Lava Hot Springs

We just got back from an amazing family vacation.  We took the kiddos and in laws to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.  On the drive up we stopped at the Ogden Dinosaur Park and explored the museum and life size dinosaurs.  We then headed up to Lava and stayed in an adorable little 2 bedroom 1 bath cabin. 

The scenery there is absolutely breath taking.  There was a little bridge and creek right through the property and it sat right on the side of a mountain.  Rory, Derk, and Connor hiked the mountain and we saw tons of deer grazing in the fields around us. Although it was so cold, we had a wonderful time.  We went to the Aquatic center, played Frisbee golf, played in the arcade, sat in the hot spots, walked main street, Rory, Connor, and Kadee even floated on the freezing cold river.

 
 

We also spent a day in Soda Springs.  We visited Geyser Park (Soda Springs has the only captive geyser in the world), Hooper springs park,the Monsanto Slag Pour, and also visited the Pioneer Ghost town named Chesterfield.  We all really enjoyed the tour of the little town.  The guide was great and had tons of information on the old town and all the restorations they have done.  The kids had a blast in the general store.  They had penny candy and homemade souvenirs, the kids were so excited to try all the different types of candy and see the old pioneer toys.  


It was a wonderful vacation and a great way to spend time together as a family.  

Summer fun!

So far our summer has started off with a bang!  We got the kids a dirt bike and mini four wheeler and they have had a blast riding them around our backyard.  My mom, the kids, and I also took an impromptu trip to SLC to see my grandparents and Wally.  We were able to visit with DR & Janene (Matthew LOVES their birds, he even knocked the cage over trying to get them out.  While we were cleaning up the mess, he escaped out the front door and ended up 2 blocks away before a neighbor brought him and DR's dog back!), then my mom kept Matthew so that I could take Connor, Kadee, Kella, and Kinlee to the movie Maleficent.  We also went to visit Wally at the Rusted Sun and he bought our dinner.  Lastly my mom and I took the kids to the zoo before heading home.  They loved the new exhibit and Matthew cried when we had to get off the train.  The kids had their new cell phones and were taking pictures of everything.  I think Kadee sent Rory 100 pictures while we were there.  

This past weekend we went to Vernal for a baseball tournament.  It was a beautiful weekend for baseball!  The boys did great and ended up taking 2nd out of 8 teams.  I sure do love watching my kids play ball.  We spent most of our time at the ball field, but enjoyed each others company and visiting with the team.  Last night Jessica Andreason and I took the kids for a walk on the Helper Parkway.  They really enjoyed it, except for when Kinlee had to use the Porta Potty.  Paxton decided to shake it and scare her so she had an accident in her pants.  It was so sad because she was so embarrassed and ended up with a nasty rash because of it.  After our walk we made marshmallow popcorn and homemade ice cream.  It was a fun night.