Great Basin Trip

Hi guys,

So we had our family vacation with Dad's side of the family 2 weeks ago. We drove to Great Basin National Park. We picked that place because it wasn't too far away (I really don't like driving far with you Baby) and because we had heard the cave at the park was really fun. 

We passed through a lot of little towns on the way. When we passed this old gas station I made Dad turn around so I could take pictures of it. It was so quaint, and from such a different time. I was glad we stopped because the pictures turned out pretty sweet, and I put them on my other photography blog:

We stopped in Delta for lunch with Grammie and Aunt Kayleen. It was fun to try the local hamburger place and we even had a yummy shake!
When we got to Baker Nevada we found our campsite. I was a little sad because it was just dirt, and it was so hot! Luckily there were a few trees. Here is Uncle John's picture of our group:

After we were all set up, we drove into the park and did a short hike. The elevation changed so much it was almost cold up there. It felt awesome for hiking:

After Aunt Kayleen made us dinner, we found this park in Baker and let you kids play. It was actually a pretty decent park for such a small town and you guys had a ton of fun:

The next morning Aunt Rashelle made breakfast and then we were off for some more hiking. Here are 2 of Uncle John's pictures from our outing:

 We made it to this first lake. It was pretty, so we took some family pictures:

Then we were off to find another lake. We passed trees that all the boys wanted to climb:

Here we are at the second lake. The water was crazy cold, so mostly you guys just threw rocks into it:

As we were hiking back down the trail, we noticed that our trail connected to another trail where we could see these cool old trees called Bristlecone Pines. They are thousands of years old, so we though we'd venture over and see them. Lulu, you were too tired so you went back down with Grammie. Hammer, you and Dad and Baby went up and back down quickly because Baby was ready to be out of the backpack. Mr T, you kept up with me and Aunt Kayleen. When we were almost at the top Uncle Dave put you in his backpack and you were happy to stay there until we were back at the cars. Well, you did get out once for a potty and picture break. I was glad we went out of our way to see these trees. They were amazing:

After a picnic lunch we had a tour of Lehman Caves. Here is Uncle John standing by the entrance with Mr T afterward:

This picture is from Dad's phone:

The caves were really cool. Everyone except Baby really enjoyed it. Baby, you didn't love the dark or the fact that you couldn't touch anything and go explore at your own speed.
Then it was time for you kids to do your Junior Ranger workbooks. All 3 of you big kids did the work and got a cool badge after you were sworn in by the real ranger.
Dad and I made dinner and then we went back to the park to wait until it was dark. We were super excited to see the astronomy program and look through the rangers telescopes. Unfortunately, after the 45 minute presentation you guys were so tired. We stood in line for about 10 minutes but it just wasn't working out. So we left and stopped on the side of the road to do a little of our own star gazing. We did see a lot of stars and the milky way and shooting stars. I tried to take a picture, but my camera won't stay open long enough. This was the best I got:

The next morning Grammie and John made breakfast and then it was already time to clean up the campsite. Here's Mr T in our tent while Dad's getting it all put away:

On the way out we made a quick stop at the Visitor Center so I could get a passport stamp in the National Park passports I made you guys:

Not far from Delta is this place where the Japanese Americans were placed during World War 2. Dad and I thought it would be cool to see the place where the camp was, but after finally finding it way out in the middle of nowhere and getting awfully close to empty on our gas gauge, we were pretty disappointed to see this is what remains:

Not much. But I'm still glad we saw it since we may not be in Delta again for a long long time.
You guys did great in the car. We stopped for lunch in Delta again and then you were ready for the rest of the ride home. We were lucky that Grammie was in our car and she offered to buy us Mexican food. Dad and I had just planned on peanut butter sandwiches, so tacos were a nice treat!
Baby, you started getting fussy about Salt Lake, but we made it all the way home without a melt down! And you all slept better than I expected, except for Lulu. Lulu, you just have a really hard time sleeping in a sleeping bag I guess. You were lucky Grammie let  you sleep in her motel bed the second night. Since you slept better than I expected I am thinking about doing one last camping trip nearby before the summer's up. What do you say?
Love you my camping buddies,
Mom

7/4/15

Hi guys,

This year on the 4th of July we went down to Salt Lake.
I had your clothes all laid out the night before so we could hurry in the morning. I love dressing you all in Red White and Blue:

We started the day off with the candy parade and the fair by Great Grandma's house, just like I used to do when I was little!
Here you are, ready for the parade to start with Grandma and Grandpa. Mr T, you cracked me up with your bad ready to catch candy even before it started:

You guys were excited to see Jordan and Laura of course:

The parade starts with noisy fire trucks and police men, and then we get more candy and popsicles than we know what to do with. Seriously, we are still eating the candy. Most of the parade entries are kids on bikes, but there are a few floats. Lulu, you enjoyed these princesses that came by:

We had Aunt Laura take Baby back to Grandma's while the 3 kids went to the fair with me. That worked out well since it was hot and we were there in the crowds for over an hour.
I bought some tickets and we had fun doing all the games. Hammer, you refuse to do any kind of bouncy blow up toy. One time you were on one when it started leaking and collapsing on the kids. So I don't blame you for staying clear of them. Lulu and Mr T, you guys used a bunch of your tickets here though.  Look at Lulu going down the big slide. Was that the perfect time to take a picture or what? You were a little bit scared!:

And Mr T, you liked this obstacle course too:

We walked back to our car and stopped to take pictures by this flag:

And then it was off to Great Grandma's for hot dogs and marbles and movies and cousins and sprinklers:

Cutie girls:

Just before we left we sang Happy Birthday to Great Grandpa, of course!:

We played outside when we got home. It was perfect weather! Then a storm blew through and a ton of dirt started flying around. I could hardly see just down our street! Look at our flag blowing so hard:

So we moved into the backyard and we were just about to go to sleep when Mr T, you fell off the back of the slide and hit your head on the cement curbing! It split the back of your head open. Luckily Dad was home to help me decide that you did indeed need stitches and to help me find a place that was open! We finally found a clinic up in Layton that I drove you to. Here you are watching the movie in the waiting room:

You were really brave Mr T, even when the Dr said you would need staples in your head. When you heard that word you said "STAPLES? NO!" but we reassured you that they would be ok. You needed them to help keep your skin closed while it healed. The worst part was getting the shots to numb the area, and then you were good to go.

We left just in time to see people setting off fireworks all around us from their homes. It was really cool to see as we drove down the freeway! We loved it. We saw Lagoon all lit up too, with fireworks all around. Of course in my picture you can only see the ferris wheel:

When we got home the other kids were in bed already. So after a bath to clean you up, just you and I and Dad tried to see some big fireworks through the trees in our yard. We saw enough to make me happy, and then off you went to bed.

So that was our 4th. This holiday is always one of my favorites, and it was fun to relive my childhood a little this year. I love our country and I love how everyone is celebrating all over the country at the same time. It's fun to feel that connection and unity and pride, if only for a day.
This year there was excitement all around huh? Let's just try to keep you away from Instacare for a while though, ok Mr T?
Love you my patriotic party animals,
Mom

Our Summer - Weeks 5 & 6

Our Summer -Weeks 3 & 4 -

June Edition

Here are pictures from my phone, that haven't been posted in previous posts.
Life lately:

Getting stitches:

 Baby, you were so good while we waited for brother:

 Getting a bunch of prizes for being so brave:

Playing at Station Park on Family Night Monday:

 After the dentist. Baby, you had your first visit, and you kind of hated it. You cried when he tried to peak in your mouth.

 But Mr T, you were super brave, and pretty proud of this mustache that was your prize:

 The last day of school! Hammer, you made a card for your teacher:

 And I made apple coasters for you and Lulu to give to your teachers:

Nutella face:

A card I found from Hammer to Dad:

 A card I made for a baby shower that Lulu and I went to:

Our first summer day trip! You guys loved the dino park:

 We met some friends at the park one day:

 And we always have fun at our splash pad. This was the first time we went this summer:

 Library summer reading kick-off. Look at my cute super heros:

 And a great action shot of Lulu finishing the obstacle course by leaping over buildings:

 Lulu trying out our new sewing cards:

 Yay, it's summer!

 Oh, one day I made a million burritos and then froze them for lunches:

 The card we gave Dad on Father's day:

We went up to Grammie's last weekend to play while Dad helped Grammie in her yard. Baby, you were cracking me up with the glasses:

We got kids meals one night, and Mr T was pretty happy about it!