Friday, August 20, 2010

My First Road Trip

And I'm pretty sure this post will be longer than our trip was. I have been meaning to get these pics up for so long, and I was going to break it up but that never happened, so here it is...a giant, longer than life post about our trip to Utah and Idaho in July. We started off in Beaver (big surprise...who here is sick of hearing about how great Beaver is?) But my family was talking up how great the 24th of July is, and I just had to witness it for myself. It was pretty much awesome. The parade was seriously legit...both sides of main street lined with people. Everyone excited and involved. It was the best parade (and you know me, I don't just say that about parades) ever! Above are the Grand Marshalls...my cute aunt and uncle. They basically own Beaver...everyone knows them and loves them. They were so kind to us while we were there, accommodating us and letting us join in their fun, even while they were super busy getting ready for everything. Thanks guys, you're the best!This is Caroline and Andrea with little Camry, just a little older than Carly. It's sad but I barely know my cousins because we lived so far away growing up, but I'm grateful for the chance to get to know them better now, and they are the nicest, most fun girls with great families!
We talked Jenni and Michael into joining us too, it was the best! They are too good to my kids.
A super old wagon...Brigham Young's in fact. I thought this was pretty neat.
Don't know these kids, just wanted to show off how serious people were about their candy. I had to dig through my diaper bag and dump out some snacks to get E a weak sandwich bag. He (with the help of Michael) totally scored.
I love this picture. They had lots of games and festivities at the park after the parade, and while E loved the bouncy house, he did not love the slide. See that face sticking out at the top? Yea, he stayed up there for about 5 minutes before I had to hike up there and take him down with me. Just like me when I was little. I can't tell you how many times I climbed the stairs to the high dive only to climb back down them.
After Beaver we headed to Orem to stay with Jenni and and Michael for a couple days. They were great hosts. They have the cutest apartment and a great little life there in Orem, I'm so happy for them. We watched LOTS of 24...it's way fun watching it with people who have never seen it before. So intense! It was so much fun! I love having them live closer and are the most fun aunt and uncle ever. They spoiled us in so many ways; entertaining my kids, cooking delicious food for us...thanks guys, we love you so much!
Jenni and Michael were nice enough to drive to South Jordan with me so I could see my roommate and her brand new baby. She was too new to have little kids around, so they played at the park with E and Carly so I could hold baby Kallie in peace. I can't even say thank you enough...I never get to see any of my roommates, and Chrissy was one of my favorites. Catching up with her was so much fun.
Easton helping Mikey fix the car. He thought that was pretty cool. And so did Carly.

After leaving Orem, Boise was our next stop, but I wanted something to do to wear out the kids a little before making them ride in a car for 6 hours. So, we went to the Dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point. I'm so glad I did because it was so cool and Easton really loved it. He's super into dinosaurs right now so it was perfect timing.


We got some good pictures and he even got some dinosaurs with skin and muscles (he has a small dinosaur skeleton and for weeks he has been saying that he wanted dinosaurs with skin and muscles). He was happy.
Besides seeing Jenni and Michael, I mainly wanted to spend time in Utah to see new babies! Chrissy and I met our freshman year at Ricks and then were roommates the next year. She. Is. Awesome. Basically after I got married and moved I never heard from her again until I found her blog. It was so much fun to see her and her cutest little baby. Thanks for letting me stop by Chrissy (and for letting E use your bathroom), I miss you already!!
And then onto this cutest baby Everett!!!! Court and I have been friends since birth and I was so happy that she finally has a studly, handsome little baby of her own, and that he was born just in time for me to come and snuggle him...even though I didn't get to snuggle him nearly enough because Carly thinks she's the only one who gets my lap. By this time, after the museum, both my kids were a tad OVER tired, so I felt like we barely got to chat. Sorry Court. But your baby is scrumptious and I can already tell you're going to be super mom. You look beautiful and so natural with a baby. Love you, thanks for letting us come visit even though it was crazy!!!
Back in the car, almost to Boise. Carly doesn't sleep in the car for long periods of time. E was pretty much perfect during all car rides, but not this little girl. This is me getting desperate with about an hour to go until grandma's house. Chocolate everywhere.
When we lived in Nampa before moving to Vegas, we went to Lucky Peak (or as the kids call it, Sneaky Peak). E was younger than Carly, so it was fun to go back there with everyone older and a couple new cousins. This was one of the only times we got to see Uncle Ryan. He works too hard. I love this picture of him and Easton. They were playing ball, but here they are just having a conversation. Probably about boy stuff. Ryan and Aimee are expecting a baby in November and we're so excited for them (since she refuses to blog, I get to announce it on mine)!!Look she's smiling! That water looks gross.

The weather in Boise was amazing. Cool at night and in the mornings, and this day there was a storm...perfect for reading and ignoring kids.
Grandpa and Grandma and Kir took Easton to go see some trains, which of course he loved. It
was so much fun to see everyone, but I feel like it was so short! Easton had a blast playing with his cousins (which I just realized I got NO pictures of) and jumping on the trampoline, and just being outside! I also got to visit with Ilene again (always fun to see you!!), read, have lots of help with kids, and watch SYTYCD with Aimee, Ryan and Kir...which is so much more fun than watching it with Steve. SUCH A FUN TRIP!

I'd say it was a pretty successful road trip...and on the way back we were lucky enough to have Grandma and Aimee ride back with us, so I had lots of help! That will be the next post. We had a super fun visit with them!

12 comments:

Alifinale said...

And now you are leaving me again. At least I get to see what fun you had while you were gone. I love all the pictures and recapping. Carly with the chocolate is awesome. I love how happy Easton looks at the dinosaur museum. Fun times.

Kara said...

The Beaver parade looks a LOT like Panaca on the 24th of July. You gotta come check out their parade one of these days. That dinosaur museum looks awesome! I have no idea why we didn't take Nathan there last summer. I'm glad Easton now has a dino with skin and muscles! That's hilarious! I had no idea you got to see so many people in UT. We should take a road trip up there again soon cause I have lots of people I could go see too. I'll go with ya! Wait, we need a bigger car! Shoot! Well, have a blast on this trip and we can't wait till you get back!

Christi said...

I am so jealous that you get to go on these trips! I love that picture of Easton peering his head over the slide. I still can't believe that Carly is in a forward facing seat!!! Glad you had fun!

Lani said...

I love all the pics! You can make a 6 hour road trip with two little kids sound so exciting! You were brave to take on such a challenge. We love every minute we were able to spend time with you! Love you! Lani Give those adorable kids kisses and hugs from granilani. And tell Easton oweeeuuuu as he wipes it off!

Courtenay Beth said...

Oh my gosh Em, looks SO fun! It was so so so good to see you, and THANKS again for treating me to lunch! It was nice to chat, but never ever long enough! I love you, you are such a cute mom, and your kids are so precious! More fun please!

Matt and Shannon said...

So, you are going to be in town for a few days now? :) What a nice way to end the summer - with a nice fat road trip!

Brianne said...

That's my kind of road trip...I drive and others care for the kids! Sounds like a blast!!

Rebecca and Nick said...

We were at that same museum at Thanksgiving Point last week! Way cool. I did the same thing with Teslyn, but gave her a sucker to get her to last a little longer in the car. Makes for cute pictures!!

Brynne, Aaron and Cade said...

looks like such a fun trip! I loved all the pictures. hopefully my kids will make it in a future post from your oregon trip...if we can ever get together. :)

Carol and Bruce said...

You are so brave to make all your trips with the kids and thankfully we benifit from that. Glad you had fun in Utah and Beaver does have the BEST 24th of July ever!
Love all the pictures.

Jenni said...

I am SO glad you blogged this because I need to steal your pictures!! I LOVE that one of Michael and I playing with Easton! I am so glad you had a fun trip and we loved every second with you guys! I miss you guys lots!

And the dinosaur place looks SO FUN!!! I'm glad Easton had fun and I'm sad i missed it!

Anonymous said...

Glad you got to see the parade. Yes, dad does own Beaver (wonder if it's in the will?). He told your mom he was locking the door so she couldn't get in. :) See? that is proof!