Today Justice & Montana are heading off on their very first airplane ride. Eric is taking them to Hawaii for a week. They are so excited, and nervous at the same time. They can't wait to see the ocean and explore the beach. I am hoping Justice will come home with a famous "Hawaii tan" and not his normal burn & peel sun exposure. The boy is as white as a snowstorm...hee hee...but hopefully he will be able to enjoy the sun. Montana was a bit nervous about the flight: where she would sit, what she would see out the window, how bumpy it would be, bombs, etc. We talked about it for about 2 days. I tried to calm her fears & told her after a while you wont even notice you are in the air. She was excited to see turtles, whales, & to wear shorts again!! I hope she will be able to relax & enjoy the experience. They promised they would call me as soon as they land. So I can't wait to hear from them.
Sierra had her first high school solo dance competition today. She competed in the 5A jazz division. However, this morning she twisted her ankle at practice and came home with a limp, her ankle wrapped, and a bag of ice. I brought her home and had her elevate her leg & rest. She was so excited about this competition and her routine...but, we were not sure if she was going to be able to dance. So she got ready anyway and we just hoped for the best. She decided she was going to be ok & was able to tough it out. She did an absolutely fantastic job. Her team was going crazy for her-they are so supportive. She ended up taking 2nd in her division, competing against 20 other girls. I was very surprised, and so proud of her. She was soooo happy! Way to go kiddo! The team competition is tomorrow & we will see if her her ankle will hold out. I hope she didn't work too hard today & overstress her injury. That would really backfire tomorrow. I hope she will be fine. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Monday, September 7, 2009
Bear Lake/Labor Day Weekend
So much fun crammed into one weekend.
We spent 3 glorious days on Rendezvous Beach at Bear Lake, UT. The beach was really beautiful with millions of tiny seashells everywhere. The water was a beautiful turquoise blue and the weather was perfect. We were threatened with rain a couple of times but it only lasted a few minutes and then went back to being great weather again.
The kids played in the sand making castles, moats, holes, mudballs, and burying each other. The water was pretty cold but it didn't seem to phase them a bit. We had a few floaty toys but mostly they just ran around and had a great time.
We taught them to play "BLITZ" and they are all hooked. It's a really fun card game that's become a family camping tradition. Justice was having beginners luck and was kicking our butts! And he was loving it! He also beat me at Battleship! Little stinker!
We roasted marshmallows, sat around the campfire, watched at least 10 movies, and relaxed the days away. It was a much needed break for all of us. The dogs kept each other company and the kids got along so well. No bickering, they actually had fun together. It was a mother's dream! I took tons of pics and couldn't leave any out.
We spent 3 glorious days on Rendezvous Beach at Bear Lake, UT. The beach was really beautiful with millions of tiny seashells everywhere. The water was a beautiful turquoise blue and the weather was perfect. We were threatened with rain a couple of times but it only lasted a few minutes and then went back to being great weather again.
The kids played in the sand making castles, moats, holes, mudballs, and burying each other. The water was pretty cold but it didn't seem to phase them a bit. We had a few floaty toys but mostly they just ran around and had a great time.
We taught them to play "BLITZ" and they are all hooked. It's a really fun card game that's become a family camping tradition. Justice was having beginners luck and was kicking our butts! And he was loving it! He also beat me at Battleship! Little stinker!
We roasted marshmallows, sat around the campfire, watched at least 10 movies, and relaxed the days away. It was a much needed break for all of us. The dogs kept each other company and the kids got along so well. No bickering, they actually had fun together. It was a mother's dream! I took tons of pics and couldn't leave any out.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Home Already
The kids had an absolutely fantastic time up with cousins in Wyoming. They hiked, rode horses, rode ATV's, cooked on a campfire, and played their little hearts out.
Montana does not do well away from home...I was hoping that she would have so much fun that she would be ok. She did have fun, but she is such a momma's girl that she couldn't think about anything but home. Justice really wanted to stay until Friday but I told him they were a package deal.
So Holly and I arranged to meet in Logan for the pick-up. It was a beautiful drive and brought back so many memories. I went to school at USU in Logan for my first year of college. Driving up the canyon I could picture myself in my roommate Angie's old Blue Honda Prelude...both of us singing old 80's tunes. It put a smile on my face.
We met at Wal-Mart and exchanged kiddos. Holly is a saint. She loves kids and it shows. Thanks so much for taking care of my babies.
The kids and I drove around campus and I showed them where I lived, where I had a few classes, and the hot spots. The Aggie A, Old Main, The Spectrum, The Stadium, and where to get Aggie Ice Cream!! Oh the memories. I had so much fun there. I can't believe I gave it all up for a boy! But, you do silly things when you are in love. And Life goes on.
I'm so happy to have the kids back home. Now if they would just stop fighting...
Montana does not do well away from home...I was hoping that she would have so much fun that she would be ok. She did have fun, but she is such a momma's girl that she couldn't think about anything but home. Justice really wanted to stay until Friday but I told him they were a package deal.
So Holly and I arranged to meet in Logan for the pick-up. It was a beautiful drive and brought back so many memories. I went to school at USU in Logan for my first year of college. Driving up the canyon I could picture myself in my roommate Angie's old Blue Honda Prelude...both of us singing old 80's tunes. It put a smile on my face.
We met at Wal-Mart and exchanged kiddos. Holly is a saint. She loves kids and it shows. Thanks so much for taking care of my babies.
The kids and I drove around campus and I showed them where I lived, where I had a few classes, and the hot spots. The Aggie A, Old Main, The Spectrum, The Stadium, and where to get Aggie Ice Cream!! Oh the memories. I had so much fun there. I can't believe I gave it all up for a boy! But, you do silly things when you are in love. And Life goes on.
I'm so happy to have the kids back home. Now if they would just stop fighting...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A Wyoming Week
My sweet cousin Holly invited my kids to come up to Fairview Wy. to spend the week. She has kids the same age as mine and they get along perfectly. It's been at least a year since we have seen them, so they were beyond excited to go!! Fairview is just outside of Afton and the whole valley is just gorgeous. Green rolling meadows, Hills/Mountains all around. They have a beautiful log cabin home with lots of land, and fun stuff to do.
We left about 9:00 am. Sierra wanted to drive so I told her she could until we got to Wyoming. She has only been on the freeway once before so she was white knuckle driving. She did great for about an hour. Then we had too many close calls and I had to take the wheel. Phew...she still has a lot to learn and needs more confidence, but it will come. She is loving it.
So 4 hours later (did I mention Sierra likes to drive slow :-)we arrived in Afton and we all met at Mark & Holly's dental office. Theresa & Chris were down from California to pick up their kids. They had been in town for a week and bouncing back and forth staying with John & Sherma, and Mark & Holly. So it was a big reunion. Kids running all over. It was so cute because there are 3 boys, and 3 girls. It was like they see each other everyday...instant friendship & bug collecting. Sierra & I hung together because there are no teenagers. After a bit we all decided to go out for lunch.
Uncle John just had both knees replaced the first part of June and so he is gingerly walking around, but is doing much better than I expected. He is not even using his cane. He had just come from physical therapy and I could tell he was tired and sore. So he wanted to keep moving...it feels better to walk than to stand he said. We got to drive him home after lunch and it was nice to talk one on one. He is such an amazing guy! I sure love my family!
We all visited for a bit and then Sierra and I had to head back because she had dance and I am watching Skyler in the morning. So we packed the kids gear in Holly's car, kissed & hugged the kids goodbye and they were off to the park. She's a brave woman...good luck Holls!!
I accidentally took a wrong turn that took me an hour in the wrong direction, but we eventually made it back to the right path. As many times as I have been to Star Valley, I have never driven. So it was fun to find my way. It's such a gorgeous drive. It was down to one lane in Evanston for some reason, so it took an HOUR to get through there. We finally made it back to Salt Lake 5 hours later. Ugh. When we realized we could have driven to Vegas in the same amount of time we had driven that day, we wished we would have ended up somewhere fun instead of just back home...oh well.
So the plan is for the kids to stay until Friday and then I will meet Holly in Evanston so I don't have to drive the whole distance again...but we will see how long the kids last. I miss them already. They had a campfire last night with marshmallows & hotdogs. How fun!!! I hope they behave!!
We left about 9:00 am. Sierra wanted to drive so I told her she could until we got to Wyoming. She has only been on the freeway once before so she was white knuckle driving. She did great for about an hour. Then we had too many close calls and I had to take the wheel. Phew...she still has a lot to learn and needs more confidence, but it will come. She is loving it.
So 4 hours later (did I mention Sierra likes to drive slow :-)we arrived in Afton and we all met at Mark & Holly's dental office. Theresa & Chris were down from California to pick up their kids. They had been in town for a week and bouncing back and forth staying with John & Sherma, and Mark & Holly. So it was a big reunion. Kids running all over. It was so cute because there are 3 boys, and 3 girls. It was like they see each other everyday...instant friendship & bug collecting. Sierra & I hung together because there are no teenagers. After a bit we all decided to go out for lunch.
Uncle John just had both knees replaced the first part of June and so he is gingerly walking around, but is doing much better than I expected. He is not even using his cane. He had just come from physical therapy and I could tell he was tired and sore. So he wanted to keep moving...it feels better to walk than to stand he said. We got to drive him home after lunch and it was nice to talk one on one. He is such an amazing guy! I sure love my family!
We all visited for a bit and then Sierra and I had to head back because she had dance and I am watching Skyler in the morning. So we packed the kids gear in Holly's car, kissed & hugged the kids goodbye and they were off to the park. She's a brave woman...good luck Holls!!
I accidentally took a wrong turn that took me an hour in the wrong direction, but we eventually made it back to the right path. As many times as I have been to Star Valley, I have never driven. So it was fun to find my way. It's such a gorgeous drive. It was down to one lane in Evanston for some reason, so it took an HOUR to get through there. We finally made it back to Salt Lake 5 hours later. Ugh. When we realized we could have driven to Vegas in the same amount of time we had driven that day, we wished we would have ended up somewhere fun instead of just back home...oh well.
So the plan is for the kids to stay until Friday and then I will meet Holly in Evanston so I don't have to drive the whole distance again...but we will see how long the kids last. I miss them already. They had a campfire last night with marshmallows & hotdogs. How fun!!! I hope they behave!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Vegas Baby 09
We made our annual trek to Vegas for the Stars National Dance Competition. The kids, Grama Laura, Grama Dodie, and I, drove down in the Big Blue Dodge Truck. It had tons of room for all of our bags in the back and although it has seating for six, we were a bit crammed inside. But we made it and the kids didn't even complain until we were an hour from home.
Montana performed her solo for the last time- and did such a fantastic job!! We were all so stinkin' proud of her. She has grown so much and I am so glad she decided to do it. She didn't place and therefore did not receive a trophy either- which really stunk--but she didn't dwell on it and was still proud of herself.
Sierra and Montana were both able to dance in a Master Workshop with Dennis Caspary who is a fantastic choreographer/teacher. They both had a great time and were able to do something way out of their comfort zone and learn from someone new. Sierra was in the advanced class and Montana was in the beginning class. However- I think the choreography was equally hard in both classes. It was a good experience for both of them.
Sierra's team danced up a storm and they all felt great about their routines. We LOVE going to Vegas and seeing the teams from around the country. Every state has their own style and it's fascinating to see. The Shows were amazing, tons of fantastic choreography, beautiful costumes, and some of the best technique I have ever seen. Sierra's team ended up not placing in their class dances and took 3rd in show. She was upset about it- but it didn't last long. We had such a great time enjoying all the fantastic talent that it was a dance lovers paradise.
The trip was relaxing and enjoyable. It was super sunny!!! We had no set plans- just kind of did whatever we felt like, and went where the wind blew us. We were so happy to have sunshine on our skin and heat in the air!! It has been so rainy and blah in SLC for weeks that it was really a boost to be by the pool. We stayed at the Flamingo- which was soooo nice about 10 years ago when we stayed there. Now it is a bit run down and not somewhere we would stay again. However, the kids loved the pool. The hotel was soooo crowded and the pool was a serious party palace full of tattoos, smoking and alcohol. I seriously felt out of place. Not very family friendly- but the kids didn't even notice it. There was a fantastic series of slides and waterfalls, and the pool was only 3.5 feet everywhere. So they were in heaven. We were lucky to get one night at the pool that was not very crowded. But it was such a mess from the party happenings all day (cigarette butts and beer bottles/glasses) -that it was hard to relax and enjoy. But that certainly didn't stop us from being right in the middle of it all.
We drove up and down the strip one night (took two hours :-)) and stopped at the famous original Las Vegas sign and took pics. That was probably the highlight of the trip and something we had never done before in all the years we have been going there (18 years?). We also went to Margaritaville (a restaurant) and it was amazing. Jimmy Buffet music playing loudly, boats, flip flops, balloon artists on stilts, singing, a volcano, and of course Margaritas!! Our funnest adventure was going to the Miracle Mile Mall that was only a couple blocks away- but it was so crowded and crazy it felt like miles. We found fantastic shops and bought some fun stuff. Justice and Tana loved the M&M factory that they went to with their dad and Sierra spent some time at the Venetian hotel pool with her dad. So we all had a great time!
5 days flew by and we weren't ready to come home. But here we are back in the hometown- and it looks like we dragged some sunshine home with us!! YES!!
Montana performed her solo for the last time- and did such a fantastic job!! We were all so stinkin' proud of her. She has grown so much and I am so glad she decided to do it. She didn't place and therefore did not receive a trophy either- which really stunk--but she didn't dwell on it and was still proud of herself.
Sierra and Montana were both able to dance in a Master Workshop with Dennis Caspary who is a fantastic choreographer/teacher. They both had a great time and were able to do something way out of their comfort zone and learn from someone new. Sierra was in the advanced class and Montana was in the beginning class. However- I think the choreography was equally hard in both classes. It was a good experience for both of them.
Sierra's team danced up a storm and they all felt great about their routines. We LOVE going to Vegas and seeing the teams from around the country. Every state has their own style and it's fascinating to see. The Shows were amazing, tons of fantastic choreography, beautiful costumes, and some of the best technique I have ever seen. Sierra's team ended up not placing in their class dances and took 3rd in show. She was upset about it- but it didn't last long. We had such a great time enjoying all the fantastic talent that it was a dance lovers paradise.
The trip was relaxing and enjoyable. It was super sunny!!! We had no set plans- just kind of did whatever we felt like, and went where the wind blew us. We were so happy to have sunshine on our skin and heat in the air!! It has been so rainy and blah in SLC for weeks that it was really a boost to be by the pool. We stayed at the Flamingo- which was soooo nice about 10 years ago when we stayed there. Now it is a bit run down and not somewhere we would stay again. However, the kids loved the pool. The hotel was soooo crowded and the pool was a serious party palace full of tattoos, smoking and alcohol. I seriously felt out of place. Not very family friendly- but the kids didn't even notice it. There was a fantastic series of slides and waterfalls, and the pool was only 3.5 feet everywhere. So they were in heaven. We were lucky to get one night at the pool that was not very crowded. But it was such a mess from the party happenings all day (cigarette butts and beer bottles/glasses) -that it was hard to relax and enjoy. But that certainly didn't stop us from being right in the middle of it all.
We drove up and down the strip one night (took two hours :-)) and stopped at the famous original Las Vegas sign and took pics. That was probably the highlight of the trip and something we had never done before in all the years we have been going there (18 years?). We also went to Margaritaville (a restaurant) and it was amazing. Jimmy Buffet music playing loudly, boats, flip flops, balloon artists on stilts, singing, a volcano, and of course Margaritas!! Our funnest adventure was going to the Miracle Mile Mall that was only a couple blocks away- but it was so crowded and crazy it felt like miles. We found fantastic shops and bought some fun stuff. Justice and Tana loved the M&M factory that they went to with their dad and Sierra spent some time at the Venetian hotel pool with her dad. So we all had a great time!
5 days flew by and we weren't ready to come home. But here we are back in the hometown- and it looks like we dragged some sunshine home with us!! YES!!
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