Stop #1, The Farm

A.K.A. Aunt Alicia's house....
After being at the farm for only a couple of hours Eli said, "I wish this was our house."  It's like a kids paradise.  Chickens to chase, beehives, tons of trees to climb, huge vegetable gardens, a haunted barn, a trampoline, a zip line, a tree house, a dog and a cat, pet snakes, turtles, Egyptian beetles, a hedge hog, leopard geckos, homemade watermelon ice cream and homemade root beer, and even a movie projected to a screen outside.  I wanted to stay too.

Gabe chasing the chickens.  More time than I want to admit was spent doing this.  Sometimes, they were chased by the rooster. That was funny too.

Cousin L showing Eden how easy it is to hold a chicken.

Eli taking a little rest in the hammock.  Every house should have a hammock.  Eden giving him a gentle swing.

The tree house. Stage 1.  Apparently, there are more stages to be built.

The zip line.  Completely jealous of this.  I want one of these in my backyard.

Enjoying a outdoor movie in the Colorado air.

2,000 mile Roadtrip

We just got home today from one of the funnest vacations. I give it 5 stars.  And, I should get paid by some travel agency or something to brag on all the cool things we did.   It sort of surprised me how much I enjoyed it compared to other vacations because we have gone on some really great trips worldwide.  It ranks in the top for sure.  Who knew South Dakota had so much to offer?

A few months ago I got this wild idea in my head that I would take the 5 kiddos, alone, on a road trip.  After researching a few ideas I had, I found out that Mt. Rushmore is only 13 hours from home, Denver being exactly halfway, and the city where my sister lives.  Score!!!  So, off to South Dakota we went.

There are many fun photos to post.  Many great memories.  I feel so strong and free knowing I can pile my 5 kids in a car and tackle the world, or at least the roads of America--alone if needed. (for the record, and to brag just a wee bit, I have flown a couple of times worldwide, alone, with 2-3 kids).  I certainly have more time and freedom than the man who brings in the money.   Derek couldn't resist joining us a few days into the trip...he was jealous of all the fun things I was planning, and I was happy to have his company. It was great to pick him up from the Rapid City Airport half way through the trip. What can I say, he is a really cool person.  He may or may not have been in intense pain for three days straight. (muscle spasms in the back....originally we thought it was shingles).  The best Father's Day present he received was a prescription of pain killers.  It's so nice to see him pain free.

So, for any of you wanting to plan a trip to South Dakota, stay tuned!

It's been a busy few weeks:
--Finished school
--Trip with my parents to Carlsbaad
--Eli's baptism and family in town.
--Gabe's trip to NYC
--Bear Canyon Academy classes in full swing.
--Swim Team
--I spent a day at Cub Scout Camp and Girls Camp.
--Eli spent 4 days at Cub Scout Camp.
--And, my 2,000 mile road trip.

And, we've only had three weeks of summer.