Thursday, August 21, 2008

saying good bye, seeing DC, and home at last

We got to stay a few unexpected days in Utah so we were able to say better good byes to everyone. This is the only good bye I got a picture of. Love you Grandma and Grandpa!Riding in style, the kids were in heaven, they didn't want the ride to end. I will take business class over coach any day. We were served drinks in glass cups, and a napkin was laid out on the tray before our salads were served. We got our personal TV to watch, with a variety of shows. What a way to travel.

Kaden taking advantage of the reclining seats.

The world travelers (well maybe not world) waiting for the shuttle to our hotel.

The next day we went to the Smithsonian to see the Space and Air Museum, while we awaited the arrival of Kevin.
Yea, we have our dad back. We went driving around to find a Walmart to get snacks for the next day and ran into a mini golf coarse. We stopped for some family bonding. I won!!!!
The next day we went to all the monuments, the following pictures are the kids posed in front of all the famous monuments.
The Lincoln Memorial
The Washington Monument, we asked someone to take our picture, I don't think she realized we wanted the monument in the background.
A better picture of the Washington Monument
The Jefferson Memorial
The kids resting inside the Jefferson Memorial after the long walk
A yummy restaurant recommended by Weston.
The State Capital
The White House
We took the kids to a Washington Nationals game. I think it was the highlight of the trip.
We got the nose bleed section, we were on the very top row, but snuck down closer after the first couple of innings, Kaden caught a shirt that they were shooting out of a cannon. The Nationals lost to the Rockies, but we had a great time.
Last stop of the trip the Zoo were we got to see Pandas, hippos, elephants, gorilla, and so much more. It was a great trip, very exhausting, but I have always wanted to got there and now I have.

We left DC a day earlier than planned so we decided to go to the beach, Emerald Isle to be exact. It was a nice cool day, the water was a great temperature, but it wasn't to hot for those who do not like to go in the ocean (me).

Baywatch the next generation.

Kali the little mermaidKaden and his Mountain Dew photo shoot. He just looked so cute I had to take a picture.

Then Kali wanted in on the action and did her own Mountain Dew advertisement.
Whats the beach with out a photo shoot.
Tanner only cooperated because I was to pay him a quarter for every picture. I never agreed but it worked. He let me take a few pictures
My favorite picture. Not that the rest are not cute, this one just turned our so good.
My cute little kiddies. We miss Utah already but it is nice to get back to reality. We have already signed up for Fall Ball, and we get to meet the kids teachers, and get Tanner's schedule tonight. We also get to enjoy the Watermelon festival this weekend.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Well our summer fun is ALMOST over

Here I am writing from Washington DC. No we did not get stuck in a random airport, this was planned. Kevin has done nothing this summer besides study and work, so he was in desperate need for a vacation. He wanted to go to DC. So instead of us flying into Raleigh (which was over sold) we decided to leave a few days later and go directly to DC. It was a very good decision. We got right on the first flight out in the morning, and hardly had time to get lunch in Chicago before we got to ride business class all the way to DC (stand by does have a good side). It went so smoothly, way different than our experience earlier this summer. We are spending the next 3 days here and seeing all the sights. I will fill you all in when I get home. I would like to thank all who were involved in our great trip this summer. First off Papa for the plane tickets, mom and dad for the great house and hospitality, I have to grow up now and shop and cook my own meals. My great brothers and sisters for having fun with us all summer. Thanks for everyone for the great time. It was so great seeing everyone, to many to name.

Monday, August 4, 2008

A quick over view of LP

First day, all the cute cousins minus My who was sleeping.

We had the pleasure of the Nut family the first half of the trip.

Our first camp sight
My pathetic attempt of a turtle
Kali on the White board
Kali and I hiked up to the Indian ruins.

Wes and Kaden kayaking to the Indian ruins
The kids cooling off


The girls
Grand kid picture
The boys
Grandma and Kali kayaking
Tanner getting ready to wake board
Kaden getting ready to wake board
Kaden cliff jumping.  All the kids were very brave, Tanner, Kaden and Kali all jumped about 30 feet.

Do you see the air Tanner got

Getting ready to battle on the tubes
My sand carving creation
Kali and Grandpa carving something

The star of our movie "Bat".  Amy went to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and a bat just about attacked her.  So that is the plot of our movie.
The little spot on the mountain top is my dad
Family photo, we sure miss our dad
cute sleepers
Driving the boat back to the slip
What a great Lake Powell trip thank you Dad.