Familar Roads of Travel

Whether traveling from Salt Lake to Yuma, or to California, the path from Vegas to South Jordan is the same. The boys travel well and the trip was uneventful. We have made it a bit of a tradition to stop at the Maverick in Filmore and let the kids play on this playground.
As we pulled up, Ammon looked out the front of the car, and with a hint of surprise said, "I think I have been here before." Indeed, he has.

It was the perfect break - just two hours from home. After letting out some wiggles and filling the tank with gas, we started the first DVD of the day and headed back out. We got home just in time to drop Andrew off at the Trax station so that he could head up to the U for his class. Then the boys and I went home and began to unpack.

Vacation over.

Swimming in Vegas

We got the condo in Vegas, which turned out to be great because once we were driving we realized we were a lot more tired than we thought. The idea of driving late into the night was much less appealing than the concept of extending our vacation by one more day.

As soon as we got there, we changed into our swimming suits. Ammon got himself ready - including his life vest. As it turns out, it wasn't done up quite right so he started to sink a little in the pool. We got it fixed, though, before it caused any problems.

We all had so much fun swimming. The rain in Salt Lake had been long behind us and forgotten but I was talking to another woman in the hot tub and heard that it had continued to rain the ENTIRE time we were gone and it wasn't about to let up. We enjoyed our last moments soaking in the sun!
The boys loved the water. I am excited for Ammon to start his swimming lessons in another week. I remember last year, in Arizona, all the kids his age were like little fish. I think he'd like to be. He definitely loves the water that much - it's just a matter of opportunity to be in it!

Peter was a little bit tentative about getting in the big pool. He preferred the hot-tub (he was very happy to enjoy water sports in that Arizona climate...) We convinced him to have fun in the pool though (after I got too hot being in the hot tub with him and refused to go back).

We all had a lot of fun together. Andrew is planning to do a sprint triatholon this fall, so he enjoyed "practicing" for the swim.

We bought some Digornio pizza's for dinner and so I cooked them in the condo while I watched the guys swimming from the window.

Swimming all evening was WAY better than finishing up an 11 hour drive. Thanks, Katy and Jeremiah, for hooking us up!

Lazy Morning

Originally the plan was to wake up early Sunday morning and drive straight home. But before heading into the mountain (where we had no cell phone service) we asked my sister to arrange a condo for us in Vegas. We wouldn't know if the arrangements would pan out until we were on the road and back in phone range, but we decided to make the gamble and have one lazy morning at the cabin before ending our visit to California.

We lounged around enjoying yogurt and marshmellows for breakfast. Well, that's what the boys ate anyway. Ammon and Uncle Danny headed out for a hike. Andrew fiddled with the fire to get it ready for an afternoon of roasting hotdogs.

Peter thought he should go on a hike of his own - although he didn't get too far.

The boys enjoyed visiting with Grandparents and Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Danny who all stayed upstairs that night. They had fun exploring the UPSTAIRS of the cabin, where they hadn't previously spent much time.

They especially liked climbing into the loft.

After a slow-going morning, we broke out the hotdogs for our final meal before leaving.

It was fun to roast things on the fire, and we vowed to use the firepit in the backyard more. At the time we had no idea that the rain was continuing on here in Utah. Maybe one of these days it will let up long enough to build a fire...

Overall, we had a great time at the cabin and are so glad that Dad found this fun alternative to a hotel stay. It turned our trip into a unique vacation rather than another random jaunt to SanDiego.

We said farewell to those who were stretching their vacation, loaded up in the car, and drove out not sure where we were headed. Home or Vegas? Either way - here we come!

After Party

After Grandma's big party, we had some dinner and headed back up to the cabin. We hadn't gotten a chance to build a fire, so even though it was late, we let the boys stay up to roast some marshmellows.
It took them a little while, but they got the fire going!

Andrew had found the BIGGEST marshmellows I've ever seen while we were at the store and insisted on getting them. Peter was in heaven!

I enjoyed roasting a marshmellow myself, but quickly remembered how much I DON'T like eating them and threw it away.

Ammon enjoyed his, though, and kept roasting more and more!

Bonding

Something about this trip gave Peter the chance to totally fall in love with his uncle Danny. Actually both of my boys enjoyed having time with him. He was there at the cabin with us one of the nights and also spent a lot of time with Peter at the party. He took Ammon on a hike and just played and had fun with the boys. I am very lucky to have great brothers who are all so fun for my boys to be around. (Not to mention my sister's husband who is great too - can't wait to get the pictures from Katy of Ammon at the beach with Uncle Jeremiah!)

Happy 75th Birthday, Grandma

In my mind I have an entire post dedicated to my Grandma and the legacy she has given her family and taught us through the example of her own choices and life. She is an amazing woman and I could never do justice in expressing my appreciation and love for her. Rather than try to get into all of that right now, I want to write about the way we celebrated her 75th birthday.

We planned a surprise party - we meaning her three children and their families. This was a big feat because more than 2/3 of the family traveled from out of state for the sole purpose of coming together and celebrating the life of this woman we all adore. It was expensive and inconvenient, and one of the best things I've ever done!

We held this event at a local institute building. The kids hid under the table waiting quietly (well, as quietly as little kids wait) for the moment when they would be able to jump out and yell, "SURPRISE!"

We had a delicious meal. Grandma was surprised not only by her posterity, but also by a couple who also traveled from Utah to see her. They were instrumental in her conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints almost 50 years ago. It was a fun reunion for them.

There was lots of fun visiting (here you see my Dad and my Grandpa). It isn't often that we get such a complete group of us together. Even at weddings and reunions we don't have this good of a turnout. Everyone made Grandma a priority and we only had three people who couldn't come.

We had food, games, and an open mic time when we were able to share our memories of Grandma and things we've learned from her. I can't describe the sense of pride that fell over me as I listened to the impact that this woman has had on each of us. So many of my views on life have been shaped by her - and many of them are views that I have taken for granted and didn't necessarily know where I got them.

I was able to make a quilt for my Grandma on behalf of the entire extended family. On it, I included a label, which was my attempt at capturing some of the deep feelings I have for her. It said this:

Laurel June Johnson Cochrane

In celebration of your
75th birthday
We, your posterity, present you with this quilt.

As our
Mom,
Grandma
and
Great-Grandma,
Your life has been a blessing through the generations.

Today we honor you.

You have been our pioneer;
Our example;
Our friend.

We love you more than words can say.

Cabin in the Woods

While everyone was looking into various options for accomodations on the trip, my dad stumbled across this cabin. It was big enough that we were able to split it with them. We were all excited to do something a little bit different as we have spent a lifetime of vacations in Southern California. The cabin was similar to our situation at home - they got the upstairs and we had the downstairs. We shared a kitchen (which never got used anyway - we were on vacation), but had the luxery of our own entrance (something we do NOT have at home...) It was a perfect little place to stay. We loved it!
We woke up in the morning and Andrew went on and on about how he would love to have just the two of us come back sometime. Gotta admit, I was kind of on board with that idea! Of course, I think I'd take just about ANY trip with just the two of us. The second honeymoon concept is just really appealing and it's something we've not managed to do thus far.


Peter had fun visiting with Grandma Lynn. She taught the boys about acorns and they had fun finding them to show her.

After a while we headed down the mountain in search of breakfast (remember, we didn't use the kitchen) and an impromptu stop at Katy's condo where they had spent the week. I am so glad we went - the boys had a blast swimming! Ammon could not get enough of the waterslide and, because it didn't open into a pool, we were able to let him run free without worry. Peter had a huge tantrum as we tried to change him into swimming clothes. Once he got in, he was glad we had pressed the issue though. He was in heaven (and, if I remember correctly, had another tantrum when it was time to leave...)

Vegas Rides

We headed down to Southern California last week and stopped in Vegas long enough to let Andrew ride the Big Shot and other rides at the top of the stratosphere. We were going to CA to attend a surprise birthday party for my Grandma, so my Dad and Rebecca were driving a couple of hours ahead of us (my mom had flown down earlier since she didn't have a work schedule to consider). Rebecca and Dad waited in Vegas for us so that Andrew could ride with my sister. Although I am a fan of rollercoasters, I have a weird aversion to the Big Shot type rides. Couple that with a slight fear of heights, and there is NO WAY you are about to get me up there riding this thing. We figured stopping in Vegas on this trip was providing Andrew a rare opportunity to have someone who would ride with him!

I did something I rarely do - I gave up my camera. I allowed it out of my sight, and more dramatically away from where my children would be playing for a couple of rare hours in Las Vegas. This was done with the strict instruction that Andrew take the camera and gets lots of pictures documenting his fun experience on the rides. Rebecca was going to be up there with him so she would be able to snap whatever shots they wanted.

My beautiful plan was ignored, however. I got nothing of the boys that whole day, and, in the mean time, Andrew returned with about 10 pictures of my sister and ONE picture of himself. Yeah... I was a little miffed...

Optimus Prime and Grandpa

Rather than shredding sensitive documents, my dad likes to go out to the fire pit and burn them. This time he decided to enlist Ammon's help. Unfortunately for my dad, Ammon was unavailable. But Optimus Prime was happy to step up to the occassion and do the good deed. They had fun wadding up the papers and starting the fire. It was amazing how long the fire lasted because in the middle of this process we got what was the beginning of two straight weeks of insane rainfall. I don't think everything was able to be burned that afternoon, but they got a good amount of it done, and enjoyed some male bonding time in the process.

Chuck E. Cheese

June started out with a birthday celebration for a cousin (yes another one)! This party was for Willard who was turning 4 (Andrew's sisters son). We were invited to go to Chuck E. Cheese - an activity much enjoyed by Ammon and Peter. Ammon has constantly been asking to go back. I kept telling him it was too far away (down in Provo) but last week he found one up here. Now I need a new excuse...
The boys had more tokens than they really new what to do with, which meant endless fun! Ammon was old enough for me to let loose on his own. Peter was less interested in all the action, but still had a really good time.

Rides and games galore! And of course, Aunt Kara had brought some yummy cupcakes. What a fun evening.

What a Stud!

Here is my handsome boy heading in to practice his primary talk for Grandpa. He did a great job. Andrew and I had no idea he could read as well as he does until we were working on this talk with him. He needed much less prompting than we would have thought.

Up

Every year Andrew and I enjoy going to the drive-in together. It is something I remember doing with my family once or twice when I was growing up, and I just love making it a staple summer activity. This year we decided that the boys were old enough and the right movie was playing to bring them with us! What a great family activity! The boys were so excited as we loaded up the truck.
I love just being out in the fresh air. There is just something so fun about hanging out in the fresh air waiting for the sun to set. Not to mention enjoying the beauty of the actual sunset!

As part of his admission, Ammon got a free glow-stick. He picked a green one (his favorite color) and was absolutely thrilled with it.

Peter had fun munching on all the candy and treats we had brought. I have to admit that Andrew got a little carried away when he was sent to the store for movie treats! We had a ton of stuff!

I love having good family time. What a great night to remember!