Utah Tech Freshman Orientation

It is official Ryder is starting college at Utah Tech. Tonight is Freshman Orientation and Ryder asks me to go with him. Are you sure parents are invited? Yep!!

Separation is required!

Kids go through one door and parents go through another.

Way too many parents on my side.

Found him!!

My camera works great.

Pep Rally

Loud and crazy welcome to all freshman.

What's falling from the sky?

Rain!!

Freshan walk to 

Rub Brooks head for good luck.

Found him!!

It was fun to see all the kids introducing themselves to each other. Utah Tech has a class that all freshman are required to attend. It is designed to get the students involved and meeting other students. I am excited for him to get involved. Let's just hope he gets excited for this adventure.

Vacation Ends +

Early wakeup call to get to the airport. A quick check of the flights changed our plans. We are headed to Nashville where the flights are wide open. We are also bringing breakfast with us Dollywood Cinnamon Bread.

We made our flights and landed in Las Vegas.

Lunch time 

Yes, Rylee is feeding Ryder chicken nuggets.

Don't forget the Ranch.

Fun reminder popped up on my phone.

The day Dexter came to live with us.

Pupacchino

to celebrate

Loving it!!

Well summer travels are coming to an end. It time to relax and enjoy whats left of the warm summer days.We do not want winter to come anytime soon.

 

Adventures In Dollywood

Good Morning!! We have time for a quick breakfast at the all you can eat buffet before catching the shuttle to the park.

Enjoying the view of the pool.

Or 

Waiting for everyone to finish getting ready.

We made it!!

We are even early the gates haven't opened yet.

Photo Op

Denied!! They were headed to the rides.

Taking a quick break

We even found a few rides

Between trying all the treats

Brownie Dots

Amazing!!

More snacks or a place to sit.

Nope!! look at the roller coaster in the background.

Dave & Ryder were all over it and survived.

Bird show

Great show with such a variety of birds.

BUSTED!!

Our favorite treat Dollywood Cinnamon Bread.

I think this one lasted about 10 minutes.

Dave couldn't be left out and snuck a bite before we could stop him.

Train Ride

Loved hearing the train whistle it really echoed throughout the valley.

Fun show

"The Little Train That Could"

One last ride?

Dinner!!!

Loaded baked potato for dinner

Plus a quick stop for more Cinnamon Bread before 

catching the shuttle back to the resort.

It was a fun day at the park between rides, food, and a few shows. It's going to be an early morning driving back to the airport and head home.

 

Dollywood Dreammore Resort

A drive from the airport across Tennesee countryside towards Pigeon Forge was amazing. The green in almost every shade was so relaxing. We decided for a quick trip we should stay close the Dreammore Resort was our pick. From the moment you walk through the front doors southern hospitality is everywhere.

Check out the view from our room.

Very clever setup

King size bed and bunkbeds

The view from the other side of the grounds.

I couldn't sleep so I headed out to explore.

The Butterfly Garden

Make your own S'mores

Fun for the whole family

Ooey, Gooey and Yummy!!

Not sure whether they like this or not.

Cornhole!!

Another fun activity for everyone.

It's COLD!!

Another area to relax.

Back to the room 

Time to get ready for food.

So relaxing despite the humidity. Yes, I am trying not to notice right now and enjoy all the activities around the resort. Important reminder that we all need to get some good sleep tonight. Rylee quickly reminded us that we snore really loudly and sleep will be optional. Nasal strips might be the key to everyone getting some sleep.

Last Summer Trip

We found time for one more family trip before school starts.  We are off to Dollywood!!

Early morning flights

Means even earlier drive to Las Vegas.

Hurry up and wait

The usual standby motto.

We made it to Knoxville, TN

Lunch is a must

This was delicious but no fry sauce.

Still found room for dessert.

An old fashioned ice cream soda.

The menu was amazing

such a variety of yummy ice cream treats.

Our stomachs are full, Google maps are set for Dollywood. Let's hope we all stay awake until then.

Her First Day

Reganne is ready to get the show on the road or rather get school started. Today is the day!!

She looks ready.

Keys, phone, and backpack.

Love this girl!!

Wait..What?

Is that a real cat? Are you really at school?

Yes, Yes, and Yes!!

They actually have animals that live at the school wandering around.

That is definitely called hands on.

 

Sunning a few lizards.

She looks like she is heaven.

It is so fun to see her find her happy place. We are excited to watch her journey.

Let's Enjoy the Weekend.

It's a hot Saturday afternoon and time to get out of the heat.

First stop checking

out Ruston's latest project or ride.

Ryder found his ride for lunch.

Wait who is that sitting next to him?

Family enjoying lunch at Texas Roadhouse.

Wait a minute!

That same person is now sitting next to me.

It's Reganne!!

Somebody sent her the pictures. She drew herself in and made a few artistic adjustments. It was a fun afternoon and everyone was full. Nothing better than hanging out with family.