"Vacation" day 1 and 2

With Ryan studying for boards, I needed to take the kids away so he would have an easier time studying. We ended up staying at my parents house for 2 whole weeks. At first it was a challenge trying to get the kids in a routine in a new location, but after everyone adjusted we had a lot of fun. 

The trip there was pretty uneventful. V slept for most of it, except when we stopped in Payson for a potty and drink break and then again when we were driving up the Rim she started getting fussy. She must have her dad's sensitive ears. :-( I tried feeding her at the top of the Rim to help pop her ears, but she was so curious about the noise that the wind made in the pine trees that she wouldn't have anything to do with me. 

The day we arrived, the kids mostly just played while I unpacked 2 weeks worth of stuff for 6 people. It was a ton! The kids had a blast with the cousins! I was so tired that first day that I ended up putting the kids to bed at 7pm. 

The next day started out great. We packed up a cute little girl in a moby and headed out for a morning walk. 

We went down to the "creek" and around the back road, making a circle back to my parents' house again. We found some wild roses near the creek. 

Jayke found a butterfly on a thistle. It sat so patiently while we tried to take a picture in the wind. We finally resorted to holding the thistle (very carefully) and then taking the picture. Still not the greatest, but I didn't want to carry the big camera around so we have cell phone pictures instead.

We finally reached the creek. It has dried out a lot since I was here last. It was small enough for us to jump over. 

I let the kids play near the old cottonwood tree. They were amazed at how huge it was.

They climbed up a section of fallen tree. There is something manly about climbing huge trees.

Kate was frozen with fear about halfway up. After taking off her hat she had no problem.

After the tree, we went to the neighbors old barn.

We found a huge tree trunk sitting along the old railroad tracks and the kids decided to play on it for a while. 

All the while, this beauty was happy as a clam.

We found the old railroad track bridge. I was surprised that someone had turned it into a path. I was especially glad that I didn't have to walk with all the kids across railroad ties way up in the air.

Ethan found the creek under the bridge. 

And Aimee has my fear of heights.

The kids discovered the sedimentary rocks (sandstone).

And saw horses everywhere.

We finished the day with a tired baby, exhausted mama, and hyper kids. Not a good combination. Especially with no daddy around to save the day. Even Grandma had a long day, leaving for work at 5:30am and not getting home until after 10pm. 

V had a hard time sleeping with all the noise and unfamiliar surroundings, so by the time she finally fell asleep that night she was tired! I was thankful to have a bed to sleep in and a nice comfy pillow after that day!