Life is a Highway- Day 4

Day 4- 8 hours in the car

On Sunday after the wedding we went to church with the Cody, Wyoming 3rd ward then went on our way down a bunch of highways to Utah. It was a pretty uneventful drive with not much to look at. At one point, however, I saw a turnoff to look at one of the old wagon trails. We stopped and I am so glad that we did. It was so amazing! It was called the parting of the ways. It was close to where the pioneers would have to decide to go south to California or North to Oregon. The placard that was there was so inspiring and as we stood there we could see the tracks going on to Cali. and another set going on to Oregon!!! In this pict the kids are standing on the Oregon Trail!!!

Life is a Highway- Days 5-6

No significant driving on these days.

When we reached Utah we went to Pa's and Grandma Chapman's new house. It was so much fun to spend time with family some more. The kids had a sleepover at Aunt Susie's and a great pancake breakfast with Grandma. Then we went to buy BYU clothing at the bookstore and toured BYU. Mr. M wanted a picture by the engineering building...setting his sights!! That evening we went to swim at Aunt Katy's pool and had a great time.

The next morning we got up bright and early to hike the Y with Aunt Jody and Aunt Heather and Cousin Isa. It was quite the hike but everyone made it to the top. After that we went straight to Seven Peaks and played all day then crashed in Aunt Heather's apt. for a movie party. We packed it in and had a great time!!

Life is a Highway- Days 7-8

Day 7- 4.5 hours in the car

We had a fantastic time at the first ever Denice Vance family reunion. We went camping at Zion Ponderosa Campground in southern Utah. Some highlights were making bracelets with Aunt Carissa, chicken fights and swimming in the pool, playing games with the uncles and aunts, eating yummy food, going on a zip line, basketball shooting tournaments and much more. All of Dad's family was there. It was a blast for everyone. We are already looking forward to the next reunion.

Life is a Highway- Day 9

Day 9- 5 minutes in car (horray!!!)

We got to go to Clear Creek Ranch for the Gardner reunion. It was a blast. We got to see lots of cousins, eat great food, dance, go on a hay ride, have a fun camp fire and, of course, chat and laugh. What a great family!!!

Life is a Highway- Days 10-11

Day 10- 10 hours in the car
Day 11- 8 hours in the car

In these last two days of the trip we traveled through the forgotten highways of Nevada, up to see my best friend from high school, Elisa, and her family. Then went to church the next day and headed up through some greener areas of Northern California and back to good old home sweet home. I am soooo glad to be home.

Ballet Recital

This year's ballet recital piece for Lady K was to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. It was a very long and difficult routine but that is what makes it fun for her. She loves the challenge of learning a hard routine. She was as graceful and wonderful as ever. Congrats on another great year sister.

Crazy Fun

This was our first fun day on the river this summer. Crazy kids. Crazy fun.