In one week, the girls and I went with my parents on an October break trip to New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Cali! Whew! I have to say, that overall, the trip was fantastic! It was so good to see family that I have not seen in a while and visit places that I LOVE! Although we were in the car driving a lot, the girls did pretty good. I was proud of them!
Towards the end of the trip, we asked Lexi what her favorite part of the trip was, and her first response was: the hotels! They were nice, Marriot hotels with pools so I guess the whole experience thrilled her!
Anyways, there are many more highlights other than just our hotels so take a look at our fast paced trip!
First stop: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Waiting for the hot air balloon show to begin! We arrived at 4 A.M. and it was FREEZING! But while we waited we drank hot chocolate, and ate some yummy homemade donuts with homemade breakfast burros! Fair food is good!
Grandpa Farrelly purchased this way overly priced light saber for Lexi at the Hot Air Balloon Festival! She loves it, even to this day! Thanks, Grandpa.
It is hard to see, but Lexi is getting Grandpa with the light saber. If you look closely, my dad is there!
Part of the glow show! It was really cool, I must say.
Eventually they all took off in the air.
By the end of the show, there were tons of hot air balloons floating in the sky. It really is neat! I couldn''t get any more shots though because Christine fell asleep in my arms. But trust me, if you want to make a trip to Albuquerque next October for the festival you will not be disappointed.
Stop 2: Colorado (Denver area)
Filling the car up with gas!
This was taken at a scenic turn off somewhere in Colorado. Isn't it pretty? Seriously, every time I go to Colorado I fall in love with this place! Can you see the snow on the moutain? Crazy!
Grandparents are the best!
It was cold and windy, but the view could not be beat!
On the bridge at Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It is a little ski resort town and my dad is convinced he is going to retire there someday. We shall see.
Same place!
After eating at this yummy sandwich shop in Glenwood Springs, we let the girls play in the grass before getting back in the car.
This was in front of a hotel and Lexi ran right to it and kept referring to the statue as her friend. And, she asked me if I would take a picture of her and her new friend. That is saying something, because normally Lexi hates taking pictures, so for her to initiate the shot left me speechless!
While playing Christine ran right towards me with this expression. It made me laugh then and it still does. Silly girl!
I love this girlie of mine!
Third Stop: Utah!
My girls practically lived in my Grandma Priest's backyard. Lots of room to run around AND there was plenty of swinging that took place.
Great Grandma Priest in the garden digging up carrots for dinner. Lexi thought it just amazing that carrots come up from the ground. My grandma really inspired me to start a garden one day. Lexi just loved it!
That is a lot of carrots!
Yum!
This is probably the oldest swing ever, but fun nonetheless. This was at power plant park.
Lexi loves Great Grandma Priest!
My mom collecting fall leaves for her kinder class!
Lexi had a lot of unchanneled energy one day so the awesome Grandma that she has helped her rake some leaves to keep her out of trouble. She actually really enjoyed it!
That is the rake in the air, in case you were wondering! I love fall! See AZ, it is fall, I promise!
Grandpa made a great horsey! Lots of horse rides were given in UT.
We went to Manti to visit Chris's grandparents, and I forgot to take a picture, dang it, but after our visit, we went to the Manti temple. I love this temple. Very pretty!
Tire swings are fun!
Third and final stop: California
We got on the ferry to go from San Diego to Coronado Island! Christine loved it can't you tell?
Same ferry. Trying to keep Christine from going overboard!
Once we got to the island, we ate a delicious italian lunch and then we went biking around the island. My girls loved this thing and now I want one.
Thank you Grandpa for pushing the girls it is hard work! There is the coronado bridge.
Isn't this an awesome picture of my parents! We love them.
waiting for the ferry to come back!
Seaport village.
Ice cream break at Seaport village. Gotta love Ben and Jerrys!
Seaport village has some awesome trees like these!
We had to go to Old Town and get some Mexican food! This was Cafe Coyote, delicious!
This was at the Mormon Batallion Visitor's Center in Old Town. If you have not been in a while you must go. The church has redone this site and it is so kid friendly and super neat. I think it is now one of my favorite church sites. We were panning for gold at the end of our tour!
Also at the batallion site, Christine was getting water.
Lexi loves these toys
Lexi washed some clothes.
Upstairs at the mormon batallion, pretty view!
Also in old town, in the back are the donkeys that Lexi just had to see!
Also in San Diego, we visited my Grandparent Kings, my aunt vicky and girls, my aunt dee dee, and my uncle denny. I forgot to get pics of everybody, but we love you all it was fun to visit with all of you.
So, not too bad of a trip, huh? We had fun. Lexi had so much fun that she cannot wait to vacation again. In fact, after school on Monday, I asked Lexi is he had a good day. Her response: "I did have fun mom, but I would rather take another vacation because that is more fun!"
So, until another adventure, we will just have to reminisce on these fun memories!
