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!

In between all of our playing this summer, we have spent a lot of time at home. This was partly an economic imposition, but the side effect of us having to stay closer to home is that the kids have become more creative in their play. BONUS!

I remember playing in the linen closet in Sandy, and after my house-wide clean-out, the bottom space of ours was empty. The little space filled up quickly when a certain little girl decided to move in with all of her prized possessions.


In addition to becoming more creative, they have also become more resourceful. For example: it didn't take them long to figure out how to open the notepad on the computer and send their docs to the printer. Anthony and I were upstairs talking after he got home from school one day, and we came downstairs to about 40 pages composed. We had only been upstairs for ten minutes! Anthony then took it upon himself to orate their novel.




We headed back up to Bear Lake for the Broadhead weekend. Anthony and I rented a paddleboard and a kayak, and I think it was a groupon well-spent!








It's not Bear Lake without some mud play!








Mom was cute, just swishing her feet in the water, enjoying the view.




After playing in the mud, we came in and got the kids bathed. We didn't expect them to head straight outside and start playing in the dirt!


There have been a lot of changes this year with the new house, and I'm guilty of some strong nostalgia. As unflattering as these photos may seem to some, they make me feel a little bit better, as some views haven't changed yet. Dirty kids, that ancient table at which I can almost see Grandma sitting, those old carpet strips leading to the aging trailer. It's kind of a like a security blanket for me.




Bear Lake face!


BFF Bear Lake faces!


We spent a lot of time getting Mom's vision of a photo wall up. It really lends a feeling of communal history and fun, and I think it's a great addition to the house!


Saturday morning, Mike took this group (and me) out on the boat!

I don't think I've ever seen Bear Lake this smooth.


I'm proud to see that my kids love the beauty of nature. Connor's always been infatuated with the mountains, and Alaina was in heaven with the tranquility of being out in the crystal blue water.




...not to say that Connor didn't enjoy himself.


Chris went out on the kneeboard.




Anthony had to kayak out to the boat to get a life vest that fit. To make a very long story very short...wear your lifejacket, people. It's all fun and games (and arrogance) to think you won't ever need it.


Beautiful water!


Wes had a great time on the kneeboard, too.


Wouldn't you know that this old lady can play on the water, too?!




Like the classy parents we are, we taught Alaina how to, um, avoid the hike back up to the house. Love this pic.


On Saturday night, we decided to show the children some real Rich County fun by taking them to a demolition derby...with seven contestants. The hill was quite a hike, so one nice man offered to chauffeur Grandma and the kids up the hill.




The derby group




This is the real reason I like to go to these things: to people watch and make fun of people's terrible haircuts. The downside is that these experiences don't enhance my opinion of the general public.


I think the kids were a little surprised by how loud the cars were.




We ended up leaving a little bit early, and catching the sunset right before bed. I think I prefer this view to mullets.