I'm Back...

I'm back from a nice vacation with the fam.  The kids are off track, so we went to Las Vegas with Mr. D and enjoyed some amazingly warm weather, while Mr. D had some work to do.  We went to a different park everyday and had frozen yogurt everyday... in fact, it was so warm that the kids were complaining it was too hot. Funny. Their little bodies just didn't have time to adjust! They went from snow & freezing cold, to hot & sunny 80-90 degree weather. We surprised the kids with a little 2 day trip to Cali too. Loved my time with the kids, however, I had a hard time being disconnected from the computer for a week. I usually put the kids to bed and hop on the computer... well, I guess the bonus to no internet is more sleep. :) I now have a lot to catch up with, but am always grateful for playtime with my kiddos. Will post more photos later.

Island Park, Idaho with Family

We had such a great time with our family in Island Park. It is such a beautiful place, such a gorgeous lake, and there is so much to do! We loved it!

My lovely parents, siblings, and niece and nephew

a beautiful Springs that is very clear and cold

fishing for craw dads! They don't look appetizing, but if you like lobster, you'll enjoy these!

Nana had the kids doing some fun art projects.

Jared was always right-on-top of the creation of our nightly fire.

Sea-dooing was too much fun! Water was cold, but did not scare Shaun from skiing and Jared from Knee-boarding.

The lake was just beautiful!

There are so many fun and beautiful cabins surrounding the lake.
Here is my A-girl hanging out and playing in the sand.

Yellowstone was beautiful and chilly! What are the chances we chose the same day to go to Yellowstone as President Barrack Obama? Needless to say, it was a bit crowded.

Fun family times!

My three little bears
and my little monkey!

Star Valley with the Felts Family

It was so good to be with our long-time-friends: the Felts. We all love Star Valley so it is so fun to go together and let the kiddos have lots-o-fun! They had their fill of raspberry picking, "hunting," making forts, and looking for squirrels. We went up Grays Canyon for a great Rhino and 4-wheeling ride. The guys got to do a bit of fishing on the Grays River and then on the Madison River. We had square ice cream cones on our scenic drive to Island park and then they were able to hang-out with us in Island Park for a bit. Fun times! We can't wait for our next vacation with them. Meggan and I have been friends for over 20 years! We've been through a lot together and have had many fun times together. It is sure nice to have life-long friends! Love you Meg! And love your darling family!

Red Rocks Las Vegas

While in Vegas a couple of weeks ago, we took a nice hike one beautiful evening in Red Rocks. The kids always love scrambling up rocks, and incorporating a pretend sword fight or two. J-Boy has no idea how lucky he is to have a "time out" in such a beautiful location. Just remember J-Boy.... it doesn't get better than that for a punishment location! :) I can't wait until J-Boy doesn't want to escape constantly. He is such an explore bug! I-Man and A-Girl rally up any trail or mountain pretty good now. I love hiking with our little family.

"O" at the Bellagio

Finally! Finally! We have had our business in Vegas for almost 3 years, and in all those years I have been wanting to go to a Cirque Du Soleil show. It is hard to get away from the kiddos and we have not had a lot of babysitting options, but this time down, we were able to work something out. Mr. D did surprise me 2 years ago with a night out to see Celine Dion! I was so excited because I really wanted to see her perform before her show ended! She did not disappoint. Her show was amazing! I was also able to see Mama Mia with some of my friends during one of our girl vacations. But, there are so many shows to see here, and I love to go to shows! Broadway shows, musicals, plays... you name it. I miss going to them. So, thanks Mr. D! Thanks for a fun night out! I loved "O". It was eclectic and creative. It was beautiful and shocking. The talent of those performers is quite amazing! There is so much going on every moment that it is hard to take it all in. I think I need to see it again. :) Now, on my list for next time..... Phantom at the Venetian; KA, Mystere, and LOVE. Oh! and I would like to see the Lion King again. So, at the rate I'm going. It might take 5 years for me to complete this list! Good luck to me.

Vegas, baby, Vegas!

I have been trying to upload my Easter pictures for a week now, but we've been having computer issues. So, hopefully I can post those soon. Right now, I'm in Vegas with the family. Isaac is off track and we decided to take advantage of the time and enjoy the kid-friendly part of Vegas! Surprisingly, there is quite a bit to do here that the kiddos enjoy.

California Dreamin'

Mr. D had a business conference in San Diego last month, so we decided to make it a quick family trip to Cali! It was so amazing to get a little taste of warmth during this cold winter. Sometimes I wonder why we don't live in California. The climate is so wonderful! We were able to sneak a day in Legoland (and that is the last time we'll be doing that! :) Then, we were able to go to the beloved Disneyland for a day. It truly is the "happiest place." It is always so fun to take the kiddies there, and truth be told, I love it too. (so does Mr. D, but you'd have to catch him in the right mood for him to admit that!) That was our first vacation with four children. There were a few crazy moments, but for the most part, it was not too bad! I'm sure that will change in the future!