Lake Tahoe - Day 1 & 2

Aug 8th - 15th was spent with my family in Lake Tahoe.

You can't go wrong with mountains, pine trees, water, and beach.... it was the perfect combination for me.

Day one was spent hiking and exploring several different sites around the lake that are now restored homes and estates that once housed the rich and famous.... we had a good time, even though this trail they call "kid friendly" kicked my tail! :D

(I call this day one, but in reality day one was Sunday and we just spent that hanging at the condo and took a drive to familiarize ourself with the city.)

More pics of day one... touring the old estates that are beach front property... kind of a waste if you ask me, I would love to have one of them for a summer home! The kids found a large grassy area to throw the football, run wild, and dog pile on top of uncle Aaron.

We hauled all our beach accessories 9 hours and hundreds of miles for the 3 hours we spent at the beach... but it was worth it! I could have spent all 7 days there... it was heaven on earth for myself. The kids had tons of fun in the sand, and the water too, but it was a bit chilly!

The center picture above caught Dad in the act! No wonder Gage was so dirty! :D

Lake Tahoe - Day 3, 4, & 5

Day 3 was spent on a large Catamaran... it was so beautiful and relaxing... I loved watching them put up the sails and move them around to make the boat go where they wanted... we chose to sit out on the bow where they had these large cushions and some blankets (the breeze got a little chilly!) I took a little nap, and Dad snapped a pic, that's why I look upside down.

Cory had finals and had to leave and come home on Wednesday after the Catamaran ride. So we napped and played at the condo in the afternoon, and then went out to Sand Harbor for the evening. Wow.... what an amazing place. It is for sure on my list to visit during the day, to spend some quality time at the beach, on our next visit. Awesome sand, fun rocks to climb on, and the sunset was amazing!!

Day 4 was okay... we drove up to Squaw Valley, which is like a mini Park City, and they had the Olympics there in 1960 something.... it was nice, but not my favorite. Had lunch in Tahoe City, which was a happening place, and looked like a fun spot to run the river. Would have done that if I wasn't on my own with 4 kids to watch over!

On the way back to the condo we stopped by the fish hatchery to let the kids fish. All I can say is "White Trash". Ick. I think I could have crawled out of my skin! It's one of those places I don't want to find myself in ever again! You need a shower by the time you leave just from how it makes you feel, not cuz you are actually dirty! But, on the up side... the kids had a blast! Go figure...

Day 5 (or Friday) was spent out at Virginia City. We took a train tour and visited the old mines. The kids had a ton of fun on the train. My favorite part was the old city shops, board walks, and the shopping! :) I could have spent hours, if I would not of had 4 kids to keep track of!

Great trip, with quality time spent with family. Blessed I am Indeed.

The "FFF"....

... or in other words... The "First Fun Field trip" of Summer!

Was spent at Lava Hot Springs.

The "Caravan"

We did a little 4 wheeling, which consisted of a little "visiting" (not trespassing :) of some fellow "Bothwellians". When you are a neighbor and friend... the "NO TRESPASSING" sign does not apply to you... right?

There were some who came close to having "wardrobe malfunctions"; ... some who just so happened to dress alike; ...one who did not want her hair done "because she was camping"; ...and a couple who were inseparable.

We did a little fishing, and observing of Nature and the beauty around us....

... AND we did alot of Swimming! What a Blast!

Good Times... with Good Friends... Once Again!

Memorial Weekend

We spent Memorial Weekend in St. George this year.....

had alot of fun with the kids, and the weather was great....

but I came home feeling a bit.... guilty, I guess is a word you could use...

Vacation purposes are not really the reason for the holiday... and the past 2 years we have used it for such.

I have missed out on the tradition of a family breakfast with my Dad's sister and her family.... and not to mention the opportunity to pay respect for those who have served us and those loved ones who have passed on before.

I still visited Cory's dad's grave, and our grandparents.... placed a flower arrangement, etc.... but not with the kids, nor with Cory. I missed that visit as a family....... next year I hope I can look back on this post, and remember how I felt, and make a choice that might make me feel a little better about the holiday in the week following.

However, we still had a wonderful time spent together as a family.... visiting the Johnson Dinosaur Park, Miniature Golfing, Tons of Swimming, and the new Night At The Museum 2 movie that was released. You can never go wrong with family time.... but maybe next time we'll choose to spend that time a little differently.

St. George May 09

Good Friends ~ Good Food ~ Good Times!

We were able to get away for a few days at the invitation of some great friends to St. George for some relaxation, sunshine, and fun!

It was great to have some time away from all the hectic things of life, and to just spend some quality time as a family, doing those things that we all love, and to not have a schedule! It just wasn't long enough... and we were not ready to come home!

Thanks to the Summers' family for the invite..... we had so much fun!

Flashback Friday - 6 years ago

Wow.... it's been 6 years!

I could go back today!

Australia - February 26, 2003

Cory, Katie, & Ashley in front of the Sydney Opera House.

Manly Beach, Sydney Australia.

Dad & Katie on the Fairy Boat in the Sydney Harbor.

I have no idea what I am doing here..... probably talking to Ashley and she snapped a pic. (I know we were in an airport) But, wow.... holy DARK hair!

Best Vacation EVER. Great Memories.... with the BEST people.

3 Days of Play

We had the opportunity to tag along with my parents this weekend to Heber City.

It was the annual Cowboy Poetry Festival, and mom and dad had tickets to several shows.... but we couldn't let that extra bedroom in the condo go to waste now could we?

So on Thursday we rode the Heber Valley Railroad train while several Cowboys & Cowgirls moved from car to car and entertained.

We had a nice lunch of Chili, Hot Chocolate, and Cinnamon Rolls before we departed.

We enjoyed beautiful views. Despite the weather..... man it was cold!

We were also lucky enough to find some tickets to the Michael Martin Murphy Concert that night.... man it was soooooo good! I forgot how many great hits he had! It took me back to my youth! :D

And who doesn't love the food at the Homestead? I just love the drive down their lane..... it just makes you happy.

Thanks Mom & Dad for a fun weekend! And thanks to my MIL & FIL for coming to hold down the fort so we could enjoy some time away!

UEA Weekend Camp Trip

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Get your own

We had a ton of fun camping this last weekend with some friends. The kids had alot of fun with an extra 2 days off from school with....

*Painting Pumpkins

*Frosting Sugar Cookies

*Swinging

*Hiking

*Playing Video Games

*Eating Junk Food

*Playing Baseball

..... among other things. Thanks to some great friends for the fun times and getting in one last trip of the year! We missed those of you who couldn't come or had other plans! but we had fun without you! :D

Edited Pictures

Sept 19 - 21 we went camping up to some friends property in Bull Canyon. (For that post see the Sept 20-22 dated posts) Had a lot of fun with just Grandma Caroll and Granpa Boyd. Great Place for photos..... and I had some fun practicing. Here is what I came up with..... Kristian Before:

Kristian After:

Kassie Before:

Kassie After:

Talk about all Natural..... we didn't even run a brush through their hair! Guess it goes along with the scenery!

Edited Pictures Cont....

Kambree Before: Kambree After:

Gage Before:

Gage After:

Wish I would have thought about it, and I would have had brought them some good clothes, and Gage's hat. Oh-well, next time.

Bull Canyon Camping

Some friends of ours were so nice and let us go up to their property in Bull Canyon to camp. We went with Grandma Caroll and Grandpa Boyd. Had a lot of fun, with great weather .... (just a litle rain, warm and sunny days). This was a great place to camp with kids... green grass, a swing, fire pit, picnic table, cool old buildings to explore, and hiking up the mountain.

Kambree and Kassie swingin'. They loved the swing... and fought over it most of the time.

Kassie and Kambree were little buddies this trip. Above they had tied their legs together with baling twine, and were doing leg races.... except they weren't racing anyone. Below they shared a chair around the fire, to color together and play a game.

Bull Canyon Camping

The kids having Camping Fun...... (pretty self explanitory)

The snake MOM did NOT like. At least it was a baby... Gage caught sight of it slithering towards and underneath the trailer. The kids were excited.

Bull Canyon Camping

This is what Cory spent his time doing while we were camping.....

Polishing his helmet to get ready for his big day at the Elementary school for Health and Saftey week.

Fixing a leak at the well.

Cooking..... yummmmm. I love camping for this reason..... HE DOES THE COOKING!! :D

Yep.... changing another flat tire on the trailer. Fun times.