Paradise

Can you tell I’m determined to catch up on posting today?  I underestimated how busy this Summer would be.  Brennan is swamped, the kids have just enough to keep me hopping around town dropping off, picking up etc.  It’s all good times though, and we feel very blessed.  We needed a little get-away though so we headed about 3 hours South of here.  Brennan’s Dad, LeRoy, his wife Janet, their adorable dog, were there staying with Janet’s daughter, Terri.  Terri’s husband was at work, so we missed him, but their sweet little boy, Matthew, was there.  Oh, and don’t forget about the 3 horses, Quixa, the dog, and the two cats.  I’m telling you – my kids were in Heaven, we all were.  Mike and Terri’s beautiful cabin (that Mike and a neighbor/friend have built with their own 4 hands) is situated right up in the hills so that on one side of the cabin you look out over the valley of lush green farmland with an occasional rustic old barn or shack, and then on the other side of the cabin you are surrounded by endless mountain ranges.  It’s stunning.  It was a quick trip, but we packed a lot in. 

The gorgeous cabin

We got there on Monday afternoon and basically unloaded our stuff, said hello, and took off on the 4 wheelers.  They had 3, so LeRoy, Brennan and I each drove one with 2 kids each on back.  LeRoy was our trusty guide and led us through some of the most gorgeous wilderness I’ve ever seen.  We started up the canyon, crossing the river several times, til it was time to head back for dinner.  I can’t explain how much fun it was.  It was so peaceful to be surrounded by such beauty, everyone of us loved every minute.  I worried we might wear Joshy right out, but when we pulled up to the cabin after several hours of riding, Brennan turned the 4 wheeler off and Joshy started yelling, “GOOOO!”.  We wiped off as many layers of dirt as we could and drove down to the most charming little Mexican restaurant, Maria’s, for a most delicious dinner.

Anna and Matthew

After dinner we headed back to the cabin for s’mores and the while Terri made the fire, the kids helped Grandpa clean out the horse corral.  Yes, that’s right, my germ fearing kids shoveled manure, and loved every second.  Anna especially took to the horses.  She was in that corral every second she wasn’t sleeping or riding the atvs.  They all got to feed them.  It felt so good to be able to give them that opportunity.  Terri and Leroy and Janet, were so gracious and so sweet to all the kids.  Matthew just loved having some young cousins around and they all bonded instantly.  After making a mess of gigantic s’mores, and loving the horses – Storm, Red and Honey, we settled in for bed.  We were all so exhausted, sleep came easily and hard. 

There’s Terri, I did get one little shot.

We woke up Tuesday morning to incredible views and the beautiful cool summer breeze.  Terri and the girls and I whipped up some pancakes, oj and fruit and everyone devoured it.  After an hour or so of digesting, time with the horses and dogs, we got back on the 4 wheelers.  This time we headed straight back to the canyon to go further.  LeRoy took us to this overlook that took our breath away.  There were yellow and red wild flowers all over the hillside overlooking more mountains and valleys than you could count.  Unbelievable.  We rode and rode and rode some more and then finally rode back to the cabin.  I LOVED getting to drive, especially through the water, and the incredible scenery.  The kids were completely enthralled.  At one point I had Nate and Abby on back when Nate said, “I love Grandpa LeRoy!”  Abby heartily agreed.  It meant so much to all of us to have such a great time with him and Janet, Terri and Matthew. 

Anna and LeRoy

Anna fell in love with the horses, and told me, “This is the best trip EVER!”.  When we’d been home about five minutes she said, “I’m bored, if we had horses, I could be out with them!”  Nate said the same thing about 10 minutes later. 

I can’t believe I didn’t get one picture of Terri and Janet!!!!  They were such gracious, kind hosts.  I was worried about descending upon them with all our kids, but they made us feel so comfortable and welcome and the kids were so busy having the time of their lives, they stayed out of trouble.  Brennan was so grateful to spend time with his Dad and let the rest of us get more acquainted.  We are missing our new found paradise and our family there.  Thank you so much for having us!

The night before we left, Emily, Brennan’s other step-sister – John’s daughter, and her family came to stay here.  We had dinner with them Sunday night then left them Monday morning, while they went off to play, and then we rejoined them here Tuesday night for a fantastic BBQ.  Emily’s husband, Paul, is grill master and cooked up some yummy steaks for us and hotdogs and hamburgers for the kids.  It was so much fun, we all enjoyed having them here.  

Tonight one of my dearest friends from AZ is coming to stay here on their way further North.  Can’t wait to catch up with her and her kids.  The fun just keeps coming!