Colorado 2015

In June, I took a road trip with Tanner and Dallin to Colorado so we could see my Grandma Robertson and to let the boys explore my parents' property. Jeremy stayed behind because he already has all his vacation days reserved for this year.

We were gone from June 16-22. We left on a Tuesday right after I taught family music class. I drove for two days with my sweet friend Jamie and her baby. We were able to eat dinner and stay the night in Nebraska with some of Jamie's very loving friends. Without Jamie's help with driving or her friends' generosity, I would not have been able to make this trip. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father blessed me with these wonderful people. We were also blessed with safe travels and only one cranky child at a time! Jamie and I made a great team, and it was fun to chat the hours away with her.

When we got near Denver on Wednesday late afternoon, Jamie and I split up to spend time with our families. Tanner was SO excited to be at Grandpa Papa's house. They played golf out on the green.

Explored the pond and fountain.

And played in the workout room.

Meanwhile, at home, Jeremy experienced a torrential downpour that flooded parts of town, including our sandbox.

On Thursday, Tanner announced that it was his special Play Day with Grandpa. He set out a plan and stuck with it. They played golf, rode bikes, rode the mower and the tractor, went to see the goats down the street, and so much more! 

 Nana made these cute sandwiches.

Thursday late afternoon, we visited the house where I lived from age 8-18 on Ridgeview Drive. My parents moved out about 6 years ago and have been renting out the home. Then, they recently put the home on the market and sold it. I'm very sad my parents sold it. Luckily, the new owners hadn't moved in yet, so this was my one chance to show the boys the inside of this wonderful home. So many awesome memories!

Inside the walls of this home is where I played orphans in the closet with Tanya, learned how to sew, watched 100's of episodes of Saved by the Bell, recorded Barbie radio shows, sang in pretend operas, created commercials with my friends, learned to love playing the piano, rehearsed for all my musicals, cooked my first meals all by myself, found out my dog died, learned how to properly clean carpet and wall stains, gained my own testimony that God is real, learned to shave my legs, learned how to type reports, logged onto the internet for the first time (dial up!), experienced the best birthday parties, and built the best forts. 

In this backyard is where I fed cows by our back fence, helped Tanya find her first Easter eggs, hunted for toads and caterpillars, experienced the true dangers of barbed wire fences, created the Ice Cream Bar Club, learned to play baseball, invented the trampoline sprinkler game, fed my dog,  stood for endless hours holding seeds while Dad planted corn, picked the most delicious raspberries, taught and directed my own summer preschool, performed plays with my cousins, peed in the window wells, mowed the lawn almost every Saturday, and had the family rehearsal dinner before my wedding day. 

When the cement was laid in 1992, Mom had us make hand-prints on the back porch. Tanner liked comparing his hands with the prints.

This front porch and driveway is where I stood on the first day of school every year for mom's picture. It's where I helped Tanya learn how to ride a bike and watched Desha learn how to drive a car. This is the planter box that created one of the biggest fights mom and dad ever had, clogged the lawn mower on a regular basis, and grew honey suckle flowers that I could eat. This was the place where I experienced my first hoops in basketball, my first time parking a car, and my first kiss. 

My bedroom was right above this driveway with the best view of the entire cul de sac. I sat on my window box everyday and gazed out, sometimes for hours at a time. I probably saw 90% of all the cars that ever pulled up on this driveway. During my time spent at that window, I found solace when I was sad, peace when I was angry, and inspiration when I was bored. Some of my most spiritual experiences have been in the light through that window. I remember at times looking out, trying to catch a glimpse of what life would be like when I was 20, 25, and 30 years old. 
Now, I stand on the other side of that window, down below as that 30 year old woman. A wife, a teacher, a mom. Even though I'll probably never get to sit inside that window again, I hope to always remember what it was like dreaming from that seat--excited of all the possibilities life has to offer, unafraid of the challenges ahead, ready to take on the world. 

That night, we had hot dogs over the fire and swam in the hot tub!

Then, we played a cute Bingo game that teaches you colors and shapes.

On Friday, we spent the day with Grandma Robertson. On the way to her house, we spent some time at Grandpa's grave.

Here's proof that Dallin was at the cemetery, too. His middle name comes from Grandpa's.

Grandma's house was really fun. We enjoyed the hammock, visiting, eating, games, and playing with cousin Branden.

Tanner fell in love with Branden.

We showed the boys the big bush that all of us cousins played house and orphans in year after year. It was still open on the inside for the boys to explore, but I was too big to get inside without breaking my back. :(

Fun in the hammock with Grandma!

Meanwhile, Jeremy was back home in MN preparing to remodel the master bathroom--all by himself. I had complete faith he could do it, just not faith that he could finish any of it before we got back.

We enjoyed dinner at the Golden Corral. Tanner found his love for chocolate fountains. He ate 3 servings from it and then asked if he could just have a bowl of the chocolate because dipping strawberries in it wasn't enough. So he slurped it up with a bowl and spoon! I love this kid!

Tina and Dave joined us, too!

On Saturday, my cousin Julianne and her kids came to play with us for lunch!

We had a fun time visiting and watching our kids play together. Cousin Cheryl and Uncle Lyman were there, too.

I love Julie so much, I was so glad to be able to spend some time with her! She is a great mommy and example to me.

Meanwhile, Jeremy made more progress on the bathroom.

We took some time to visit Grandma and Grandpa Higgins' tombstone.

The boys helped clear away the plants.

Then we went to dinner with Grandma Robertson at Pizza Ranch.

I taught Lyman how to take a "selfie." It was great to visit with him!

The next day was Father's Day! We went to church, had lunch and then I gave Dad a really good back massage. I love my Dad so much. He is hardworking, generous, and silly. Dad is an excellent teacher and leader and he loves God. I've always adored him, so it was super fun to be with him on Father's Day.

Tanner wanted to do something nice for Grandpa Papa, too. So he organized a wrestling session with him, haha. 

Thank you Grandma Nana and Grandpa Papa for letting us come and stay with you, even though it had to be a short trip. We love you!!