To end our "Summer of Fun" with a bang, we visited Anthony's family during the two weeks in between semesters. There was a lot of "newness" this trip...new house, new city, new people to include in the family, new protocol (it seems to change every trip since the kids all change so much in a matter of months). We look forward to making many more new memories in Fort Collins. I'm sorry if my commentary isn't the best for this post...I was so determined to make the most out of my last summer fling that all of the days kind of ran together. That's relaxation for you. :)
This photo is totally worth a thousand words. :)
One running theme throughout the trip was all of the kids needing more sleep, and Daynarae fighting it tooth and nail. Alaina was happy to take a snooze under the picnic table at Uncle Ryan's neighborhood pool, but Daynarae isn't willing to leave the party before everyone is done hanging.
I was a total wimp at the pool and could only stand the chilly water for a few minutes, but Papa was a great sport and played with the kids in there for over two hours.
I got tired of looking like a scrub on day three and tried my best to look nice, since I sometimes forget what I look like outside of holey jeans and stained whites. It must have taken Alaina by surprise, too, since she had to run to grab my camera and take a picture. I'm proud to cross "maintain a tan all summer" off of my bucket list! :)
After debating whether or not to take the kids to Fort Fun, kind of like a Boondocks, we settled on Chuck E Cheese's instead, since all the kids really want to do is play a million games to earn tickets and pick out little candies and toys. I don't know who had more fun, the kids or Uncle Ray! Look at that concentration!
...after a particularly bad shot.
Papa was the keeper of the coins. I think that's the best job in the house! :)
Wide-eyed with excitement!
Connor takes his driving very seriously.
I did a little happy dance when I saw this electrified ape game. Theresa and I thought that we were hardcore when we'd play it at the Fun Dome (all you do is hold on to it while it vibrates intensely). I knew Ray would love it.
Planet of the Apes
The kids love those little card-making machines.
When Daynarae sat down to make a card, she automatically put on a great smile...
...however, when I told her to "Say Cheese", this is the face I got. O.o
A girl after my own heart...loving the horse ride!
The ban on these two driving in the same car when they're 16 has not yet been lifted.
Time to cash 'em in!
Lovin' their hauls!
Another running theme throughout the visit was the ingestion of too many 5-hour Energies. I've relied on these a lot this summer to stave off the moodiness and fatigue that comes with too little sleep for me (and let's face it, that's pretty much every day for this 9-hr-girl), and they do their job well. However, consider yourself warned that these are not meant to fuel you for ten days. :P Even though I felt terrible after my B12 binge, I will always look back on the memory of everyone knocking these back together and smile.
We had dinner on the patio at Canino's. The light was gorgeous, so it was a photographer's dream.
Seriously, only the Dietrichs show up to an Italian restaurant and bring their own Dean Martin. :)
When the boys all went to play golf, Nana and I took the girls on a "Little Girls" shopping day. We went to an amazing toy store in downtown Fort Collins, then out for a cookie!
Those eyes! Completely unedited!
I think we were all a little intense about "getting ours" at some point on this vacation. We agreed that this is what the 5-Hour Energy ads should look like, not some lady waking up and getting on the treadmill!
Papa had to make an impromptu 20-hour business trip to Texas. Connor was so excited to have the responsibility of making Hannah feel comfortable in bed without Papa.
Twinners!
Ray's new girlfriend, Jen, went out with us on our "Big Girls" shopping day. With the direct personalities between Angela and I, I will happily give a girl a pat on the back for surviving a lunch with us! Even though Jen isn't much of a shopper, she powered through six glorious hours with us!
I would love to say that I took this picture of Papa on his deck, since I love the light, location, and leading lines, but I will give full credit where it's deserved. Way to go, Alaina!
For some reason, I like this one, too. Maybe it's Nana's flowers, or my beautiful Chaco's, or the fact that I have too few pictures of myself and my canine niece.
My favorite part of the trip was hearing, "Aunt Carolyn, watch this!", then turning around to this beauty. I'm still laughing.
Anthony hooked up the computer to the tv to have a huge monitor. Many YouTube videos were watched.
Papa's glasses still have not lost their intrigue.
Ryan asked me to watch Daynare for a second while he ran inside, and she immediately tripped over her foot and skinned both her hands and knees. Worst aunt ever. Don't trust me with your children. :P
My boy just loves those doggies.
Nana and Papa gave him a guitar, which was obviously serious business.
Poor Zoey...always manhandled by the children.
Sneakin' marshmallows.
We got our bubble blowing on with some Disney bubble wands that made the best bubbles ever!
Jen won the award as best grown-up bubble executor.
We took the kids to see the fountains in Old Town. The random nature of these fountains entertained the kids until Nana and I pulled them out, and then we went back the next day, better prepared with swimsuits and sandals.
Once again, a great visit! Can't wait until Thanksgiving!
This photo is totally worth a thousand words. :)
One running theme throughout the trip was all of the kids needing more sleep, and Daynarae fighting it tooth and nail. Alaina was happy to take a snooze under the picnic table at Uncle Ryan's neighborhood pool, but Daynarae isn't willing to leave the party before everyone is done hanging.
I was a total wimp at the pool and could only stand the chilly water for a few minutes, but Papa was a great sport and played with the kids in there for over two hours.
I got tired of looking like a scrub on day three and tried my best to look nice, since I sometimes forget what I look like outside of holey jeans and stained whites. It must have taken Alaina by surprise, too, since she had to run to grab my camera and take a picture. I'm proud to cross "maintain a tan all summer" off of my bucket list! :)
After debating whether or not to take the kids to Fort Fun, kind of like a Boondocks, we settled on Chuck E Cheese's instead, since all the kids really want to do is play a million games to earn tickets and pick out little candies and toys. I don't know who had more fun, the kids or Uncle Ray! Look at that concentration!
...after a particularly bad shot.
Papa was the keeper of the coins. I think that's the best job in the house! :)
Wide-eyed with excitement!
Connor takes his driving very seriously.
I did a little happy dance when I saw this electrified ape game. Theresa and I thought that we were hardcore when we'd play it at the Fun Dome (all you do is hold on to it while it vibrates intensely). I knew Ray would love it.
Planet of the Apes
The kids love those little card-making machines.
When Daynarae sat down to make a card, she automatically put on a great smile...
...however, when I told her to "Say Cheese", this is the face I got. O.o
A girl after my own heart...loving the horse ride!
The ban on these two driving in the same car when they're 16 has not yet been lifted.
Time to cash 'em in!
Lovin' their hauls!
Another running theme throughout the visit was the ingestion of too many 5-hour Energies. I've relied on these a lot this summer to stave off the moodiness and fatigue that comes with too little sleep for me (and let's face it, that's pretty much every day for this 9-hr-girl), and they do their job well. However, consider yourself warned that these are not meant to fuel you for ten days. :P Even though I felt terrible after my B12 binge, I will always look back on the memory of everyone knocking these back together and smile.
We had dinner on the patio at Canino's. The light was gorgeous, so it was a photographer's dream.
Seriously, only the Dietrichs show up to an Italian restaurant and bring their own Dean Martin. :)
When the boys all went to play golf, Nana and I took the girls on a "Little Girls" shopping day. We went to an amazing toy store in downtown Fort Collins, then out for a cookie!
Those eyes! Completely unedited!
I think we were all a little intense about "getting ours" at some point on this vacation. We agreed that this is what the 5-Hour Energy ads should look like, not some lady waking up and getting on the treadmill!
Papa had to make an impromptu 20-hour business trip to Texas. Connor was so excited to have the responsibility of making Hannah feel comfortable in bed without Papa.
Twinners!
Ray's new girlfriend, Jen, went out with us on our "Big Girls" shopping day. With the direct personalities between Angela and I, I will happily give a girl a pat on the back for surviving a lunch with us! Even though Jen isn't much of a shopper, she powered through six glorious hours with us!
I would love to say that I took this picture of Papa on his deck, since I love the light, location, and leading lines, but I will give full credit where it's deserved. Way to go, Alaina!
For some reason, I like this one, too. Maybe it's Nana's flowers, or my beautiful Chaco's, or the fact that I have too few pictures of myself and my canine niece.
My favorite part of the trip was hearing, "Aunt Carolyn, watch this!", then turning around to this beauty. I'm still laughing.
Anthony hooked up the computer to the tv to have a huge monitor. Many YouTube videos were watched.
Papa's glasses still have not lost their intrigue.
Ryan asked me to watch Daynare for a second while he ran inside, and she immediately tripped over her foot and skinned both her hands and knees. Worst aunt ever. Don't trust me with your children. :P
My boy just loves those doggies.
Nana and Papa gave him a guitar, which was obviously serious business.
Poor Zoey...always manhandled by the children.
Sneakin' marshmallows.
We got our bubble blowing on with some Disney bubble wands that made the best bubbles ever!
Jen won the award as best grown-up bubble executor.
We took the kids to see the fountains in Old Town. The random nature of these fountains entertained the kids until Nana and I pulled them out, and then we went back the next day, better prepared with swimsuits and sandals.
Once again, a great visit! Can't wait until Thanksgiving!
1 comment:
fun pictures! i am amazed at the torture that ray endures as a grandpa- he is such a good sport! glad you guys had a nice time.
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