Mountain Retreat

When Dave and I were first married and applying for schools for him, he asked me where I wanted to live. I was up for an adventure, but my one requirement was that I wanted to live near mountains. Needless to say it took me three moves to get my wish. Now after 10 years of living away from family (minus Granny in NC...loved that time), I would add to my wish and say I would want to live near mountains and family. I have come to love the other places we have lived for lots of reasons, but I am so excited to be close to the red rock canyons around here not to mention the mountains of UT and CO. Which is where we took this family vacation with my mom and all my siblings and their families. It was so great to spend time with everyone. We went to a great water park in Kamas, spent an afternoon playing games at a park, did some hiking and mountain biking, watched a few soccer games and the NBA draft party, and celebrated a few birthdays (including a surprise half party for my brother Jeff who shares his birthday with Christmas every year). We also just spent time hanging out watching movies, playing games and exploring around the cabin. We ate lots of yummy food and treats (if you have never tried cinnamon bears wrapped in caramel you should try it...my favorite treat, hands down). And

Riding the ski lift. What goes up must come down...

We have done the alpine slide in park city since I was a kid. There are a lot more attractions these days, but the slide was a must this time for nostalgia sake.
Spencer and I went very fast, he was a trooper after I told him I was in charge of the brake=)

One of many afternoon picnics with the fam. Love that I got to see all of my siblings...it has been a long time!

Amanda and I posing for a picture with the view from our cabin...it was gorgeous. Did I mention how much I love the mountains

I couldn't get the older boys to look at the camera, but Jacob sure liked to cheese every time.

Maren at the Olympic ski jump museum...the kids loved this place, they have a lot of interactive activities and watching the Olympic hopefuls training was incredible. We saw the tail end of a show that was amazing.

Amanda spent most of the trip entertaining the rest of us. She is all decked out here to cheer on the US soccer team in their match against Mexico. She also planned a fooseball tournament, and helped grandma with her rock painting activity. So glad no one got bored!
Jacob decking out his rock.

Maren with her dalmatian rock.

My brother took this for me...everytime I look at it I have to smile as the kids look a little worn out. We played hard and had a blast, and while i am happy to be home to my bed I wish I could escape again to the mountains to avoid this unpacking mess (the remainder of our stuff comes tomorrow....finally!) The good news is that we get to go again in few weeks, this time with Dave's clan, and the even better news is that I got my wish...

Mountains and Family...now what could be better!