Summer Vacation - 1st Stop Colorado!

Summer Vacation for me!  Can you ever have enough vacation?  "Not I" says the Gramma, mom, wife, secretary, sister, daughter, etcetera....etcetera...etcetera!  Working for the School system, I am blessed with 6 weeks of vacation, and 13 holidays.  But it never seems enough to do what you want to, need to, should do, and things long overdue! 

So 2 days into vacation I packed my bags and flew to Colorado.  In preparation to join with everyone in Arizona the following week, I went to Heidi and Matt's house for a few days and drove with them to Arizona.  I was greeted by Heidi and the kids at the airport!  And Jackson and Daphne informed me of the plans brewing for while I was there.  Porter had to get to know me again, but it didn't take long. Lovely Princess Daphne caught me up on Zombie Lore, from which she is learning from her older brother.  Jackson is just growing up tooooo fast.  6 years old, and everybit as smart and funny as ever.

 I was still a bit slow and weak from having been in the hospital the week before, so I also was able to nap and rest.  Heidi was better with her phone camera than I was with mine, so I will be posting her instagram photos that she took, that are great!

So...first day loomed with a trip to the dentist for Jackson, so I took Daphne and Porter to Target for an hour to browse and the kids got to pick out something.  When you hit the dollar bins at Target, you can be generous.  Daphne loved her "28" things (not really, more like 4) but she thought it was great.  She was having so much fun, she thought she should pick Porter and Jackson's as well.  They graciously declined her picks for them.

Straight from Target, it was on to see "Despicable Me 2" . Their first run movies there are only 5.00, Monday thru Thursday.  Man wishing we had that here!   Cute movie, cuter kids!

Thursday being July 4th, we started the day bright and early with a Pancake Breakfast and flag raising Ceremony at the church. 

 Then we were invited to a community pool with some friends in the ward.  We went home and Heidi packed us a lunch, and on to stay cool this warm 4th. 

We drove that evening out to Westminster, CO, for their community celebration and fireworks. 

The absolutely best thing was the pure joy on Jackson's face when they started!!

Friday morning was quiet, and then we headed out to the Denver Zoo.  They had a new enclosure built for the Elephants in the last few years, pretty impressive.

Saturday we saved for the community Water Park so Matt would be off work and could go with us.  It was a great day in the sun and the water.  Fun, fun, fun. 

The kids each had areas that they enjoyed, and Matt talked Heidi into venturing onto the slide.    The kids and I waited at the bottom to cheer them on! 

We kept so busy, and still had time to visit, to play Barbies, to read, to rest.  Mostly just making more memories with my Colorado kids!! Loved every minute of it!

Sunday we bid farewell to Colorado, and headed to Arizona, with an overnight stop in New Mexico.

New Adventures ahead!

Family Day at the San Diego Safari Park

I was emailed with an Amazon deal of 60% off tickets at San Diego Safari Park.  It used to be called the Wild Animal Park.  I called and/or texted my kids to see if they were up for a family day at the park, and everyone was on board.  We found a Saturday that we all could go...just this last Saturday, June 8th.  We arrived last, and Grant and Julia, Jordan and Breana saved us a spot between their cars, and the kids were ready to roll.  Lots of Sunscreen, and a jaunt thru the gates. 

The first stop was the map kiosk. 

This pack of 3 year olds had to have one each, and held them close wanting to know "Where are we now?" asked thru the day.  First turn was thru the bird aviary.  The kiddos all loved the birds, ducks & flamingos greeted us. 

Then we met this Monitor lizard. 

Got a close up of the lizard, but our kiddos kept their distance.  On with Uncle Skyler and Uncle Cody to feed the ducks and see  the"Pink Backed" Pelicans and their baby in the nest. 

Then on to GORILLAS!   It took some time for them to come out of their caves. But our kids were all there ready to see. 

Our Kennedy has the best imagination.  She said "When we were gorillas we lived in our caves too". I asked her momma if there was some evolution being taught at their house.  We had some giggles and moved on to the comparison pictures with the Gorilla size.  Some of our crew were closer than others. 

The Lions were sleeping as they do for 20 hours a day. 

The kids were interested in the spyglass even though it didn't work.

On to the African Tram.  We waited in line. 

Grampa was taking advantage of the slow line. 

Then on to our adventures on the tram.  Enjoying the animals.

Loved spending time with our sweet baby Andi

We had a late lunch at our cars, then came back in for another couple of hours, the kids took turns on the stationary Rhino!

and took a picture of us all before we headed out of the park. 

We had a good family day spending time together.   We can't wait until July for our next family adventure in Arizona with EVERYONE...oh yes, all 24 of us will be together!!

Celebration at Victress Bower

Being at a school with a staff of 50 people, administration, teachers, Instructional assistants, custodial, clerical, kitchen, and various support staff, it becomes a family, and after being at Victress Bower for 15 years this fall, I tell you...our work family knows how to celebrate! The month of May brings Day of the Teacher, Day of the Nurse, and Classified Week. 

 Nathalie Ford just celebrated 20 years at Bower.  Denise, Vicki and Connie enjoying the day!

 

 We come together one day and everyone cooks, and shares, and visits and we have a lovely time. This year, no exception.  We voted to have a mexican fiesta, and of course no one disappoints.  I traditionally bring in my chocolate chip cookies. I didn't one time, and boy...did I get in trouble!!   I get up at 5:00 am to make them, so they are fresh and yummy. 

Many are equally well known for their specialties. 

Sue Goudy's brownies,

Mr. Rob's Guacamole

Even Ms Jan our resident healthy eater...goes a little crazy on potluck day!!

Mostly we are known to be excellent creators of the delicious and delectable.  That's why when you begin work at Bower, we warn about the "Bower 30".  Yes it is typical if you regularly eat what is daily shared at Bower, you will be 30 lbs. heavier within a few years.  So beware!  We are loving, we are amazing cooks, and we shall snare you at this place we love to work!!