Cabin 2008

We just returned from a wonderful family vacation last night. We finally all made it up to the cabin and it was absolutely wonderful. As we were driving up there I was filled with fond memories of my childhood. The countless horse back rides with grandpa and my cousins, fishing with my dad, and just hanging out around the campfire at night. Of course I also remember the outhouse and I am truly grateful for the beautiful transformation the cabin has undergone. However, it hasn't lost it's charm and coziness. It's so wonderful to create new memories with my own children now. It isn't the easiest task to get all 12 of us together for a weekend but it was well worth the planning and preparation.

This picture was taken when we first arrived and Max was in great spirits. Unfortunately soon after he got feverish and really fussy. Poor little guy slept about 2 hours the first night. That seemed to be the average amount of sleep for the rest of us except for Sarah who can sleep through anything. Everyone really helped me with the little guy. Camping with a 10 month old baby isn't the easiest task. Here are some pictures of everyone consoling little Mino. He loved sitting on Dan's lap, preferably in the car listening to some tunes.

Sarah had the genius idea of a treasure hunt for the kids. Of course she went all out. Here we are decorating the kids bags before the hunt.

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One of their clues led them to the lake and the final clue ended up near the generator. Hank loved his spider man watch, and Isabel got princess stamps, while Lucy provided hours of entertainment with her whoopee cushion.

This is all of us on our ATV of choice!! Lucy learned how to ride the 4-wheeler and the 50 by herself. Speaking of the 50, I too had my first experience ever riding a motorcycle. It's really quite funny how scared I was at first. Don't worry, I got the hang of it pretty fast.

Lucy caught the first fish of the day and everyone else caught one soon after.

Hank was too busy riding the four wheeler and too impatient to sit around and wait for the fish to bite. As soon as he left, someone would catch a fish. We finally timed it right and he caught the "biggest" fish of the day!!

He is totally pumped about his fish...although not happy that we are eating his fish for dinner. It was really good by the way!

What was Max doing this entire time you ask? Oh he was enjoying a tune from his sweet mom. I think I was singing "Can We Chill" by Neyo...I'm not sure though.

One of the treasures Hank got from the treasure hunt was a bug collecting kit, equipped with tweezers a net and a jar to keep them in. Brett and I really worked hard to get Hank a beautiful blue dragon fly. My little tree hugger, Uncle Rusty would be so proud.

We all loaded up on the Ranger and the 4 wheelers and found a beautiful little meadow with this little stream that was very refreshing.

After we ate lunch we attempted a baseball game. It was as organized as a game can be when you are playing with 2 small children and a baby. Hank was beyond exhausted at this point. He was really distraught when Grandma Jackie told him their team was losing. Poor little chap can't handle life without a nap.

Grandpa Curt was exhausted from the game. I think he fell asleep the second he sat down. Now I know where Sarah gets her narcolepsy.
If I didn't know better I would think these two were twins. So precious!!

Isabel collected these beautiful flowers to brighten up the cabin.

My sweet little parents! (aka Nama Jackie and Grandpa Curt)

The Ross Clan

Sarah and Brett


The Griffin's


Sarah and I being way too hyper on the 50


Not 5 seconds after the previous picture was taken, Randy came back from a 4 wheeler ride with Isabel, Lucy and Hank. They had stopped to go to the bathroom and failed to buckle up afterwards. Randy, luckily was going slow, and turned a corner not knowing Lucy was reaching for her sweatshirt. Lucy and Isabel both fell out of the Ranger. Lucy only had minor injuries but poor Isabel sliced her forehead open. Kate, Dan Isabel and Dad, made a late night emergency room trip to Price. Isabel was such a little trooper. She hardly cried but you could tell she was scared. Luckily they could glue it together and no stitches were needed. They didn't get back to the cabin until 4 o'clock in the morning. Almost as heartbreaking as it was to see Isabel hurt was to see how horrible Randy felt. We were all reminded of the importance of helmets to say the least.

Hank was constantly falling and injuring himself as well, nothing major, just 3 year old scrapes and bruises. I don't think my dad could take anymore. Every time one of the grandkids would trip and fall (which was often) he would say "Oh, that was bad".

Thankfully children are so resiliant. They absolutely loved Madison's Clubhouse. I love Hank's Dorito filled mouth. I'm pretty sure that's the only thing he ate the entire weekend.

We are putting Kelly Ripa's tips for a good photo to work here. The first picture is how we normally smile and the second picture is more cheesed. Kelly says to exaggerate your smile for a more flattering photo. You be the judge.

Lucy and Isabel with Grandpa


Max and Isabel (Max is shocked about something)


My two little angels!!

This trip was a much needed change of pace for me and my family. We had a great time and look forward to making this an annual trip. Max is so happy to be home in his own bed. Hank on the other hand could live up their as long as their was someone to take him on the 4 wheeler.