Wanna know...

...what happens when you send the kids to the main street candy shop to choose one treat each for the Cody Stampede rodeo later that night?

Buffalo Bill Dam

My dad has been volunteering at the dam for the last couple of years...and don't tell the visitor's centers, but the kids' favorite part of the entire experience was riding to and from the building in the club car driven by our very fabulous chauffeur, Grandpa.

The Cabin 2010

Josie had a fantastic time "driving" the 4-wheeler all across the
 back porch...and as you can tell, Max was a great 
play-along passenger.

This girl is always willing to strike a pose.

Ella died and went to heaven simply from the fact that she
got to drive the 4-wheelers this year. Max is willing to pony on
the back of anyone driving the machines...

The kids got dose of the pioneer spirit by being hauled in a
wagon - Grandpa style.

A face only a mother could love...is that marshmallow in her nostril?

....the other day, I saw a bear, a great big bear, the other day...

Perhaps you can guess who won this wrestling match?

This 12 point buck was definitely worth mounting.

Oh Give Me A Home....

Get ready - get set for a slew of hometown Wyoming posts!  We had another great visit this year...can't imagine summer without it.  Giddyup!

*This photo is taken just on the way to the cabin with just a few miles left to go. 

Tarzan - The Musical

Probably THE highlight of our St. George trip was seeing Tarzan in the outdoor theatre at Tuachan. (The only place it has ever been shown off of Broadway.) We splurged for front row seats which was totally worth it because the beginning of the show starts with a shipwreck and tons and tons of water came rolling straight towards us and the drains were literally inches from our feet.  We even got a little wet!  The show didn't start until 8:00 p.m. so we swam early and napped the kids late and everyone was well behaved and totally engaged in the show. Such a fun night!

Summer Kick-Off in St. George

The last couple of summers we have experienced some chilly June days. If felt like as soon as the kids were let out of school, we'd end up kicking off the summers indoors.  Boo!  This June, we decided to trump that idea all together and headed down to St. George for a WARM summer kick off like no other.   The week after school was over, we hit the highway southbound. We swam every day at the pool, played pickleball, football, and found a new waterpark. We wanted WARM and we got HOT!  Long live summer!

                      

Spring Break 2010 - La Quinta, CA

St. George 2010

Our favorite place to get away this time of year is St. George to visit Grandma and Grandpa Smiley.  We're only slightly jealous that they get to spend their entire winter here in short sleeves, warm weather (it was 65 glorious degrees!) and surrounded by the gorgeous red rocks we love.  This year Josie and I left a couple days earlier than the rest of the family to squeeze in an entire week of R and R. Pure Heaven!  Once the family arrived (we even had Uncle Dave, Kate and Cody, and Uncle John and Aunt Chris and Mark and Cody) we jam packed in the fun over the holiday weekend including - pickleball, walks with Grandma, hunting for golf balls, swimming and biking. We even took the kids on a "Valentines Date" to In n Out and Percy Jackson.  We were a little sad to be making the trek back home to the cold and dreary north for school on Wednesday.  Thanks family for such a wonderful week!

The Happiest Place on Earth...Again

I honestly can't believe I'm doing another Disneyland post. But yes, we did it...AGAIN! Grammy and Paca came and we met our sweet Arizona cousins for a few days of pure Disney bliss. There is nothing on earth like Disneyland in December. If you want an idea of how the kids felt, take a look at Max in the picture with Mickey. We're laughing at that still! (He had just conquered California Screamin' and was so proud!) What a way to kick off December. Thanks Mickey!

Story Deli

School house tables, vintage mirrors, cardboard stools, and chalkboard menus. Not to mention the yummiest organic pizzas with the craziest toppings. It's been about 7 weeks since we've eaten there (right off Brick Lane in London) and I'm craving to get back. Who's coming with me?

The Loot

Don't you love to pick out that perfect little find to bring back to your kids from vacation? After countless shops and markets (oh you know I loved every minute of it) here is what I brought home for my little lovelies. Top to bottom - Kalli to Josie. Click to enlarge.