Traveling all through Arizona, Utah, & Idaho...4200 miles!

Our family finally went on a vacation.  We have not been back "home" since we moved south six years ago.  Our kids didn't know what it was like to "go to grandpa and grandma's house."  It was always something other kids did, but not them.  We felt strongly that it was time to make this trip; 6-10 years since the last time we saw most of our family is way too long.  Seeing our family was the focus of this trip.  We are happy to report that our kids were able to visit, in some cases meet for the first time, both sets of grandparents, three sets of great grandparents, and 8 (out of 10) of our siblings, their spouses, and children.  We also were able to quickly visit some of our friends, whom we have adopted as family, in Missoula, Montana on our way through town.  We had a great time.  Tiffany has been concerned for six years that all that would be remembered of our trip would be the countless hours in the car; that the car ride would be torture for all.  Thankfully the kids had so much fun they do not even remember all the time we spent in the car.  They can't wait to make this trip again.  They cried every time it was time to leave loved ones behind.  Caitlyn and Jaryn have been very vocal about not wanting to wait six years to make this trip again.  We hope for the same. 
To all our family: Thanks for a wonderful time.  It was so great to see all of you!

We traveled tight - we even brought the dog! 

Rylie's ready to go.

KELLOGG, IDAHO

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Grandpa & Grandma Hanks' house

Barefoot grass!  Our kids have very few memories of walking on grass in their bare feet.  They were in heaven.  Rylie even took her shoes off.  Quincy practiced her cartwheels.   

Grandpa Hanks has a love for llamas; he currently has three.  He saddled up Lightening and took all the kids for a ride.  Quincy, here, is a little nervous but she quickly overcame that and had a great time.  All the kids enjoyed their llama ride.

Grandpa Hanks gave all the kids rides on the 4-wheeler. 

In the beginning Rylie wouldn't go near the 4-wheeler.  After her first ride, she nearly refused to get off and give others a turn.

Daddy took Rylie on the 4-wheeler.  She came back asleep.

Grandpa & Grandma Hanks took us fishing.  First, they had to dig worms.

Wading was a new experience, we are just never around water.  They found it odd to wear old shoes and be allowed to get them wet.  They had a great time.  They liked playing in the lilypads.

Caitlyn caught the first fish.  Her catch totaled five.

Quincy had a great time catching fish.  She totaled at five too.

Josey has been begging for two years to go fishing.  We were so happy she had this opportunity.  She caught three fish.

Jaryn is in heaven doing all the things he loves to do.  He caught two fish.

When all the poles were put away, hooks removed, and we were ready to go Rylie took an interest in fishing.  She grabbed a pole and wanted her turn to fish.  She put the end of the pole in the water and wondered why she didn't catch anything.  She was so mad when it came time to leave.  She really did have a great time but she wasn't ready to leave.

EMMETT, IDAHO

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Grandpa & Grandma Law's house

Caitlyn & Jaryn went for a ride on Grandpa Law's 4-wheeler.  There was a downed tree in the field that needed to be removed after a bad storm.  The trailer was needed to haul the logs.

While Grandpa Law and Darin worked to cut up the tree, Jaryn was given permission to drive the 4-wheeler.  This boy was on cloud nine!

We visited the Discovery Museum in Boise, Idaho.  The kids had so much fun doing all the many activities.  Rylie fell in love with the grocery store.  She played and played in here until it was time to go leave.  Afterwards, we had a very nice day in the park with family, complete with a fabulous picnic lunch.  

LINDON, UTAH

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Kim and Dan's house (Tiffany's Sister)

We went to Provo, UT to see the big 4th of July Parade and the arts and crafts fair for all the kiddos.  It was the perfect way to spend the holiday.  We also spent an afternoon swimming, the park was fun, and Uncle Sean and Aunt Becky came to see us too.     

Many, many thanks to you all for a wonderful time.