10 Days of J-O-Y

It's been a while since I posted and I'm afraid this is going to be a lil lengthy, especially with all thso consider yourself fore-warned.

On June 27th we packed the car and headed east for a much needed family vacation. I admit I was a little nervous to be driving not knowing how the girls, well mostly how Tyler was going to do for the next 10 days. We left at a quarter to 5 Saturday morning and had a 10 hr drive (without stopping) ahead of us so we thought maybe an early start and the girls would sleep the first few hours. It was a good thought...but things never go as planned. I won't spend the whole blog talking about driving, although I could do it. We spent a total of 40 hrs in the car and the girls, well they did Fantastic! There were a few moments at the end of the day when Tyler would start arching her back and declaring herself "done", there were a few times I felt the same way. McKenna was in her element- driving in the car (not towards home), movie after movie and all the treats she could eat only a "please Mommy" away.

We arrived in Sun Valley around 6:30ish that evening and met up with the Harris Klan who'd had quite the eventful ride up -something about fallen luggage. :) McKenna couldn't have been more thrilled to see everyone. We met up with my mom in Albertson's and as soon as McKenna saw her she began screaming as she ran up the aisle to hug her. There were 2 condos that all of us stayed in and so every morning shortly after waking up we were paid a fun visit by Maddie, Kierra & "maddie's mom". There was a bit of confusion as McKenna often declared herself Maddie, which didn't go over well with the original. She didn't understand how McKenna could be so confused. We were also able to get some family pictures at a beautiful spot close by one of the condos.

Some of the highlights of our time in Sun Valley were: Swimming, John winning twice in BINGO: including an iPod Nano (Thanks to Mark who knows how to pick a number), the kids Carnival with lots of blow up slides, bounce houses & Cotton Candy, meeting up with Jelina and her kids, John winning the 5K/Fun run-overall and Mel winning in her division (pregnant and all), playing with grandparents, aunts & uncles & Cousins, and Mel & John got a night out to go see the Sun Valley Ice Skating show.

Wednesday-July 2nd came all too quickly where we pack up again and then headed our seperate directions. We headed East where we stopped in Driggs to see Sarah McKellar and her cute family and have "supper". After visiting with Sarah and touring her beautiful new home we headed on to Lander Wyoming to see the Johnson/Johnstone family and celebrate the 4th of July.

John has spent quite a bit of time in Lander over the years including a summer internship in 2001 where he stayed with Jillyn's family-George & Linda Johnstone. He has such fond memories of the place and has always wanted to go back and visit. This time was no exception as the experience with kids makes it a little different but still wonderful. Mitch and Jillyn were excellent hosts and made us feel right at home. Jillyn's family was equally as welcoming, they even found us a house next door to Mitch & JJ's that was vacant and begging us to buy. For me Lander was like stepping back in time-it just felt so...comfortable. The first day we were there we ran out to Jillyn's parents and the horses. McKenna surprised us all when she was brave enough to not only get on the horse, but telling Mom & Dad to "go", wanting to do it alone.

The 4th of July celebration in Lander actually begins on the 3rd- we had a BBQ at Aunt Babz where we were also able to watch & listen to a wonderful and very patriotic Firework show. The next morning we got up and went the parade which involved a lot of horses, "native americans", a 10 yr graduation party that is still going on, and Linda (JJ's mom) led the pack of VW Bugs to wrap it up. Well actually there were a ton of Fire Engines at the end but we took shelter from the noise and water in the Quilt shop.

The evening was spent eating, playing wiffle ball, dancing and setting off fireworks (which started in the neighborhood around 3 that afternoon and lasted about 10 hrs). We got up early the next morning and on our way out of Lander we stopped for a delicious country breakfast and to say our Good-bye's at the Johnstone's.

We headed to Boise which was an 8-1/2 hr drive stopping in Jackson to play at the park and allow me to reminisce the summers vacations I spent there. It seemed like an all too quick stop for the evening at John's sister, Audrey's home. The girls were thrilled to find a "park" at their house and McKenna was in love with Alexia's room which was all girl-the bed, the shoes, the clothes, the stuffed animals, Loved It!

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do, cheetos anyone?
It was a great trip, one in which we won't forget for sometime. We were able to see and spend time with a lot of Loved Ones, The girls and I not only saw but were able to spend good quality time with our Dad, "Daddy John", and we saw some some of the most beautiful places that God created. Wish I'd gotten more pictures of...everything and everybody! Thanks to Shelly & My Mom who helped set us up with movies, stickers, books and toys to keep the girls happy and the parents sane.

From Mt. Raineer to the Grand Tetons!