Triplet's Turn Five

The Triplet's turned 5 this year.  I can't believe how fast it went, but at the same time, I thought we would never get here.  We have had some of the funnest and hardest time of my life the last 5 years.  They are such great kids and we love them to death.  I am definitely not sending them back.

Happy Birthday Jaxen, Joshua and Gracie!!!!!

Swimming and MVP

Ryan surprised us this summer with a pass to MVP Athletic club.  They have a great outdoor pool and water slide that the kids loved.  We were there two or three times a week.  They also have a great athletic area and classes with a kiddie zone just for little ones.  The kids loved going to play, and I was able to break away and work on getting into shape.  I've been running for the last two summers, but need to change it up a bit.  We were all happy with this arrangement.  Here are pictures of the kids swimming and after getting their faces painted at the kiddie zone.

Swimming Lessons

The week after our vacation the kiddos started swimming lessons.  Jaxen asked, "Why do we need swmming lessons?  I know how to swim with my life jacket."  I told him he needed to learn to swim without his life jacket.  He also needed to learn safety rules/strategies in the water.   He was okay with that answer and loved taking lessons.  They all asked when they could do it again.

Morgan loved the lessons and made a new friend while she was at it.

Day 15-16: Four Corners, Mesa Verde and Home

On Day 15 we headed toward home through Zion's Canyon and stopped at another Dam(? not sure which one right now, I'll ask Ryan later).  Then we drove on to Four Corners.

Four Corners is way out there and really not much to look at.   It's one of those places you can check off your list, but we will be in no hurry to return.  Here are some pictures of the trip.

Next on the way, we stopped at Mesa Verde.  This place was awesome and it was sooo big that we did not get a chance to see it all.  We would definitely return for another adventure.  Here are some pictures of us looking at the old Indian Ruins.

The next two days were spent driving home.  It was a long and boring trip, thus no pictures.  We were just happy to be out of Colorado and on our way.  We were even happier to be home, but we did have a great time with all of our family and friends.  We were sad that we didn't get to see everyone we wanted to see, but we will try harder next time.

Day 14: St. George Temple and Cars 2

Day 14:  While the younger four kids played with their cousins, Ryan took Morgan on a road trip to visit the St. George Temple.  They talked about the importance of temples and how families are sealed together for eternity here.  He told about how her Mom and Dad were married in the temple, so that we could all be together forever.  She loved the trip and came back with the determination that she will marry her husband in the temple.  I hope that idea stays with her until she is ready to get married.  Here are some pictures of her at the temple.  Later we all went to see the movie Cars 2.  It was a little slow for my bunch of kids, but they loved the popcorn, treats, and pop.  I thought the first one was better, but that's just me.

Day 13: Las Vegas

Day 13:  Since we were only two hours from Las Vegas, Ryan wanted to take a road trip and do a little sight seeing.  We drove to Las Vegas, so Ryan could see the Pawn shop from the TV show Pawn Stars.   We also took the kids and walked around a little and then went up the Eiffel Tower to get a better view.  Unfortunately, we ran out of time and weren't able to take them by the Temple as well.  Maybe next time.

Day 12: Dinosaur Discovery Center and Community Pool

Day 12:  On day twelve we took the kids to a local Dinosaur Museum.  Some excavators had found dinosaur foot prints while clearing some land they were hoping to sell or build on and have turned it into a museum.  They had a great time.  Jaxen loved looking at old fossils and foot prints.  Later, we went swimming and had a great time.  Unfortunatly, I don't have any pictures of this event.