Friday, July 25, 2014

Jackson, Wyoming

We arrived in Jackson the afternoon of July 16 and checked into our condo at the Aspens.  Sarah, Miles, Elle and Beck were already there and staying not far from us.  We got to keep all four grandkids that night and went out for a walk after dinner.  Above, Elle, Ally, Beck and Aidan.
 These girls were so happy to see each other and told us they wished they were sisters.  Too cute!
Beck showing off his balancing skills
 They all had a ball picking flowers and blowing the puffy dandelions into the air.




 Wyoming cousin of the Aleutian lupine


We've been having a great time and have not had much of a chance to post.  At the moment, we are traveling with Aidan and Ally in my brother's RV and have not had internet at many of our stops. The kids  have been great fun!  Will try to catch up as I can!

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Dallas to Salt Lake City to Logan, Utah

 Waiting for our plane at DFW
We were on a regional jet with two seats on each side so both of the grandkids had a window seat and a grandparent.
 In line to take off
 Ally made herself a little fort with books and airline safety cards, pulled up her hood and went to sleep.

 After a good flight to Salt Lake City, we got our rental car and the kids conked out.
 Driving through Utah

We had decided to spend the night in Logan, UT, rather than pushing ourselves to drive all the way to Jackson Hole, WY.  Figured it would be better to take our time and relax rather than wearing everyone out.  After checking into our hotel, we went downtown for supper.
 Colorfully painted bulls stood along various streets
 Flowers were blooming
 The Logan Tabernacle
We had a nice dinner at the Bluebird Restaurant and Fountain, which was founded in 1914 and still has a soda fountain.  Meals were much less pricey than the Hyatt and the guys each got a home made cream soda, which even came with free refills.
 After dinner, we had to try the ice cream sundaes.  Yum.
 This tree was knit-bombed.  Cute!
 The Bluebird
 Outside a knit shop
 Downtown

And more swimming!

Tomorrow--Jackson Hole!

Aidan and Ally's Summer Adventure

July 14, we loaded up the rental car and headed for Dallas in advance of our flight the next day.  The kids were great in the car and we made good time, didn't get lost even once!  Aidan is fake sleeping in this photo and Ally is being silly wearing her swim goggles.

 Passing the time working on word searches and puzzles.

 Yes, we're having fun!
 Passed this truck carrying caskets and a message "Please drive safely. Heaven can wait."  :)
 
We'd reserved a room at the Hyatt Regency at DFW so we wouldn't have far to go the next day.  The kids had been looking forward to swimming so we found the pool soon after checking in. Unfortunately, some storms started rolling in and we had to get out pretty quickly when we saw lighting and heard thunder!  I learned that Ally is quite frightened by thunder and was nearly in a panic till we could get back inside.
After our brief swim, we changed and ate dinner at the hotel.  Wowie, even kids' meals are pricey at the Hyatt. After adding in our drinks and two desserts to share, our bill was scary!
We had a view of the runway and the kids enjoyed standing out on our small balcony to watch the planes take off and land.
All along I'd been saying that our flight was at 2:30 the next day.  As we were lying in bed that night, I started thinking, "Hmmm, no, I think we ARRIVE in Salt Lake City at 2:30.  Wonder what time we are actually leaving!"  I got up to check our itinerary and sure enough, we were scheduled to leave DFW at 12:45. OOOPS.  Thank goodness I checked that night or we would have been in a panic the next day...if we'd even thought to look before it was too late. Whew!

Quick Visit with Friends

Ally and I had lunch with some of my best girlfriends while Susan and Corey were at work and Aidan and Rich went to run errands.  Above, Karen and Connie
 Ally
 Kelly, Karen, Connie
Jane with Kelly's grandson Blaise (cuteness deluxe!), Kelly's daughter Audra and Ally
 Always fun to see these friends. Hard to believe I have been gone from Abilene for 10 years now!
 Saying goodbye to my girl on her lunch break
Susan and her precious kids.  Our big summer adventure is about to begin!

A few days in Texas

 Susan and I had pedicures one day
 Aidan and Grandpa played a mean game of "Battleship"



 The kids rode bikes some more


 Susan and Corey's cute house
Corey's a hard working guy. Came home and had a short sleep, then got called out to work again! Sorry we did not get to see more of him!