Spring Break....Day 1

Today is the first day of Spring Break. So, of course, we woke up to snow. No problem. We're headed south where it's suppose to be warmer. We packed up the car and kids, popped a movie in the DVD player, and were on the road before 9 am.


Our first destination was Goblin Valley State Park in Green River, Utah (about a 5 hour drive). The weather was nice in some spots and snowy in many others. We actually made it to Price (3 hours) before we had to stop for the first time. I was amazed they lasted that long. We finally made it to Goblin Valley. It's amazing.



We walked down into the valley and right up to the "goblins." The kids had lots of fun climbing up on them and running around. Abbie was trying to figure out how the big kids got all the way up there.


Less then 10 minutes after we got into the valley, a blowing snow storm came out of nowhere. It had been a little chilly, but I didn't think it was going to snow. Even weirder than that, we heard thunder as we were hurrying back to the car.



We decided pretty quickly it was time to head to the hotel. We're thinking we should head back to Goblin Valley in the summer when there's no chance of snow. They have a campground and lots of places to hike. I think it would be a really fun place to explore.

Once we got to the hotel, the kids were stoked to go swimming. It was Abbie's first time, so she was a little tentative. It didn't take her long to decide she loved being in the water.




The kids had fun jumping back and forth between the pool and the hot tub. The hot tub was my favorite. The pool was too dang cold after being so warm! It was a nice way to relax after all that driving.


Of course, I forgot a Little Swimmer for Abbie. Man, Huggies can absorb a LOT of water. Baby got back!!

Tomorrow, we're headed to Arches National Park in Moab. Supposedly, the weather is suppose to be a lot nicer. I hope I can survive the bickering children...

My little cub scout

Tonight was Austin's first night of cub scouts. He had so much fun. He was sure to remind me this morning that I needed to go get his book and shirt on my lunch break. I think scouting will be a fun adventure for the whole family.

Cache Valley weather

Spring seems to elude Cache Valley each year. This year seems to be worse than normal. Mother Nature gives us a couple of nice days and then dumps snow on us. Then she gives us a couple more nice, spring days and then dumps more snow on us. This has been happening the last couple of weeks and is suppose to continue a little while longer. Austin's birthday was a wonderful spring day. We woke up Sunday morning to the wind howling and the snow blowing. Ugh. That didn't stop my brother from grilling Sunday night!

It's lots of fun having Jim and Tasha live next door, even though I don't see them very often in the winter (that hibernating thing again). I'm sure I'll look out my kitchen window and see Jim grilling more often now that spring is approaching.

Partying at home

Saturday night, we had the whole family over for dinner and cake & ice cream. I've noticed we tend to hibernate in the winter, so I don't see much of my family. I forgot how much fun (chaotic) it is to have everyone over to my home to eat, hang out, and let the kids play. Saturday was the perfect day for it. It actually felt like spring outside, so the kids spent most of the time outside playing. We even had them eat outside. Of course, I don't think there was much eating going on. I kept seeing kids running around and balls going everywhere. At least they saved room for cake and ice cream.

I did forget to buy candles. So, Austin found a 7 and a single candle and said we could just add those together and get 8. Funny kid. That's what we did.





After most of the family left, we played Phase 10 with Vicky and Sean. That's kind of a tradition in our family. I don't think we've played since New Year's Eve (yes, another tradition), so it was definitely time for a game. Aaron won by default. We got tired of playing, and he was on the highest phase. We'll have to start earlier next time!

Austin said he had a good birthday. Now, we're looking forward to his baptism in May. He and his cousin, Grace, will be getting baptized on the same day. I think we've got it worked out so that Austin can get baptized in her stake so family won't have to choose between the two. Should be fun!

Party at the Fun Park

Austin turned 8 on Saturday, so he had his friend party at the Fun Park. After pepperoni pizza and pop, the kids headed off for some Cosmic Bowling. They were so much fun to watch.

Andrew's "Yes!" and victory stance after he slowly rolled the ball down the lane.

Casey did fun break dance moves after his turn bowling.

After bowling, it was time for cake and ice cream.

Austin had a great time with his friends. I loved not having to set up/clean up!