Summer Vacation

Some people take big trips during the summer but we contain it to four days . . . and two of those are driving days!

We decided to be adventurous and drive across the 50. . .

Pretty it was . . . and empty it was . . .  it was so lonely that there were bike riders in the middle of nowhere!

It was so boring that I fell asleep for most of it.  We had a “county adventure” planned in Eureka county and stopped for lunch there.

We had another county adventure planned after that . . . in some county that we might have enjoyed if I was awake so I could let Paul know when to stop!  Oops!

Since I was no good at helping the driver (aka Paul) stay awake, I depended on Harry Potter to do that job.

I was awake once we crossed into Utah and we opted to do a spur of the moment county adventure and stop at a park (which was perfect for stretching our legs . . . sleeping is hard work, dontcha know?

But we weren’t at our final destination yet . . . not even the one before that. .  there was more lonely road to drive (but boy, was it pretty!)

We “had” to stop for dinner and you’d never guess where that was (which was our second to last destination.)  Yummo!

And then we arrived at our destination . . . our private hotel!

The next day, we were able to hook up with David for breakfast.  (darn that crazy work schedule)

I was able to convert more followers to THE best shave ice around . . .

and we went to the movies!

Our lives seem to revolve around food . . . we were treated to a super good Brazilian restaurant . .. and I forgot to document any of it until dessert time . . .

The next day found us boating . . .

Our nephew knows what he is doing!

It’s nice being out on the boat because we get to leave everything else behind . .. no phone calls, no emails, etc. . .

Scott is kind enough to chauffeur us . . .

he even gave Paul some lessons on how to get UP which hadn’t happened yet . . .

and it paid off!

It’s fun hanging out with this bunch . . .

After boating is wiping everything down . . . no wonder the boat always looks so sharp. . . .

It was a wonderful day!

The next day we headed home . . .

We were thankful to John Grisham for keeping us both awake (okay, mostly Paul.)

Since we were still on vacation, we tossed in another county adventure and stopped at a museum along the way. . . .

and a spot to bird watch . . .

It was a great get-a-way for us

and the next day we had to turn the rental car in. 

Mini Road Trip

We headed into Texas to have an adventure before flying home.

Apparently there are only 5 flags that fly over Texas, not the rumored 6!

We drove to Tyler to check out this museum, but we had to wait for them to open!  It was just as advertised.

We then headed to the BIG city, Dallas . . .

so we could eat at Chick-fil-a one last time.


Then we did some last minute bird watching . .

And headed back home.


It was a long trip for this one armed gal who came home with loads of new adventures but sadly never got to hold her granddaughter.  It WILL be different next time.

Grandpa’s Rights!

It seems only right that Grandpa Bowen (and that isn’t Paul’s dad) should be the first one to take his granddaughter to the zoo. He let Jennifer and me tag along!

Leah didn’t look too excited . .. . yet!  She just didn’t know what was in store for her with these strange people she couldn’t remember.

Once we got there, she still didn’t look too enthusiastic.

Once she had the whole world at her fingertips, she started griining

And that was only the beginning.  We headed off to see animals.  We weren’t sure if she was checking out the animals or us!

Paul finally got to hold her, but she still wasn’t too sure about him. (I think they look great together!)

We found barnyard animals to enjoy which Leah seemed pretty pleased about.

She like the play area and wanted to “walk” through the tunnel with her mom’s help. . . even one shoed!

We stopped the adventure to grab a bite to eat.  She started with baby food but once the French fries came . . .

She took as many as she could hold . . .

and ate every one of them!

Paul “tried” to carry her on his shoulders but she was NOT happy with that!

I’m pretty sure we saw a bunch of animals, but how could they be anywhere as interesting as MY granddaughter?