Canyonlands..

Ben had a long break from school so the residents could attend an AAO conference. Since it was in Hawaii and we make no money- Ben decided to plan a family vacation camping. That can always be in the budget- and we talked the majority of his family into coming to. We met  in the middle at Canyonlands National Park. We left at about 1am on Thursday morning and met Jim and Monica in Monticello about 7:45a. Stopped at the gas station for some donuts- and headed into the Park. We had a few detours- missed the turn, tires blow-out; But eventually made it with everyone happy. It was great driving while kids sleep, and portable DVD players are great too! Found a Sweet campsite- with the one next door opening the next day for the rest of the fam. Could not have been more perfect. And I think this was really the only campsite with another joined to it. And bathrooms were next door with running water!! So- set up camp and went for a little hike. Ok, so we went for a little hike everyday. The pics are a little out of order, but there are so many it isn't worth rearranging. Either way- we had a great time. It was pretty fantastic to make it home to take a real shower and sleep in our own beds after 5 nights/6 days of camping.

OOOHHHH.. Magic Dirt!! Don't Bust the Crust!

Dirty old Tatum..

Everyone that came- at least for a day or two. Had to do the long hike that day- 10 Adults to 10 kids. Needed every available back to carry the little kids!

 

Uncle Matthew had a blast carrying Carter out- but Carter did keep asking if he could call him Uncle Scotty, he liked that name better or something!

All the cousins joined for truck bowling

Teaching our kids a little t-ball. Cousins had a cute game going

Our campsite- Jim and Monica are fully prepared

The rock ridge right above our site-

Ben had to get a sunset pic....

Our hike around Cowboy Camp. Gotta love all the 3 yr olds leading

Arches National Park- had to stop on the way home

 

 Oh Good Times!! This was a dream vacation long awaited.  I was invited to a girls weekend with Anna and friends to the Porter's Beach house. Ummm. the Beach with no kids- how perfect is that? I headed there Thursday morning- weather was perfect when I got there, had some time to sit and read at the Santa Fe Depot,  

then took the Coaster up to Oceanside.  GORGEOUS! I had the beach and the house to myself for the whole afternoon/night. So relaxing.

 People finally started showing up late night- had to share a room with Anna and Mar and ended up staying up talking... fantastic. Haven't done that for awhile... then spent the weekend walking around Oceanside and just hanging out. It was a so nice.

 Anna and I went Kayaking in the harbor one afternoon- SO MUCH FUN! We spotted a couple dolphins swimming around, eventually making their way under us... pretty intense.

 One night Anna went all out and we played some "Minute to Win it" games. Hilarious! These girls crack me up!

 Right before we headed out all of us did some kayaking... well, no babies on a kayak so Tiff and Laura took a pedal boat.

 Sea Lions were everywhere...

It was a blast! Thanks girls! When can we do it again??