Weekend in Boise.

Thursday after work we loaded up the mini-van and headed to Boise to spend the weekend with Kendall and his family. This was a much anticipated event. I think the kids talked about it for weeks. Finally the day arrived and there was much excitement to be had. We were barely in Pocatello (45 miles away from home) and they were wondering if we were there or at least if we were close. I guess they had forgotten that Boise is 280 miles from home and takes 4 hours!

Coleman continues to be our worst traveler. He has never liked road trips and that hasn't changed much. Well, he no longer screams, but he does whine a lot and make up stories about a hurting tummy, owies on his legs, and needing yet another drink! Basically he just doesn't like to sit still! But we made it! A nap and a Barney movie were the biggest help. Actually snacks are always the biggest help, he just inhales them so quickly they are short-lived! The big kids are totally content with their DS's and movies. And for the first time they got into our travel and interstate BINGO cards. That was very fun. I have high hopes of great car traveling in the next year or two.

It is always so fun to arrive at family's house and have all the kids pour out of the van and house - the excitement of being together written all over their faces. I love that.
The kids fall right back into playing with one another and Josh and I enjoy the opportunity to just sit and visit with Jan and Kendall.

Roaring Springs Waterpark was the weekend favorite.
We had been telling the kids that we would spend Friday at the water park, but they had a hard time envisioning what exactly a water park was. They haven't been to a water park since they were toddlers. They kept asking if it was a big pool with a slide. I told them to trust me. I knew they would love it. And love it they did.

The water park was the perfect size. BIg enough to have some really fun slides, a lazy river and wave pool. Yet, it was small enough that the kids were able to find there way around and I was not overly paranoid. This is always good.

The kiddie area was perfect. There were little slides for Coleman - even some that didn't have spraying water to navigate through. There were also some slightly bigger slides. Ashley needed a little encouragement from me and Jan initially, but once she had experienced the tube slide, she felt like a big girl and must have gone down the thing 75 times! She said the lifeguard was nice and held her tube for her while she got on. At first she needed me at the bottom, but soon she was totally doing it all on her own. She was content and I was a happy mama.

Coleman was very hesitant at first which really threw me off. He has always been the somewhat fearless one. Once he got in the groove he started having a blast and I was delighted.

Mitchel and Justin had the time of their life. Considering this was the first time they have been on water slides like this, I was so proud of their fearlessness!

After 5 hours of sun and fun, my sister in law loaded up all the little ones and took them home. Yes, all 5 younger ones. She even took Coleman so I could go enjoy the big slides with my big kids. Is that nice or what? I'm so lucky. She rocks.

The last 3 hours of the day were spent enjoying the big slides with Josh, Justin, Mitchel, Kendall, and Annika. We had so much fun. I loved being able to spend that time with the boys. Its not very often I get time with just them. It was fun to share in their fun. I think they were shocked that I was brave and could have fun like that! I usually assume mommy role and let dad take them. I don't mind my mommy role. I enjoy seeing Coleman and Ashley having fun too. And I know they feel good when mommy is close. But, it was really fun to just hang out with the big kids and actually do more than observe the fun.

Some of our Idaho Falls cousins were also there for half the day and its always fun to see them.

On Saturday we went to the Snake River Stampede Rodeo. This was the first rodeo the kids have been too. Coleman did not like it like I thought he would. He was more interested in climbing on the seats and drinking pop. But Justin, Mitchel and Ashley certainly found it fun. Not as fun as the water park, but still fun! We could not get enough light for any action pictures to turn out (indoor arena) so you just have to trust me that there were some seriously talented riders and some good bucking horses. Watching the rodeo sent my mind reeling back to Carey and rodeos with my grandpa. Love those memories.

It was a great weekend. I am still in awe of the fact that we can drive over in just 4 hours and spend the weekend. It sure is nice living closer to family. Thanks Kendall and Jan for all the hospitality!

Josh and I with our big kids. Mitch with his chlorine burning eyes.


the kiddie spot


Coleman and his favorite dolphin slide. Seriously he did this over and over and over.




Josh and Justin. Justin wanting some freestyle points.


Josh and I on the Avalanche. Serious speed. Seriously steep. Definitely most fun.




Ashley on her "big kid" slide.



Just chillin'.




Miss Independent.


Rejuvenating with some snacks. Boys and Horman cousins.


Justin's first funnel cake. Overcooked. Disappointing.



The Miller's and Dippin' Dots.



Coleman and his "cold" ice cream. "warm it up mom."



Snake River Stampede Rodeo.