summer trip: phase 1

We just returned from a wonderful vacation! It was split up into three major phases, so I'm starting with the first :) Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Kelly was able to drive down to Utah with us, instead of me driving by myself, which was the original plan, phew! So we packed up the truck and boat and headed out. Nalani kept us entertained on the road with her countless "I Spy" games. She always spied something green and it was usually a tree:)

We made it to Utah and spent the night at Auntie Jo's and Uncle Jason's house. The next morning we visited Auntie Nani and Auntie Belle for a few minutes and then dropped Kelly off at work, he decided to work in Utah for a few days. I was off to Jackson with the kids. My mom has a time-share there so we met up with my side of the family for about five days.
The kids loved to play together at the pool, in the park or riding their bikes together. They got some mean games of "Old Maid" going on Grandma's window bed. We ate like royalty. My mom's friend, Gary, is an awesome cook.

The first few days we just played around at the pool. My brother Jesse came up on Wednesday so we saved the fun stuff for when he could come. Thursday we made it to Yellowstone. It was beautiful as always! I did manage to lock my keys in the truck, which was a pain in the butt, but the guys were resourceful and got it unlocked with the antennae. Note to self: Call Ford and get the key code! It would have been nice to know!!

On Friday my mom and Gary stayed home with all seven grand kids and took them swimming while Jesse, Mel, Riley, and me went river rafting on the Snake River. It was too high and swift for kids under 10. We had a great time and the rapids had me really scared, but we made it through without going in the water! I realized I've become a major wuss in my old age. I honestly about cried when we made it through the first 10 foot wave! Honestly.

On Saturday we packed up and headed back to Utah. We stopped to let the kids watch rafts go through the rapids "Lunch Counter" on the way. I think they were relieved they got to go miniature golfing with Uncle Riley instead of rafting after the second raft we watched got tipped over and people were floating down the river!

When we got back to Auntie Mel's the kids had fun playing on the trampoline. Then Auntie Rachel, Brandon, Lauren, and Zoe (the dog) came to visit for a few hours. It was fun to see everyone!

I took the kids back down to Auntie Nani's to spend the night and I went to pick Kelly up from the SLC airport at 10:30 pm. We made it back to Nani's house and had a good time visiting with them and prepared for Phase Two of our trip. Moccasin, Arizona. To be posted soon.