I LOVE going home to visit my family. I look forward to it every August! It's sort of becoming a tradition for us all to get together in August, so I know that for sure, I at least get to see everyone once a year. Obviously not nearly enough, and 90% of the time I see them a lot more than just once, but I can always count on our trip home in August. It really is my favorite.
So I hope you are ready for a really long blog post. There are a ton of pictures, but I tried to add some together, so that you aren't scrolling down forever... I know sometimes the pictures are the best part. I am also attempting to write this all in one post. Like I said, LONG. I warned you.
We start on
MONDAY:
Dan came and picked his ladies up to take us to the airport. Flying is always such a fun adventure. You just never know how the day is going to go, but I was beyond excited to get on that plane and for June to see her Nana and Papa that nothing was going to ruin my spirits. I was totally prepared for the worst, and it ended up being the BEST flight I have ever done with June.
 |
| Sent to Daddy to let him know we made it through security A-OK! |
As we boarded the plane, the stewardess saw June, and asked if she would like to meet the Pilot. I of course was not going to miss an opportunity like this and said absolutely. She was so nice and took our bags so that we could go meet him. As soon as the Pilot saw June, he fell in love instantly. I guess he has a granddaughter about the same age, and just couldn't get over how cute she was... Obviously adorable. So, he invited us into the cock pit and sit in the Pilot's chair. He was so calm and patient since June was a little hesitant at first, but she soon warmed up and he let us hangout in there and chat for a bit. It seriously was so cool!
We connected in Colorado, and then were off to Idaho Falls airport. The passengers on the plane re-arranged some seating for us, so that we could have our own row. I don't know if it's because they saw me with a toddler on my lap and being so pregnant, or they just didn't want to sit next to a child, but either way I was super grateful to have a row to ourselves. June was an absolute gem this flight! She just sat and played with her toys and then watched a movie the remainder of the flight. I actually got to enjoy a soda and read my book... It was fantastic! But nothing beats walking out of the gated area in the airport and seeing Nana and Papa waiting for us with big open arms! My dad grabbed my luggage and we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house for the greatest 10 days!
Tuesday:
Our first full day there and we didn't miss a beat! June wanted to instantly go and play outside. We went for a walk out our back yard and back behind all the houses. My mom and June played in the sand box for a while, and threw rocks into the Canal. (One of Ju Ju's favorite activities)
After a good morning walk, My mom took June over to the garden and helped pick what was left of the raspberries... no hesitation by June, she was inhaling them. We finally had to cut her off before she got a tummy ache. She loved being able to pick them straight from the vine and eat them! That was a big thing we did at my Grandma and Grandpa Mendenhall's house when we were kids. These are the exact same raspberry bushes from their garden that my dad dug up and brought home... I love that they are the same ones!
We got ready for the day, had lunch with my dad and then after naps all headed down to Idaho Falls to go to the zoo with our Mendenhall Cousins.
 |
| An absolute must picture with the Lion drinking fountain! |
A great start to our vacation at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
Wednesday:
Wednesday, Meg came down with Sammi K from up in Ashton. Her husband Joe was climbing the Grand Teton that week, so we got a few days alone with just us and the girls. My mom and dad went to the office for a while, so we had the day to ourselves to do lots and lots of sewing projects! What we do best when we get together in Idaho. We spent about 2 hours in Porter's in the search of fabric for our girls and to make baby boy a blanket! The girls pretty much tore the store apart, but when it's the grandchild of the owner, the employers are a little more understanding... or they have to be! hahaha
After a few hours of sewing, and naps for the girls, my dad came home, and took June and Sammi, so that Meg and I could make one more run to Porter's without our tag alongs, it was a lot smoother picking out fabric without chasing two, almost two year olds.
We went and picked up my mom from her office, and then enjoyed an evening of games, food, more food, and hanging with Nana and Papa.
We don't have a piano at our house in Texas, so June thought it was so fun to sit with Nana and play some of her favorite songs.... It was a heart melting moment, I'll be honest.
June's cousin, Samantha, is a bubble blowing champion. That girl has a pair of lungs on her that sent those bubbles flying... They mostly ended up in June's face, but they both thought it was so hilarious... Cute little girl giggles.
THURSDAY:
Awful I know, but I don't have any pictures from Thursday! AH! We got so caught up in all our sewing that we forgot to snap a few pictures. The girls played with Nana and Papa while we continued to neglect our children and get as much sewing projects done as we could. I don't think my parents seemed to mind to much... they take any chance they can get to have their grandkids!
My other two sisters, Brooke and Michelle came down later that night with their kids for the weekend! Now the real party was getting started! We always love a little sister bonding time before the hubbies come, and we LOVE when Mikey is there, just the original five... It's fun just being our original family sometimes!
FRIDAY:
Most of the grandkids were with us on Friday, so we made it a kid oriented day... I didn't get any pictures, but my dad had all of them go out front and help pick up all the apples that fell from the apple tree. Each apple they picked up they got a nickel.... Then he took them all to the dollar store with their money!
We call my dad Mary Poppins, because he is always coming up with clever little games for the kids to play, and if you need anything at all, like night lights, batteries, string, a new card game... I mean anything, and somehow he goes back into a room and brings it out 2 minutes later. Magic.
All of us went to the park after the dollar store trip and had a picnic and then went and played at the splash park! All the kids had a really fun time trying to get grandma and grandpa wet. I think my dad finally gave in and just joined them!
Nana keeping the babes warm, and gramps helping June with the slide.
I love this picture
I love this one even more. There are about six of those little fountains and if you block one with your foot then the others have a stronger blast. Well all the grandkids were playing on them, and my dad was holding June while she was stepping on one of them watching the other ones flow higher... The other grandkids stepped on them all right as June stepped off. My dad was lifting her foot and totally got shot in the face.... Do not ask me how we captured this picture but it was a perfect picture moment! We could not stop laughing! My dad was a great sport about it! The timing was just too perfect! I still am laughing to myself thinking about it!
After a good while, we decided to take the kids to the carousal and let them have a ride. It was the longest carousal ride I have ever been on. It just kept going and going! It was fun though to ride with everyone
Ju Ju's did pretty good. She wasn't too thrilled about the whole thing, but she didn't cry or beg to get off, so we kept her on there and let her ride.
Once we were worn out from the park, we headed home and put the little ones down for a nap, and being the good man he is, my dad took the grandkids one more time so that us girls could go and do a little shopping while a lot of the kids were asleep. He had an activity for the older kids so we knew they were in good hands and definitely wouldn't get bored. It was fun going shopping with my sister's and mom and catching up without kids.
Later that night we went out back and had a hot dog roast for dinner. One of my favorite summer time meals! Smore's followed with lots and lots of snacks! We watched the kids run around in the back yard and just hung out before the rest of the group got there later that night!
My parent's live in an absolute beautiful place! The view from their house will never get old! We were lucky enough to be outside enjoying the fire when a rainbow appeared.
shoving our faces with food!
We always joke that we leave my parents house 10 pounds heavier because of all the food and snacks and deliciousness that we can't stop eating! My mom knows to put out the good stuff when we all come home! Endless supply of food!
Getting cleaned up from the fire and food!
Trayson, June and Sammi
We have lots of baths with cousins but they don't seem to mind to much!
My sister braided the girls hair, and this was just a little after picture! I love how much June love's hanging out with her cousins, and how much they adore her. It does make me wish we all lived closer together so she could see them more, but we will take what we can get!
Sager and June watching a movie before bed
The babes went down for bed, and all the other little cousins went down in the basement to watch a movie and have a big sleep over, so the grown ups got to play a few games. Another favorite of mine visiting my parents house!
Party mix, soda's and snack after snack! Like I said we never stop eating, and I hope that never changes!
Just the original five doing a little gambling with dad
Brooke and Mich's hubbies made it in that night and we all chatted for a bit, played a few more games and then called it a night!
SATURDAY:
All of us woke up first thing and got ready to head to West Yellowstone. My parents got us all tickets to go to the Playmill and watch "Beauty and the Beast".
But before all that greatness even began, we had even more fun riding in the 15 passenger van my parents rented for the day. The idea was for the majority of us to be together, and then have one car follow behind. All of us kids at first about died, and really didn't want to ride in the Poo Van as my nieces and nephews called it, but it actually ended up being a ton of fun! We had a good laugh about it for a while. My dad drove the Van and my mom followed behind with some of the older grandkids. It really was fun and something that I don't think we will ever forget.
The drive was great, and we made excellent time, even for being in the poo van. We were able to walk around the shops before the show started and get some souvenirs.
We have been going to the Playmill for a long time! It is just a little broadway production, but they do a really good job for it being so small. Since we were seeing "Beauty and the Beast" my mom bought all the little granddaughters crowns to wear in the show. The girls thought that was the best thing, and they wore them the entire time. Even June kept her's on! It was super cute! After, some of the girls got to take their the picture with Princess Belle. I was sad because June had fallen asleep so we didn't get a princess picture.
Our last stop in Yellowstone was Gusher's Pizza Parlor. Great pizza and it was fun to just all hangout. June slept for a good while on Grandma and Grandpa's lap while we ate. She was beat, but was such a good little thing through all the craziness!
Driving home was a little bit more quite. I think that we were all pretty exhausted from the day and ready to get home. The day was incredible and we have to give all the credit to my parents for planning and making it all happen for 17 people! HUGE THANKS MOM & DAD!
What?! Another round of games?! You better believe it! We are never too tired for a game. We learned a new one called "Bang". It took a while to catch on, but it was really fun to play. My mom was in the kitchen getting dinner ready for tomorrow, and she just kept laughing at us, while we tried to figure it all out.
Of course more treats, party mix and soda.
Sunday always comes to quickly. We had a fantastic BBQ, again thanks to my parents, and my Grandma and Grandpa were able to come and have dinner with us all! Then it was time to say goodbye to everyone as they headed their different directions. Meg and Joe headed back up to the cabin to spend Labor day with friends, and the Cisnero's and Rasmussen's headed back home to Utah, since all their kids had school the next day.
Lucky fore me, I didn't have to go anywhere for the next 3 days, and June got Nana and Papa all to herself.
Goodbyes were said and everyone headed out the door. The house was very quite, so we decided to head down to one of our favorite river spots by my parents house. It's very secluded and June loved being able to throw rocks in the water.
She loves rocks. Anywhere we go, she finds a rock and carries it with her. She is going to be just like her daddy and be a geologist one day!
On our way home, about 20 ft from our house, we let June hang out through the sun roof. Though she was way to short, she had fun sticking her arms out and getting a different view. Don't go calling the police of child endangerment, we did it all the time growing up, and I trust my parents whole heartedly!! And plus June thought it was awesome...
We face timed with daddy a lot this trip. We are so grateful to him for letting us take off for a while and leave him behind to continue to work. Don't worry though, he had plenty of fun while we were away!
Baths, and then playing La La Loopsie with grandpa
MONDAY:
We got to hangout for a bit while grams and gramps worked, then we had lunch with grandpa and ran a few errands.
Waiting for grandma to get home, we hung around in the backyard and played with all the toys, we even found a few more raspberries and were able to pick 'em and eat 'em. June definitely had her fill of raspberries by the time we left!
She never wanted to get in and ride, just push the car. She wouldn't push it alone either, she would run over to "Papa" (because she can't say grandpa yet) grab his hand, and drag him over to help her.
June helped grandpa pick up the leaves and branches from the yard. There was a massive wind storm that came through, so the yard was covered in all sorts of goodness.
"Nana" (because she can't say grandma yet either) came home and we continued to play outside for a bit until dinner and bedtime.
Our Monday was pretty low key, but it was still so fun! It reminded me of the old days. I am the youngest by 5 years so there were a lot of years spent when it was just myself and my parents. I loved it and I am grateful I got that one on one time with them!
TUESDAY:
Tuesday was super fun!!
It was a grandmother, mother & daughter day.
We spent the day having lunch, and shopping for the little mister. I love one on one time with my parents! It's just a really good chance to talk about whatever and just have fun! It was a really good day and I am so grateful for my mom and everything she does for my little family. They really do so much for us, and I know I can't ever repay them, but I am grateful!
When we got back from our girls day, we met up with my dad and went to the nature park, where we could feed the ducks.
These ducks get fed on a pretty regular basis, so they were not shy. The first piece of bread hit the water and they all came swimming.
We took a whole loaf of bread with us. The ducks were loving us! They even came up on shore, with our little trail of bread. June was not pleased when we ran out of bread!
Little attitudes
,
That night we drove up to St. Anthony and had Chiz for dinner. Totally worth the drive! LOVE THEIR FOOD!!
Another night of baths, singing songs and reading stories with Nana and Papa.
WEDNESDAY:
Wednesday we woke up and went and got my mom and dad a little surprise/thank you for such an amazing week.
June and I met my mom at her office so that we could do an ultrasound on baby boy! Such an awesome perk having your mom work in the medical field! I love being able to get ultrasounds done with my mom, and that she gets to see the little man, even though she will be seeing him in just a couple months, it was still really fun!
So this baby of ours.... HAS A TON OF HAIR!!
I will be honest I am a little relieved! I loved how much hair June had/has so I am excited to not have a bald baby!
These Ultrasound pics show his hair
This is the back of his head. All that stuff floating is his nice growing mullet, that still has 8 weeks to get longer! We are going to need scissors at the hospital, just to maintain it!
I also got to do a 3d Ultrasound which is always really fun and cool! He has tiny little features, just like his sister and his daddy. 3D is a little weird, but fun and I am glad I was able to get it done without being charged!
That night, Mike and Shay were going through the temple with Shay's sister for her wedding on Friday, so we babysat the kids while they were with her family! June got to play with her cousins one last time. It was fun!
Then later that night, my mom helped me finish baby boy's blanket, and make sure everything was sewn properly! I'm not the best sewer, so my mom always does the finishing touches. It's great because she made June's blanket just like this one, and now we have one for baby boy! Love it!
June helping Nana... Or more like watching the iPad and getting mad when the blanket got in her way!
THURSDAY:
Thursday was pack up and go day! It is always bitter sweet when leaving after a great trip home! I was so sad to leave, but also so excited to get home and see Dan, and be in my own house. June was sad to be leaving also.
At the airport after we said goodbye to Nana and Papa, she got so sad that she couldn't see them anymore. She just kept yelling "Nana, Papa" "No go Nana and Papa" It made me cry. It broke my heart that she couldn't see them anymore! Thank goodness for technology and FaceTime!
We got through security and settled at our gate, The gate agent came on and said our flight would be delayed 25 minutes due to mechanical issues on the plane, well 25 minutes went by, another 25 minutes went by and another 25 minutes went by. Nothing. I had already missed my connecting flight, and was worried I might be spending the night in Colorado if I waited for this flight out of Idaho Falls. So I talked to the gate agent and it turned out there was one more flight that night, but not until 7:45. It was only 2 o'clock and my flight was only an hour... That left us 4 hours to just sit in the Denver airport! I debated whether to just go back to my parents house, or attempt the flight. After much debated decision I decided to risk it and head to Colorado, not sure if I would even get on the last flight out! So after another hour delay we finally made it into Colorado...
I talked to the gate agent at that airport (Who was super pleasant.... NOT) and she told me that the only way she can guarantee me a seat is to wait until its closer to boarding time. So June and I went and explored the airport for a bit, and grabbed a bite to eat.
Ju Ju's fell asleep and took a good nap which was super helpful, not having to keep her entertained for 4 hours.
About an hour to boarding time, we go talk to a different gate agent, who actually was pleasant and said there wouldn't be a problem getting us on that flight! I was so happy and relieved!
We even ended up with a row to ourselves again and had a pretty good flight home. June was a little more antsy this go around, but she did good playing and keeping herself entertained with the iPad and stickers.
Dan was there waiting for us with flowers and a very happy face! June couldn't get out of her stroller fast enough to give him a hug! She missed her daddy and I really missed him too! It was worth the flying hassle to get home and be with him, even if it was 5 hours past when we were supposed to arrive home! We are home though and that's all that matters!
It was an incredible trip! They always are going home! My parents make it extra special and I am so grateful for them a hundred times over for all they did for us over that week and a half! June still continues to ask for Nana and Papa! We just face time a lot so that she wont forget their faces and show lots of pictures!
We can't wait to see them again in just a couple of months, when this baby boy gets here!!!
Well we made it to the end! A very long blog post, but worth writing about every minute!
No comments:
Post a Comment