A few more photos...

Just in case you haven't had enough....

Family Vacation Photos and Experiences

Lydia was in the bathtub with Maren. After Maren got out, Lydia scooted to the end of the tub and said, "there is room for my friend." When asked who her friend was, she said, "Spencer." Curtis was visiting with Spencer this evening and Curtis asked him "What was his favorite part of the trip, playing with your cousins?" Spencer replied, "No, playing with Lydia." When Curtis queried Spencer about his second most favorite part of the trip, Spencer replied, "Talking to Grandma [on the phone.]"



As part of his fatherly duties, Andy was tasked with the mission of changing Carson's diaper. Previously, during dinner this evening, Carson was really grumpy. He cried like he was hungry but still was rather uncooperative during dinner. After dinner, Carson sat looking out the window and suddenly became very happy. It was at this junction that Andy was assigned to change the diaper.

Upon pulling off the babe's pants, Andy noticed that there was a bit o' yucky stuff around Carson's upper leg. To make matters worse, Carson would not lay flat on the bed; he insisted on turning over and wrestling. Quickly realizing that he was out-manned, Andy called for Kristy-mother. Upon her arrival, they pulled open the diaper for a sweet surprise. After the appropriate shrieks, they realized that drastic action was required. Within seconds, Kristy was covered in yuck. A quick decision was made to move the fight to the bathtub. After a nice bath, Carson was happy as a lark and clean as spring.

Family Vacation, Part 4

Curtis didn't want to wake up this morning. I guess he didn't enjoy getting chocolate milk for Lydia at 2am and then getting hit in the head with the cup! :) Today is "Man Day." So, the boys got up and got ready to go White Water Rafting on the Snake River. They left shortly after nine. We can tell it is nearing the end of our trip. The children are a little more grouchy. Everyone a little more sleepy. Gratefully, all but Lydia got in a nap today! As time progressed today we were all needing to leave the condo. No luck to go to a park because the weather wasn't cooperating. So, we piled the kids in the van, Maren screaming the whole way to Jackson and we went to McDonald's! Maren stopped screaming when she was out of her carseat. Lydia didn't have her ice cream cone. Instead, she ate my hot fudge sundae! Carson can eat a lot of ice cream!!! The boys called and said they were back, so we drove back to the condo. Maren screamed the whole way again. Does anyone want to take her back to Utah tomorrow???? ;)

As for the boys, they seemed to enjoy their trip, but wanted more adventure. They are thinking that they will try the Grand Canyon next for more exciting waters!

Family Vacation, Part 3

Sleeping update--I slept quite well. Curtis would have had he had a large blanket on the floor as he laid next to Lydia but was instructed to "stay off her pillow." Andy and Kristy--well, let's just say, it was there turn last night!!!! 3 am was the witching hour when Carson was up!!! Andy, Carson, and Maren have all had naps.

Today is titled: "Family Day." More to come after we do something as a family!!!

Well, Yellowstone was vetoed because people didn't want to drive far. So, we were going to go to the park. The cleaning lady came right before lunch and Andy talked to her, she said we had better hurry cause thunderstorms were coming. Besides, it is really awkward being here while she is cleaning. So, away we went to Jackson and finally settled on Wendy's for lunch. It was raining then, so we hit the streets of downtown Jackson to go see a few shops. We saw Bigfoot and other no-longer- live animals. Then, home again. What a family day, eh? Too bad the rain spoiled it.

We had an enjoyable walk this evening through the golf course and around the complex. We even saw a fox on the golf course! That was cool.

Andy, Kristy, and Curtis are showering now after getting out of the hot tub. The treat the men enjoyed tonight in the "tub" was Riblets!

Well, it is off to bed. Hopefully we can ALL sleep tonight! (fingers are crossed!)

Family Vacation, Part 2

Well, for the report on the night. Kristy woke hourly for no apparent reason. Curtis woke nearly hourly because of his sweet daughter who was sleeping on couch cushions on the floor. She needed chocolate milk which he gave her 3 times. The first time she woke up wanting to go home. Then Curtis couldn't hear her breathing, and got up to see if she was still sleeping okay. He couldn't see her in bed so he stepped closer, and stepped on her foot (she was on the floor, not in bed). This of course caused her to start crying, which also woke Maren, who began to cry. I had to take Maren out of the room so Lydia would calm back down. Finally, Lydia woke up because the blinds were not doing a good enough job and light was getting in her eyes. (I wondered why the high chair was brought into the bedroom -- it was supposed to hold the bottom of the blinds in position to seal out the light, but it didn't work.)

Today was "Girl's Day." After my Walk Aerobics (Curtis did it with me and entertained everyone), we left the boys with all four children. Kristy and I had a nice 4 hours out complete with lunch and shopping in Jackson. We came home to a "celestial" environment. There were no screaming children. They were all alive and had eaten lunch. To top it off, Maren was having a nap!!! WAHOO!! Our motherly duties quickly returned as everyone was hungry. So, we had a nice spaghetti dinner. Thank you, Kristy!

Lydia had a potent diaper that was changed in our bedroom and it left quite a stench (for a LONG time!!!)! Anyhow, later on, Spencer informed us that Lydia went into the "stinky room!" We don't need to watch the children too closely because Lydia and Spencer inform us regularly what the other is doing!

The second highlight of this day was when the children were all sleeping and the responsible adults were soaking in the hot tub. We had Twizzlers and Popcorn....the whole works. And in case you were wondering, the popcorn bowl floats. We will be doing this again tomorrow night!

Family Vacation, Part 1

We started out on our trip to Jackson Hole (or Jackson Hollow- as Spencer calls it) in the rain. It rained the whole drive, minus the part when it was snowing at 8300 ft. We stopped off in Pocatello where we met Adam, Andy's brother, for lunch at Applebee's. (Did you know that they aren't allowed to sell alcoholic beverages on Memorial Day? Yup, the bar was closed.) Lunch was fun. Adam kept the kids entertained with napkin flowers and pteradactyls among other things. We knew it was time to leave when Lydia was very "busy" and starting to produce an unappetizing aroma. (You will have to ask Curtis about that diaper change!!!) We had a lovely rainy drive to Idaho Falls, and along the scenic byway to Victor. Then, we moved into Wyomin'. Curtis and I enjoyed a peaceful ride as our children slept. Kristy and Andy were not as fortunate as Carson screamed the last hour before arriving to our destination! (Sorry about that.) We found our accomodations very fine. Downstairs we have two bedrooms with separate bathrooms and laundry room. Spencer has his own king size bed, bathroom, and flat screen television!! Upstairs there is a fine master suite (opposite side of the house-- so our children won't wake our traveling companions.) and master bath. We also have a family room and kitchen. Out the family room door, is a deck with a hot tub.

When I went to ask Spencer and Lydia if they wanted dinner, they were on my bed laying down. They replied, "We need to sleep. We were up too early." When I came back a few moments later, Lydia had all the pillows off and was ensconced in my bed! Spencer came out and said, "Um, Curtis, I think Lydia just peed in your bed!" :) Curtis ran rapidly to our room to find a false alarm. Tricky Spencer!

At dinner Spencer informed us that Lydia was "complicating" him. We assured him that what women do!

Dad

Today, Lydia went upstairs to help Curtis know what clothes he should wear. On the way back down, he said, "I'll give you a ride down on my back." Lydia jumped on and said, "Hop on Pop!" hehe

I had a good birthday. We went to church. I taught Mia Maids about temple marriage. I even was lucky to get a nap after Curtis got home from meetings!!! Then, my family came out for an impromptu party. We had yummy French Dip Sandwiches, salad, fresh fruit, cheeseball and crackers, Smoothies and Shakes (I made them with my new "Vita Mix" Blender!!! Yummy!), and yummy cake and cookies. We were not lacking for good food and good company! It was fun. I sure felt loved from visits, gifts, phone calls, cards, e-mails, e-cards, and text messages. Thank you everyone! I love you all!!!

Testimony

We were driving to Grandma's house today and I started to hear what sounded like crying in the backseat. I listened more carefully to hear, "(Sniff, sniff) and I know (sniff, sniff) that Heavenly Father lives. (sniff, sniff)." She went on with the correct facial expressions and everything!! Children watch EVERY move people make. Curtis said she will not be allowed to bear her testimony at church until she is sincere. hehe

Milk and Trash

Today, we were driving and saw a huge white semi pulling out of a parking lot. The semi had the words "Cream of Weber" with a small, cartoonish cow. Lydia saw the truck and said, "that truck has a lot of milk in it!" How she knew that semi trailer had milk in it, I do not know!!!

On the drive home tonight, she was singing in the backseat, "Everywhere that Marky, went Marky went, Marky went. Everywhere that Marky went the lamb was sure to go." I told her I loved her song, she replied, "No, that is wrong. It is 'posed to be Mary." I told her that it was okay to make up different words for songs.

Playing Football and Talking on the Phone

Lydia just was pretending to talk to Aunt Katie on the phone. I asked her what Katie was doing. "She is playing football and talking on the phone." You are talented, Katie!