris was able to realize why I refuse to take the 3 kids swimming by myself. Hayden is the No. 1 reason. He is completely fearless, loves to go off on his own and is all over the place.
I don't know how the kids were able to stay up and watch a movie and eat popcorn. I was exhausted!
The next day we got up and headed to Garland and were able to drive through Vernal. Our first stop was to visit some of our old neighbors and friends. Then we headed up the street to check on our dog, Ranger. I think we all miss that mutt, Chris was tempted to throw him in the back of the truck and take him home.
Then we passed by our old house. I think the yard looks worse that it did before we bought it. All of that hard work we did, the landscape edging, the beautiful grass, the weed killing, the plants and flowers that were planted - GONE! It makes me so sick! I feel like I betrayed my house by selling it. I loved that place and I treated it so well. I even talked to it! It's like it had a soul (Chris reminded me that it did, literally). That house means so much to me. It was our first home, and one of my first true loves. I probably shouldn't have taken these pictures and then I could just remember it the way it was when we lived there, the way we made it.
Here is another picture, SICK! This yard was all beautiful grass, flowers, decorative landscaping. Now the whole yard is nothing but weeds, dirt and junk. This property has tons of parking, and where did they park the trailer and boat? Right on the side lawn! I don't get it! It makes me angry. It breaks my heart! Our neighbors said they don't think the buyers ever watered or mowed even once since we sold it. I miss my house and I bet it misses us! It hurts like I can't explain - it is a part of me, and now it's garbage. It's scary for me to imagine what the inside is like. In less than 2 years, and the stupid owners have turned my home into trash. Chris told the boys to let it be a lesson to them, that things only last if we take care of them. We then headed to main street and it was some good to see that the city still has all the beatiful pots along the road, overflowing with flowers. I will just have to try to keep the memory of Vernal and our house the way it was when we lived there, it is too sad to see it the way it is now.
We made it to Garland and the kids instantly got busy playing. They love it at Grandma's and Papa's house. My dad set up a big screen and we all watched a movie outside. Taylor was the lucky one, she instantly became friends with Kyrie. She held her hand and lead her around, fed her lots and lots of grapes and shared her popcorn. I say Taylor is the lucky one because Kyrie just scowled at everyone else. I thought she would warm up after a few days, but she never did, the whole week!
We also spent a day at Bear Lake. It was a perfect day to be on the beach, very relaxing! Here is my dad, Taylor and Ky showing her normal for the week, although she did happily go out in the water a few times with him.
Dusty and Sara searching for seashells
The lucky one and Kyrie
See, she is as happy as can be with her dad!
The 6 kids and their sand castle
We also went fishing and took Grandma Scott, she told me a few months ago that she would love to go with us, and luckily Chris remembered. She caught a little tiny fish, and then this big one. Dusty also caught a little one! We had Grandma over to my parents for dinner the next night so she could help eat her catch.
Hayden and Papa were able to spend some good time together.
The fishing clan
and the supervisor
and the explorer!
We also visited this special property. We visit everytime we are up that way. This is all new to Kyrie and she enjoyed it (especially the pennies). I enjoyed it too! It is very good therapy for me. I was wishing that Tina could physically pop down and visit with us all, even for just 1 day. I'm sure she stills visits us, but ya know - it's just not the same! Miss ya Ti!
On Friday the whole fam except for Erick's group met at Joni's for the annual family reunion. Her and Dallas were the lucky ones to be in charge this year, and she has a huge new back yard, so we all camped out. Jo had lot of fun crafts for the kids to do.
Hayden spent the majority of his time bouncing around. He spent hours on this ball and absolutely loved it!
waiting for the parade
Dallas driving the firetruck
and Dusty as a passenger
Dallas let Rylee, Sara, Kenzie, and Dusty ride in the firetruck through the parade, I think it made Dusty's day. Now he is a little confused. Does he really want to be a cop or does he want to be a firefighter? The pictures he has been drawing are now firetrucks, firefighter badges, and Engine # 20.
And we did fire works. The END!!!
Kyrie and her little red, white and blue. This summer has been a hard one on us so I feel the need to post the good and fun stuff to remind me that we have also had a lot of playing this year. I just wish I have had some more quality time with the kids. Maybe some cuddle and quiet time at home. It just seems we are always in a rush to go somewhere!
