I made the journey up alone this summer, and it was a challenge, but I was well prepared.
We left at naptime and with the help of dramamine, I was able to have all the kids sleep for the same hour. It was marvelous. We stopped in a town called Kellogg for the night and made the most of it.
swimming in the pool was lots of fun! Everett didn't sleep great at all, so that made for a really long second leg, not to mention that the "going to the sun" road was closed due to forest fires and so that added 1.5hrs to our trip as well. The second day was tough, but we made it to Cardston to spend some time with Grandma Betty.
Great Grandma Betty let us come in and make ourselves at home and she was so good to us. We were probably too much spunk and noise for her, but she was a really good sport and my kids talk about her all the time, which is the whole point of the visit.
She pushed the boys on the swings...she's 87...
She snuggled with Vienna for quiet time and on Sunday they went to church together and Vienna got to sit with her in Sunday school for a minute!
Lincoln slept in the closet in Grandma Ivy's room and loved every minute of it. Vienna slept on the floor in Grandma Betty's room and Everett slept downstairs. Everyone slept great.
Of course she had some of her yummy chocolate cake for us to enjoy as well.
activities with Grandma
We even went to the McGrath parade because the Flexhuag's were there to celebrate. Wow was it huge and there was SO much candy, it was gross. Lincoln made himself sick and threw up the next day all over Grandma's kitchen floor, cupboards and sink.
We had such a great visit with Great Grandma Betty and we're so glad she felt up to having us. We won't to that to her again, but I'm so glad my kids have those memories with her. She is such a wonderful person, I have a very special place for her in my heart. I've been blessed to have a Grandmother that wanted to spend time with me and would take me for the weekend or take me with her to work, watch me when my parents went on vacation and always set a great example of love and service. Heck, she served 2 full time missions and has worked in the temple for decades. She always has us say prayers and do the right things all growing up. I couldn't have asked for a better Grandma. Thank you for your example of strength and faith! I will always admire you.
The trip to Calgary was a breeze, the kids did such a great job (Thank goodness!)
The first day there, Dad went to Costco with Vienna to get a huge play set for the back yard and guess what we did for 4 days straight...put it together. Truthfully it was a ton of fun. Dad and Chubbs were the main crew but we all did our part!
Good memories that will last Forever!
I'm so glad I got to see my best buddy Aarika and her sweet family. Playing at Sundance lake was such a time warp and brought back so many fond memories of my childhood. To watch our children play in the waterfall and slip down it reminded me of the countless hours I spent doing that. We all swam out to that dock and you can't tell how far it it is, but Vienna went the whole way all by herself. I am so impressed with her. This summer she has grown into such a strong swimmer. She can dive to the deep end of the pool and retrieve things. Catching up with Aar was fun, but I wish we had more time to catch up, and with several other friends, but time just didn't allow this time.
The sunsets at my folks house are always spectacular and I just had to post one picture (even though it doesn't do it any justice)
Uncle Trevor surprised the kiddos with a bounce house for the whole weekend! Say what???
We got pretty crazy with it and used the roof as a slide.
The boys and their bocce ball.
Parker joined us for the ride out to the Millarville Flea Market
Playing hot "waterballoon" potato and it popped on Vienna.
Playing it again and I'm pretty sure this time it popped on Lincoln.
Playing some koob
Everett really enjoyed playing with Mason, it was so sweet.
Mema with her two oldest Grandkids.
Pushing the boys back to the van from our outing.
Lincoln's first ride on a motorcycle with Papa!
These boys were so cute the whole time just in their own world, sharing snacks and talking jiberish.
koob time
Vienna and her Uncle Dane
Vienna with baby Mason...how sweet.
Have to have some Wii time!
Vienna riding the motorcyle for the first time with Papa!
We did it! It is never easy to get us all together and to sychronize kiddos but we made it work again and no matter what, it is always worth it!!! We managed to get a pretty good group shot.
Having a family that wants to spend time together and tries to make it happen is so wonderful! We have managed to do it for 2 years now and I hope, more than anything, that we can do it every year. We get to strengthen our relationships and make memories, and so do our children. Mom and Dad, you are so good to have us all at your home and to take on the noise, the mess and the busy-ness that comes with it. Even though most of the Grandkids are too young to have memories, I can say that my two oldest kids talk about last year and this year already and its so cute to hear them reminisce about everything. They talk about going again all the time. That gives me so much happiness. Mema and Papa's is so special to them and I know it will be to all of the Grandkids for years to come!
We can't Thank you Enough Mom and Dad!
Having Mike to drive home with me was such a blessing. I don't think I had anymore juice in me to do it alone. He was a rock star and entertained them most of the way. They all got to sleep at the same time too. It was nice to drive and listen to music.
We have to stop at the BIG truck in Sparwood of course!
It's pretty awesome!
Not sure if this car was new, but we tried to get everyone, it didn't work for height, but Everett still snuck his way in.
Another Calgary trip has come and gone. Next summer I am so excited to share the Calgary Stampede with Mike and my kiddos as well as Calaway park and I'm also looking forward to the Landsiedel Family reunion in Cardston. Memories await!
