Annual W&W Campout

Who is ready to cool off and relax?  We are definitely ready for cooler weather and just plain relaxing.  This year everyone was ready to go earlier than usual so we headed off.  We were on the road but not before we witnessed a horrible traffic accident.  A muddy jeep t-boned a minivan right before our eyes.  We all looked at each other on what to do or how to help.  People jumped out of their cars and quickly ran to help.  Everything was under control so we headed towards the mountains.

This years site looked perfect.  It was shady, quiet, and not near the bathrooms or trail.  It took awhile to get everything setup.  Dave & Blake are perfectionists with how everything is arranged and setup.  We all enjoy their efforts and are glad that they are this way.  However, we all get worn out before they are ready to stop.

Taking a breath

Shooting guns together

Coloring
Christmas presents 6 months later being used makes me smile.

Birthday presents finally being opened.
Going hunting for bugs with salt guns.

Giving it a try.
I do believe this birthday present was a winner
with both Blake & Dave.  Even Ryder & Dacoda enjoyed them.

Camp tradition...Cheese Balls
They jumped into my basket at Walmart.
Wouldn't you know that everyone enjoyed a few.

Fire time
It was the kids turn to make it.
Reganne made the first attempt.  Soon followed by the boys.
The Dads soon stepped in to finish the job.

New addition solar lights.
They looked really cool.
One minor problem...they don't have an off switch.

It was a great first day.  Everyone was pretty much exhausted and ready to go to bed.  We snuggled into bed and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Summer Vacation... Headed Home

We have had a couple of busy, crazy, and stressful days.  Everyone was eager to relax and sleep in.  Dave couldn't make it much past 7 before he was up getting ready.  He then convinced Ryder to join him for breakfast downstairs.  They came running back to the room due to the fire alarms going off.  Hurry, Hurry get up!!! They yelled as they walked in.  The girls & I rolled over in confusion but we quickly jumped to when we realized that we might be on fire.  We hurried out of the hotel in our pajamas only to discover the hotel wasn't on fire.  Instead, the construction next door had tripped it.

Since we were all up and somewhat awake lets get ready to head towards home.

Family picture in the hotel lobby.
By the display oil well.

It was a going to be a beautiful day.

We hit the road but not before making a quick stop to Starbucks for the kids to get their frappacinos they had been craving since arriving in town.  Then an hour into the drive Ryder was begging to stop.  He needed to pee bad!!!!  Dave pulled off at the next exit it claimed a rest stop.  However, as we pulled in the gas station that also boasted of a cafe Ryder looked around and promptly told us he could hold it.  It probably wasn't as bad as it looked but with no windows on either building and a few muddy cars parked out back.  It looked deserted and if not it didn't look welcoming to little boys.

We entered Utah and decided to switch directions and head home through Heber.  The kids were anxious to see were Spencer had grown up.  The drive was beautiful and how much has changed over the past couple of years.  We then call Grandma JeanAnn to meet us for lunch.

I'm hungry!!1

I'm tired and starving.

Everyone ate until we couldn't move.  Thank goodness Grandma was with us and took all the leftovers home to Grandpa.  It was time now to hit the road for the last stretch of our trip.  We made it in great time to be home by 6.  All that was left was to unpack, put stuff away, and sleep in our own beds.  Wait a minute....how did we manage to bring home this much laundry???

There was time for me to catch my breathe before packing up again for our annual W&W Camping Trip on Friday.

Summer Vacation....Family Reunion

Morning arrived a little earlier than I or the kids would have liked.  Too much snoring most of the night the girls begged of a few more minutes.  Rylee even sent Dave a text around 2 am to please stop so she could sleep. Vacation is supposed to be sleeping in.  Funny how our vacations never include "Sleeping In'" as a part.  We are always eager for the next big adventure and what we may miss by staying in bed.

Dressed and ready to trust Google Maps to get us to the right house.  Driving with Google Maps can be an adventure for us as well.  Dave doesn't always listen and I don't always reply as quickly as I should.  We either end up lost or yelling at each other to listen.  This time however, we followed and made it in under 10 minutes.  One other slight problem...Do we have the right address....What if we go to the wrong house...What if nobody is home?

Time to open the door and ring the doorbell.  Deep breath and everyone stepped behind Dave. Waiting and wondering what to expect?

Before we could run away the door opened and we were greeted with smiles and bear hugs.  There was so much happiness & excitement in the air it was truly amazing.  I forgot all about taking pictures and enjoyed watching the wonderful reunion happening before my eyes.

The kids found their own new friend with Jasper.  He broke the ice right way jumping and licking away.  The way to kids hearts is sloppy kisses and wiggly snuggles.

Loving on Jasper

Early morning S'mores
Aunt Sarah knows the way to a little boys heart.

Visiting, learning, and sharing.

So much yummy food...
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner I could hardly move.

More talking
Reganne & Ryder were getting a little tired.

and even more talking!!!!

There was one thing that needed to be done before leaving for the night.  It didn't include saying goodbye.  We needed to take family pictures.  There was only one slight problem.  Everyone wanted to check out the pictures in between and make sure they were good ones.

How about this one?

No, This one?

I decided for them.
This one is near perfect but close enough
for everyone to enjoy.

One last one needed
Lynn, the awesome mom in the family

We had a great day full of fun, food, and family.  They opened their arms, home, and lives to us.  It has been an amazing journey getting to this point.  We look forward to many more family get togethers in the future.  Maybe someone should have warned them about us and our own craziness.  

It wasn't goodbye but see you soon.

Everyone was exhausted and ready to call it a night.  Ryder declared the night wasn't over with yet until he could go swimming.  One last dip a must to end the night.

Summer Vacation....New Adventure

We left Lagoon, stopped for dinner, and hit the highway once again.  This time headed East towards a brand new adventure.  The kids were fascinated that we were leaving Utah and going to Wyoming. The usual questions came how long is the drive, when will we there, and does the hotel have a swimming pool.  One last major one will we be able to find food.   

We reached our destination 3 hours later.  The first thing Reganne noticed was Starbuck's.  This must be an ok place if they are here.  I remember when McDonald's was the place to look for and know we could survive.  Thanks to Google Maps we found our hotel without a problem and soon were checked in.

One more ride???
Who will carry the luggage?

Rock Springs Holiday Inn
***Stars in my book.
The room was clean, the staff were nice, and they have
a nice swimming pool (Ryder)

He found his trunks
time for laps and practice.

Reganne found the pool as well

Many laps later, a few handstands, and a quick dip in the hot tub time for bed.  Oh, wait maybe some ice, snacks, and a couple of old sitcoms on TV everyone was ready for bed. 

NOT!!!  We all lasted a little longer but we needed to be up and ready to go by 9:00.  Could we do it?  Would we make it? Will they like us?  All questions for tomorrow.......Good Night!!!

Scary 1/2 Hour!!!

Friends

Waiting in line
Unaware of being lost.

One major problem with so much family having fun at Lagoon is..... Everyone going different directions.  The older kids don't want to wait for the adults and the little kids don't want to wait for the adults either.  We found a shady spot and let everyone cover that part of the part at their own pace.

One minor problem we all assume that one of the littles was with one of the groups.  Everyone was accounted for it was time to relocate and ride the Tidalwave.  The kids were having a great time and soon wanted to try Rattlesnake Rapids.  This group set off looking for their next adventure.  The older kids wanted the Sky Ride and they ran off in the other direction.  Three groups going three different directions.  Time to eat for a few littles with dad & mom counting heads.  Uh Oh one is missing.

Thank goodness for cell phones & text messages.  Uh Oh no one has seen the missing little!!!  It was panic time!!!!  We left Emily at the table with the kids.  Janelle headed off to the security station.  Randy went back to the area we just left.  I headed towards the kiddie rides.

One ride, nope, second ride, nope, third ride, nope....... Then out of the corner of my eye I catch sight of a blonde haired boy wearing a bright blue shirt waiting in line to get on the ride.  I called out Owen is that you?  I was greeted with a big smile and HI!!!  I asked him what he was doing?  Riding rides with my new friend.  Deep Breathes and maybe a few more to stop my knees from shaking to much.

I sent out the word that all was right with the world again.  He wasn't lost but hanging out with a new friend and having fun on all the rides.  

The innocence of a child is so amazing and comforting.  We as adults need to have a little more innocence to enjoy what is going on in the minute.  Letting go of the busy world and all the craziness that goes along with it.  We might be surprised at what we see.

Summer Vacation Day Two....

Day two was going to be a busy one.  It was time to have some fun and enjoy the rides and family.  We were the last family to arrive of course.  Our late night, lack of sleep, and breakfast all worked against me.  We were fed, dressed, and ready to have some fun.  Who could ask for more?

The gates were open and we were ready to play.  Dracula's Castle was the first ride of the day.  Before the ride was finished we were all together and ready to play together.

Cousins & Friends

As soon as everyone gathered together everyone left in different directions.  Each group going towards another ride.  I volunteered to watch the younger ones so the adults to catch the grownup rides.  Emily & I had a great time visiting and keeping the littles under control.

Kasen & Owen
I loved watching Owen protect Kasen from getting
hurt or running away.

Who doesn't love the umbrella ride??
This girl wanted a second on without waiting in line.
A smile in the right place and at the right time
You can get what you want.  

Second time around with Uncle Randy.

Kidnapping the baby for another ride.
Not sure if either one is sure this is a good idea or not. 

He looks very confident.
You can't see his knees shaking.

The adults and a few kids venturing on another
scary ride.  They didn't this so.

More Rides & More Fun
Either alone or together.
I was good for one ride on the Bora Bora.
Not the 10 or more the kids racket up.

The group together once more.
Everyone was tired, hungry, but ready for more.
We how ever needed to hit the road.

One more ride PLEASEEEEEEE!!!
Notice his knees?

It was a little to big for this ride.  He had fun but said goodbye to the kiddie rides.  Kind of sad that the smaller rides are in our past.  The bigger, scarier are now the only way to go.  What will I do with myself next year?  Maybe I will kidnapped Kason again?

Time for dinner, a long drive, and a new adventure.....

Summer Family Vacation....Day One

Or maybe day 2 finally making it on the road and arriving at Grandma JeanAnn's house.  Getting on the road was pretty tough we needed to complete the swim meet, take the dogs to the kennel.  Wait, we assumed everything was setup for them and it would be a quick drop off and then hit the road.  Not so...No immunizations on file and it is now a must.  After digging they were found only to discover that Ginger's were all out of date.  Thank goodness the Vet was available for quick exams and shots.  4 hours later we were almost on the road.  Rylee & Dave weren't feeling very good but with the promise of lunch in Cedar we were on the road.

Sunday morning arrived a bit early but church with Grandma & Grandpa was must.  We followed it up with a quick breakfast at Denny's.  Quick wasn't in their vocabulary and we were served in shifts.  Ryder first, wait, the girls second, and wait again.  Finally Dave & I were served, Ryder was still hungry and tried half of mine.

We were headed North with adventures to follow....

Cabella's shooting range.
How to get it work without eating your money.

Rylee is pretty amazing with the gun.
Ryder & Reganne gave it a try with a little more
practice they all could with the prize.

Feeding the fish
and striking a pose

They loved watching the fish grab up any food thrown in their direction.  However, it wasn't to cool to watch feeding time at the aquarium.  What is up with the smaller fish quickly swimming around.  Ooops!!!! They were the food for the larger uglier fish in the tank.  One was gulped down right in front of us.  We quickly moved on.

We were onto our next stop visiting Uncle Mike.  We are really excited to come back for his wedding at the end of August. Uncle Brandon & Aunt Kim weren't home so onto our next stop.

Let's check Uncle Randy & Aunt Janelle's new house across the valley.  Dinner and games for the evening everyone was pretty pooped.  Time for bed with a big day planned at Lagoon.

Too bad everyone was still full of energy to sleep.  It was going to be another late night.

Summer Final Swim Meet

Where did the last 2 weeks go?  Summer swim team is coming to an end with the final swim meet at the WCCC.  Rise and shine for the early check in time of 7:00 am. 

Checked in and list of events

In the zone!!!

Ribbons

First event was the 9-20 Boys Relay 3rd Place with the time of 1.43.73 they all pushed really hard but fell a little short in the final leg.  All that separated each team was a 10th of a second.  Not bad for these really boys.

14th Event, 25 Back Stroke, 22.97, for a 6th place overall.

20th Event, 50 Freestyle, 46.58, for a 6th place overall.

39th Event, 100 IM, 2.04.52, final place unannounced, possibly 3rd place.

He improved all of him times over the summer.  His hard work and dedication has really paid off.  2 weeks off before Select Camp. He was  invited by his coach to attend to learn about the next level in the swim program.

Now if only the rest of us survive no swimming for the next week.

Another Free Concert...

Lonestar was coming through Southern Utah on Monday heading north for a concert.  Their tour sponsor Tractor Supply has a store in Hurricane so how about a quick concert in the parking lot.

I love concerts of all types and "free" makes it a must.  However, I couldn't convince anyone to go with me.  

Dave was hot and tired from work.  Reganne refused no more country music.  Ryder would go but we had to stop at Yogurtland on the way home.  Rylee decided she would go if we would feed her.  We were finally on the road and arrived only 15 minutes late.

It was all acoustical so you had to listen really carefully to find them on the side of the building.

Really dark picture but they are
there in the background.

Heat+boredom+rocks
=dump them over Mom's feet.

They sang all my favorites & hits
Ryder was a good sport hanging out with his
crazy mom.  Listening to "old" music.

FEED ME!!!!
Please....

We finally made it back to the van and trying to get out into traffic on the busy highway.  I was also starving but wanted food before froyo.  McDonald's here we come.  Dave & Reganne had already ate by this time so we were on our own.

Smiles all around

It was the icing on the cake or on the froyo.  Ryder treated us both to the yummy goodness.  I believe we had a great time together even if I had to bribe them to come with me.  It's pretty amazing to be able to see three groups for free and have them so close to home.

Fireworks!!!

It has been a busy week full of activity.  We had a full morning of swimming it was now time to play.  Ryder has been begging to do the few we bought all week.  Dave finally gave the ok and there was no stopping him.  

Sparklers

Shooting Tanks

Don't get burned

Rylee's friend Maklaine joined in the fun.  Poppers, sparklers, and shooting tanks were a lot of fun.  The neighborhood is still rocking with late night shows.  Ginger doesn't care for fireworks, thunder, and lightening so keeping her calm becomes a task.  Ryder is always there to comfort her and of course snuggle.  

Hopefully, there will be a break in action until the 24th of July.