Vacation Recap

The kids returned home last weekend from their vacation.  They had a blast!  Here is a small recap of their vacation. *thanks to Grandparents/Uncle for the pictures.  Their first pit stop on the way to California was at the famous Schat's bakery in Bishop for lunch.

Chase had the mule kick sandwich, and Sadi ordered the B.L.T.....minus the L and T.  I was a bit jealous, as I have always wanted to stop there but we always seem to be in too much of a hurry.

They arrived at Uncle David's house that night, and Grandpa and Grandma arrived shortly after.  They kicked off the fun with some game time.

They next day they went to the JetHawks baseball game.

They both got to run the field, and Chase was chosen to play a ball catch game between innings where he won a free sub.

After the game ended they got treated to a firework show...kinda made up for them missing them on the 4th.

The next day they were off to Knott's Berry Farm.

Chase said his favorite ride was Ghost rider, and Sadi's was Big foot rapids.

 

They hung out with some townsfolk, and watched some shows.

 

This was the picture they sent to me from the park....

Looks like it's a Denning thing....

 

They were even treated to the famous Knott's  fried chicken dinner.  Chase told me after that I had been "holding out on him his whole life" because they had the best boysenberry jam in the whole world.

We sent them with money for souvenirs...they said they spent their money wisely.  Not sure a giant jawbreaker is really a "souvenir".

After a day of relaxing they were back on the road to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Arizona.

I know they did a lot of eating out while they were gone, and it looks as though Sadi took full advantage of ordering bacon at just about every meal.

I mean....different outfits means different days.

 Even Ruff Ruff got smuggled out to join in the fun!

They got to spend some time with cousins and Aunt and Uncle who live in AZ.  They saw the new spider man movie and went to lunch together.

Grandma and Grandpa took them to Tombstone one day.  They started out at Boothill Graveyard.

 

I heard all about the graves they saw,

 but mostly about Lester Moore's grave, who died from a 44 NO LES NO MORE :/

They got to see a real wild west gun show.

Looks like they fit right in the wild west,

and even tried to become sharp shooters.

Sadi found a stylish souvenir fan at Big Nose Kate's Saloon.

Grandma and Grandpa took them to see the new Tuscon temple that they will be working at in just a few short weeks.

They also got to go to a pool party at one of their friends house.

 

It was monsoon season so they got to enjoy some cooler weather and thunderstorms.

Sadi and Grandma put a puzzle together.

Grandpa taught them how to paper mache' and they both came home with some artistic masterpieces.

Grandpa gets up early to walk and took the kids along with him a few days.

Pretty sure they were probably the most dramatic walkers ever.

They really enjoyed their time away, and with this being their first trip without us, and their first trip with Grandparents I know it will be one they remember for the rest of their lives.  Thank you Grandma and Grandpa (and Uncle) for these priceless memories.

While the kids are away...

I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do while the kids were gone on vacation.  I tried to think of all those things you tell yourself you would love to do without kids.  Sadly Matt was working so many hours I hardly saw him.  I spent the entire first day cleaning my whole house...and it stayed clean the whole time they were gone!  I spent many nights eating dinner alone..

Once is OK, then it's a little sad looking at all those empty chairs. I got up early and headed to the lake with a good book.  Spent all day reading and relaxing.

I went on a hike with Kelsey to a hidden gem just above the city.

Kings Canyon waterfall.  A very short but rewarding hike I have been wanting to try.  With no whining kids it was quite enjoyable.

Kelsey and I also went to a movie that wasn't animated!

I went shopping and Matt was able to meet me for lunch one afternoon.

I got my hair done, and treated myself to a pedicure.

I got tired of all those dinners alone so I met up with some friends for a late night dinner in the city. 

It wasn't all fun times.  I spent hours, and hours meeting with lenders an looking at house after house after house and stressing about a possible future move.

It was a nice vacation from having kids and I found it easier than I thought to fill up all those days.  Although I enjoyed the silence and freedom, I think had they been gone much longer I would quickly find out how boring my life is without them.