We had a wonderful trip to Colorado to celebrate the 4th of July, aka my birthday. We also celebrated Jodi's 2nd year birthday (7/12) and Dustin's birthday (7/16). The drive to Craig was long. All of my schemes to save money went down the tubes. We took the van and were happy we took the van as we had SO much stuff with us. We had to put Noah's bike in the van with us because it wouldn't fit on the bike carrier. The adult bikes with the toddler seats took up to much room. The kids were happy to take the van. We had a nice pleasant drive. A little rain, cool weather- windows rolled down for some of it. It was great.
We spent the 3rd just having fun. We took a 2 hour bike ride around the town and played at the park. Noah learned to climb a hill on his bike and learned the joy and freedom of coming down a hill on a bike. He wanted more. While riding up a hill we actually came upon a mother deer and her 2 fawns. It was totally awesome. The kids loved the wildlife at the Grandparents' home!
The kids were hot after the bike ride so we pullled out the wading pool. Daniel started pulling his clothes off in the front lawn and was naked before I even turned around! He was too excited! I swear my kids were not raised in a barn!
Grandma took Noah on an adventure into the dark of the basement. Noah was determined to see what was down there. When we were all napping, Grandma finally took him down into the dungeon!
While my mom slaved over the potato salad, we booted the kids out of the kitchen and had some good mother- daughter bonding time in. I always love talking to my mom. She has some great advice and always tries to show her love to all her children.
Next stop was the one Criag feature that is really cool- the wave pool. The kids had a blast- they are so Arizona though. Jodi was shivereing and done the second we got in the pool. She didn't last long. Noah lasted a little longer, Daniel could have kept swimming all night. They were so ready for bed when we got home that night.
Once the kids were in bed, I had some great Daddy- daughter bonding time with my dad. We went star gazing in his totally awesome telescope. We saw Jupiter with all 4 moons, and Saturn with the rings totally visible. We also so Mars and star clusters. It was so fun being out at night looking into the heavens. There is something so awe inspiring as you gaze the heavens on a clear night. It was beautiful and I will always remember that experience.
July 4th:
Noah woke me up with a special,"Happy Birthday Mom" hug and kiss- there's nothing better than that! After our fun filled day before this day was very relaxing. Jodi opened her "Big girl" presents: a doll that cries when you squeeze the hand, a doll stroller and a doll bottle set. She was in heaven and is quite the little mommy. The grandparent's scored big with the Disney Princesses doll set. She loves them a lot.
We had a yummy Tinker Bell cake and a relaxing day. The kids had a great time making friends at the Fireworks display. It was fun. The finale is really something extraordinary. It is one of the biggest fireworks display we have seen- bigger than the big city displays even. It was fun. Daniel wasn't feeling the greatest and actually fell asleep during the fireworks, even the finale wasn't enough to wake him up!
We left Craig the next day, Noahw as in tears to leave the Grandparents. The kids had so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Lief. It was sad for all of us to have to say goodbye. We drove to Steamboat and stopped to get family pictures at Fish Creek Falls, a beautiful waterfall just outside Steamboat. Then we had a wet drive over the Colorado Rocky Mountains to Parker, just south of Denver for a couple day visit with my older sister, Elisa and her kids, Gavin and Rianne.
The kids had so much fun playing, bike riding, freezing in another Colorado swimming pool, bubbles and toys. They were so active and had so much fun with their cousins. It was sad to say goodbye to them as well.
After a 15 hour drive we made it back home to AZ safe and sound. I am now ready for a vacation from my vacation!
3 comments:
Dang! Gavin is tall! All the kids are adorable, and I find it quite funny that all five cousins smile exactly the same way. I'm glad you had fun and am sad I couldn't have been there too. Here's hoping for next summer!
Wow...what a trip! I'm so jealous that you got to see so many great things in the sky through the telescope. I've always been so interested in astronomy. I hope you're all recovered from such a big trip!
Sounds like so much fun! We go to CO too! We love it there. We have thought of moving there a time or too! Hey, by-the-way, I updated my blog FINALLY, I know!
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