Butterflies in her nose?

I just love this picture of Ryann.  She is kind of a jokester and it fits the story I am about to tell you perfectly.  

When we were in California, Ryann got swimmers ear.  I had to take her to the insta-care in San Diego and happy to report the ear is finally better.  

Anyway, after the doctors visit I ran into the pharmacy to get her prescription and Uncle Keith stayed in the car with the girls.  When I came out of the store Uncle Keith was a little panicked because Ryann had stuck a very small butterfly embellishment (off of her hair scrunchie) up her nose.  He wasn't sure which nostril it was in, but he was worried.  She thought it was funny and he couldn't get her to tell him which nostril it was in.  He wasn't sure what to do!

All I could think was we were headed back to the doctor to have the damn thing removed!!!  

First, I had her blow her nose and after a few blows out came the butterfly....phewwww...from the right side (Keith thought it was the left.)

A couple of hours later after Ryann woke from her nap guess what I found?  Yep, another slimy butterfly, probably from the left side.  She had stuck one up each nostril!!!!

Well, I threw the scrunchie away.  No more butterfly embellishments around and we are lucky we didn't end up with a stinky infection in her nose from a stuck butterfly.  The ear was bad enough.  

Colorado with Grandma and Grandpa

,I am posting out of order, but wanted to share with you last weekend in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  It was our 3rd attempt to celebrate Grandpa Harv's 70th birthday.  He turned 70 in February.  He is a survivor of bladder cancer and an inspiration to us all that we can overcome these hurdles in life.

The girls and I got back late Thursday from our California trek and woke up early Friday for the next adventure.  Didn't even have time to unpack the suitcase...it was exciting to be back on the road to our next summer destination!

We met Grandma Barb and Grandpa Harv along with Derek's sister Lara, her husband Amos and their kids, Malakai and Naomi (not in the pic).

We spent most of the day Saturday swimming in the warm Glenwood hot springs.  Very relaxing fun for all.  It is a beautiful natural mineral pool set up against the mountains.  Grace showed off her tricks on the diving board and some how I missed getting a picture of the huge water slide that we all loved!

After a little afternoon nap we had a nice dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's favorite pizza place.

Naomi enjoyed learning all about the arcade in the restaurant.

And who can resist climbing on the bronze buffalo outside!

Then it was back to the pool to burn off that pizza before bed.

Sunday morning we geared up for a hike through the Glenwood Springs Caverns.  We took a gondola up the mountain.  The weather was hot, but clear blue skies made for more spectacular scenery.  

This is the entrance to the caves.

There were a few tight spots...

But a walk through the cave took us outside for more spectacular views.

If you ask Ryann what lives in the caves she will tell you BACON!!!  This is a formation you see lining the ceilings of the cave.

There is no way you can get the perspective of this room from my picture, but Fairy Cave is huge!!!!  A very large stair case takes you deep into the mountain....

to "kings row", a beautiful display of the earths creations.  Thousands of formations here with all kinds of stalagmites, stalactites, and more bacon creating the most interesting shapes.  I recommend this adventure if you don't mind going underground to see it!!!

This is where our weekend ends.  We had to head home.  Thanks again for a wonderful weekend!!!

  We look forward to many more celebrations with Grandma and Grandpa.

Get in the Zone!

I know this isn't a vactation post, but I discovered these and had to share....

If any of you like protein bars, dark chocolate, carmel or just something yummy....these DARK CHOCOLATE CARMEL PECAN Zone bars are my new favorite (and the kids like them too!)  It's hard no to want the whole box!!!!  But, I only eat one and savor every bite.

Back from vacation!

We are back!  25 days on the road!  It started out as just a trip to Sacramento to see my sister and her family, but ended with a few twists and turns down the California coast line and then a weekend in Colorado with Derek's family.  Summer of 2010 rocks so far.

I can't wait to tell you all about it.  It will probably take a few weeks and several post.  I only have about 800 pictures to sift through.  I have some great pictures of our family and some good stories for you, so stay tuned...

Here are a few pictures to preview unitl then...

1st stop...resort Stake (a.k.a. Aunt Karen and Uncle Steve's pool)  where Ryann learned to jump off the diving board!

2nd stop...L.A. for a few days.  This picture was at Hermosa beach.  Avery nice place to hang with the kids!

Then off to Laguna to the Mermaid Cottage.  A beautiful, quiet little place on the hill above the sea. Yes, you can rent it and stay there too, but we are lucky enough to know the owner..hehe

Uncle Keith met us in Laguna for some awesome beach fun!

We ended our California trek in San Diego at Uncle Keith's.  We took a day off from the beach and went to the zoo.

After one day home we were off to Colorado.

A belated celebration for Grandpa Harv's 70th birthday.

Good times and glad to be home.  Can't wait to tell you about each stop along the way and how in the world we got there.

Happy forth of July!!!

I think this marks the first offical day for summer!  It has already been hot, but this day usually stands for good things!  A celebration of our wonderful country!  It brings together family and good friends, good food and fun parties!  Hope you are all having a wonderful day!!!!