Colorado Trip - middle of the trip

Richard flew in for 24 hours, and the kids were stoked to get to see Pops, even just for a little bit.  We played lots of games together, including a hilarious video of Richard playing Say What, which he made me promise to never post. 

We brought him back to the airport shuttle pickup area and said our goodbyes. 

Then we headed up towards Horsetooth for a day on the river. The launch spot we were going to go to was closed for tubers, so we headed back to a better area and played there. The river water was high and really fast, so we stayed close to the edge most of the time.

Cris, Matt, Hunter and Skyler took Matix and Russell up a little ways to tube down that smaller section. Matt and Russell were able to get out, but it got a little wild when the other 4 (including Matix) couldn't get out of the river where they were meant to, but some bystanders helped them out. Hunter and Skyler, who were part of the BIG cousin group, were demoted back to the little kids group after that. Cris and Matix were fine. 

We headed further up the canyon to get some food and Matix was thrilled to see that there was a piano at the bar. He played for everyone while we waited for food and they were all impressed. 

Back at Jolie's house and lots of people took a nap in the front room. I was so impressed, since lots of people were still walking in and out.

Alexandra showed us her hidden room that she and Jolie made! It's so cool!

One of the days we had a sister meeting and Robin told us all that she found dad's old car, and bought it! It was awesome, and such a happy thing to do. 

Jill bought the kids a slip-and-slide and little pool to play in because it was so hot! They loved it! Sage and Colton, Grayson's kids, came over too and it was a party.

I sat with the adults and the dogs in the shade and Izzy made us fancy drinks again. We all love it when she makes these! 

At some point Sammy thought he should sit on my lap. He only weighs 170 pounds! 

Plus, we got some of the Colorado people to play Matix's silly slo mo game. Enjoy!

Colorado trip - first couple days

The day after we got back from our big road trip, Paul stayed home in Utah and worked, and I took the kids to Colorado to visit with the Abbajays and Jolie and her family. The rest of the sisters came out too, and we made a party of it. On the way there, we passed these two rock-looking towers that Paul and I had hiked up to when we were still dating. 

First stop to see the Abbajays! She got out the kid toys and the kids loved digging through her treasures. Then lunch with Izzy's fancy drinks, and Gray and his family came over! So fun to have them there too! It was my first time meeting Britany and the kids.

Later that evening, we met up with my sisters and some nieces and nephews at a local brewery. I didn't get any pictures of them because they left shortly after we arrived, but we (Abbajays, Walshs, and me and my kids) hung out and let the kids all run around in a shady picnic area. Missing Richard who was working in South Dakota.

Morning with the Abbajays meant Hawk got to show off his waffle skills to Avia.Lullaby and Matix picked fresh strawberries to add. Yum!

Solace wanted only Avia to help him with his bath. He prefers an adult water temperature tester... Last child, can you tell? He's almost 8 in this picture.

Izzy doesn't always let her picture be taken, so when I get a good one, I make sure to keep it!

We stayed most nights at the Abbajays house, but went to do adventures with Jolie and the sisters during the days. Jolie made up these adventure bags for each family. Water bottles, magnets, Colorado gear, etc. It was so nice! 

Wendy's for lunch and lots of cousin time!

Back at the Abbajay's house with Sampson. He is HUGE, but he's a lover.

Playing games with Izzy. She's so good to play with the kids.

More cousin time with Alexandra, Chloe, Rory and Harrison on the trampoline. Adults around the fire, even James came out for a little bit.

Harrison and Lullaby are buddies.

Trampoline time is even better with a BIG cousin, Cris!

As soon as it got dark, Alexandra got out her cotton candy machine and Jolie popped all the popcorn and we watched the new Disney movie Cruella. It was so much fun! 

Lullaby wasn't really asleep, but she wanted her picture taken as if she were.