Mueller State Park 2013

Day 2 of our vacation. 

We joined my sister and her daughters and grand-daughter and loaded up for Mueller State Park.

We didn't expect the elevation to have the effect it did on me. 

I ended up with a horrible "concussion" headaches. 

That is what I call them. 
Never have I had headaches like these till the accident.  They bring me to tears.

We stopped at a grocery store, bought some Ziploc baggies, so I could make ice packs.

I stayed with my grand-niece and her momma.

We had a great visit just the 3 of us, I settled in and relaxed. 

I listened to the trees and the wind.

I may even have dozed off a bit.

When we came home, Fun Girl had captured the best pictures and she shared them with me.

Makes my heart soar to see these cousins bond and enjoy their time together like they do.

 

First family vacation in 10 years!

The last time this family had a vacation on the road was 10 years ago. 

We have traveled, we have done things, but always as a part of something else.

Hockey tournaments, business trips, swim meets, etc.

Since that last trip we have added Dad's Bud and The Man. 

There are no children in diapers or potty training. 

No car seats!

Life has become immensely easier. 

We have also learned to pack efficiently. 

Those weekender trips have trained us well.  Travel light have more fun. 

 

So when my sister linked me in a face book message about a crib.

I didn't have to think long.

Sure, we can pick up a crib and fit it in the van. 

 

Only little thing..... I forgot to consider the mattress.

 

Cribs break down. 

That is what I was thinking.
There is no deflating of a mattress. 

 

Being the master packer that I am...I managed to get us all in the van,

all our stuff and the crib.

 

There was just a little bit of complaining.

 

To which, I could only reply, but we love our sweet new baby cousin

 and it is ONLY 8-9 hours. 

 

Fun Girl described us: "We were packed in tighter than a squirrel with a mouth full of nuts"

 

Except I think we were the nuts.

 

Counting to 375....

Catching up some from earlier in the year, when I wasn't blogging faithfully
351.  Fun Girl winning in a drawing
352. Gracious zoo personnell extending her winnings to the whole family.
353.  Watching my children feed a rhino
356.  16 years with my Fun Girl
357.  Watching my children be the best of friends and enjoying relationships with one another
358.  Cupcakes
359.  Birthday trip with Fun Girl
360.  Getting to know her friends a bit more
361.  Hanging out with Little Princess while the Teens shop
362.  Water Parks, Girls and Giggles
363.  Whether they are 10 or 16, they are girls and kids and fun to be with
364.  Comfortable hotel beds.
365.  Another birthday for Big O Daddy O
366-369.  More Awana awards to add to our collection

366. Dad's Bud

367.  The Man

368.  Little Princess

369.  Hockey Player gets his Timothy Award.

 

To get a Timothy Award the student/clubber memorizes 423 verses over the span of 4 years. 

(4 books, one for each year)



370.  Cousins at Ft. Larned learning together

371. Learning about Wool Coats in early summer = HOT HOT

372.    Period Dress at Ft. Larned...coming off break.  What doesn't belong?? LOL

373.  Cousins being sworn in as Junior Rangers....even if they are "too old"

374..  Cousins being like Gorillas

 

 

375.  Cousins shopping and trying on shoes.

New Years 2012!

This is what I was up to this past weekend. 
Cause I didn't take pictures, and my camera is with my daughter this weekend.  As well as her computer with copies of all the pictures on my camera....   I will just be a teeny bit lazy and share the link to my sister's blog entry.  6 days of a lot of firsts.  6 days of great memories.