You know what they say…the true measure of what kind of kids you have, is when they are with other people. So when Tristen is impressed with my worker bees, and their ability to clean, and their willingness to help with the babies, I soak every last bit in. Because, according to her…I have really capable and hard workers!
SAY WHAT?
But…you know what they say.
It is always good to see Pops.
Especially when he seems to be doing well, and feeling good.
I am so grateful that my kids knew my dad when he was youthful and spry. Although he is doing pretty good right now, I am just so glad my kids saw the full-of-energy guy he has always been! Cancer is brutal, but my kids and I have had the opportunity to talk about health and disease, and hard-working doctors as a result of my dad’s cancer. So although cancer is ugly most ways you slice it, I am grateful for the little bit of depth it has given us. But mostly…it is just plain yucky.
Seth’s family decided to take a quick vacation to Moab, and invited us along. MOab is a wash for me…but in 110 degree heat — it is a no. But we said yes anyway! And good thing, because it ended up being the best time! It was really fun.
We took a hike to the Grand Arch in Arches national park. We chose sunset to get the least amount of heat — but it didn’t help all that much. I was wishy washy on hiking in the heat — until we turned the corner and saw the Grand Arch. It was literally magnificent! I had no idea it was so huge. It was awesome.
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We also went river rafting. I have no pictures — but it was the highlight of the trip. Between our two boats and two kayaks our party filled up…we had water wars like crazy. It was surprisingly fun — with a stop in the middle for a delicious lunch. I would definitely river raft again!
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Seth took the kids on a really cool Jeep Safari, where they drove up and down crazy rocks in Hummers. The crew said it was one of the best things of the trip — and was actually a bit scary!
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One last highlight was the river we played in. It wasn’t fancy or expensive (it was free), but the kids played for a few hours straight in it.
Dash discovered a bird’s nest with baby birds.
Pippi solved her own problem with no bathrooms around!
TWICE!!
The kids searched for Agate, dammed the river, had rock skipping competitions..and Grant put on a show, when he was trying to beat up Covey!
Rose and navy created this amazing dam that took a few hours of diligence!
The only problem with our river stop, is there were pricklies all over the place — so good thing for Christian, who helped carry the littles.
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After, we headed to a reservoir.
On our way, Dash and Pippi got in the BIGGEST fight over a $1 gemstone necklace they both thought was theirs. They were insane and ridiculous. So by the time we got to the reservoir…I took that stinking gemstone necklace and chucked it in the water.
These two searched for 30 minutes to find that necklace. Little did they notice, that Christian had found it at minute three — and was wearing it around his neck the whole time!
Classic!
When we finally left, we saw a hill on our way out covered in green ash. My kids know that geodes lie underneath green ash, so they made me stop so they could search. I love my exploring kids! How rad are they — and surprisingly — how rad was Moab this hot July!!!
We got to Bella’s house, and every morning on the agenda….is Bella Work. She doles out jobs for my kids to do. And you have never seen my kids be so willing and helpful. It is rad!
This morning:
Dash tended to Chap.
Scout made breakfast.
Navy washed the windows.
And Pippi tended to Chap.
They all wanted to tend Chap — but only two got lucky enough today. But don’t worry kids…there is always tomorrow…and the next day…and the next!
If you can believe it…I only had a car of four on today’s road trip to Utah. Micah couldn’t make it, and Navy went up with Calin several hours before we left. I HATE not having everyone with me! But Scout, Dash and I made the very best out of it.
We drove up a bit later, so we could hit my favorite — Tuacahn!
It just so happened to be “When you Wish” that was an entire musical written around all of the popular Disney movies. It was awesome! Every single one of us loved it! I would say Pippi loved it the most — but it was so good…we all might have loved it the most! I love their musicals…and think I am going to stop in Tuacahn every summer from here on out.
The musical got out late…so I drove three hours and decided to stop and all of us slept in the car.
And surprise!!!
We slept 20 feet away from the Fillmore thermal baths.
Obviously Dash christened our spot.
The first bath was ok — so the kids walked on to our favorite.
And it was the hit it always is!
After an hour of playing…we drove north. I hate the idea of it taking two days to get to Bella’s house. But the musical and hot pots were kind of worth it this year. If only we had Navy with us!
Same person.
Same sentiment.
(Yep…Scout to me!)
Just a boy, looking for some fierce competition.
A perk of the Clifford girls…is the occasional sailing date my kids get to go on. And apparently, Scout has become quite funny to the Cliffords…so I guess he was on fire with his one liners. I heard of a few, and now need to talk to him about the fine line between funny and obnoxious. But WOW is he getting cute!
This might be the oddest turtle I have even seen…but the Cliffords and Navy were very proud of their work. It looks like Navy’s head superimposed on the shell… but they assured me that she was actually a buried turtle.
Pippi won the Lego “face” competition…with her version of Grandpa!
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