Staycation in review

Oh what a week! I put Noel on a plane not too long ago and it reminds me again how difficult it is having an open adoption. In many ways these are the most precious times in my life...seeing her, knowing her, getting to know her as she grows, and having her relationships with her siblings develop....but saying goodbye....my heart is very full.

However we had a great time---She arrived last Sunday. Monday we drove down to Salt Lake to pick up Elijiah from his dads and have Breakfast with my dad. Good Grandpa time! After that I took her to Temple square and wanted to take a quick tour around and show her the conference center. But we got wrangled into the 30 min tour of the center which while great wasnt on the agenda and by the time we got through it was a blistering 102 degrees so a quick jaunt over to the visitors center and then home. We went for a swim and here was a sweet moment between these two. Now I should say that Noel is the best older sister EVER! So patient and loving to her two brothers...and patience?! That of a saint! Well we had lots of plans all week, but Tuesday came and she was sick as a dog- so couch time was the new plan. Wed--well still sick. Thursday?? Still not feeling great. But shes was tired of laying around and spending her vacation on the couch...

So we got out of the house and went to the Hill Air Force Museum. Id never been there before and I have to say- it was awesome! I was totally impressed. Elijiah who says he wants to grow up and be a pilot someday, I thought would be much happier to check it all out...but alas, the grumpy child was with us that morning so -not so much. After the museum we went back to the house and packed for our over night trip to Lava Hot Springs! I was super excited to get out of town and do something different.
We did a couple trips down the river! Such good sports Noel and Elijiah were in the VERY COLD WATER! ( baring my lovely butt sliding down the hill with the tube trying to get in the river-I had a great time!)
I think they had a pretty fun time- Jonathan did a much better time steering them down....I was on the front when I took them, and we were all over the place!
We swam in the hot pools...Elijiah was super hard core...he went into all the pools...
And when the sprinklers came on they did a few runs up and down the sidewalk to cool off. Tristan didnt want any help...cant you tell??
Our cabin was quite cozy...Tristan wasnt having any part of going to bed when he was supposed to...no sirree. He wanted to stay awake till he was pass loopy. I think this photo does some justice to his mood.
We stayed at the Koa campsite. The owners were great. Definitely recommend the place if your up for camping....
Well try as I might to get us all in a tent...I didnt think it would happen. I thought the cabin would be a good compromise. I think its adorable dont you?
Jonathan worked on the next couple photos...I think they turned out pretty nice. Hes had a break from school and so hes been playing around with photoshop. After we came home from Lava we had a family pool party, and some of the pics from that are posted on the previous blog posts...

Today, before Noel left, I had my step sister Wendy come up and take some family photos...she was kind enough to let Jonathan download a few before she left so he could play around..( I told you he was having fun :) Anyway here is a sneak peak at one of the shots! I cant wait till we see what she does with the shoot! www.wendyandersonphotography.blogspot.com( is her photography blog...you have to check it out...shes pretty awesome!!!!!!

Anyway that is what we did this past week. I had so much fun and miss my Noellie already...I love you sweetheart and we will see you again soon!!!!XOXOXO