Story of the 4th - fourth annual edition

As a new year rolls on, we meet up with our little family for the fourth annual edition of their 4th of July holiday adventures.  The family of five was ready to take a long, exciting trip this year so they headed to Utah to see all the family they could in a span of nine days.  What a feat!

 
We travel with our little family to their first stop in Pocatello.  They were lucky enough to be with the dad's family while a new baby was blessed.  Many cousins took over the house and made that happy sound that only kids who are truly content can make.

 
A trampoline was jumped on with a sprinkler underneath, cherries were picked and eaten, many dress-ups were tried on, yummy food was eaten, a pool party was had at a swanky hotel, and everyone got to spend time together.   The first stop was a success!
Next up was the plunge into Utah.  Our little family headed for the lovely Stubbs B&B where all needs are met in a snap and everyone is gracious. 
The little girl and little boy were trained as bee keepers while the baby showed off his walking skills to all who would watch.

 

 

Cousins came to play which made the mom and dad very happy because that meant the kids were fully entertained.  The parents even got to take a bike ride up a canyon BY THEMSELVES, a first in many years.  The Stubbs B&B spoiled this little family with all-expense paid trips to a pool, a dinosaur museum and a dance party.

The little girl decided to create her own dinosaur island

The little boy was so excited he tried to climb a dinosaur leg

The baby boy tried his hand at paleontology

 

 

The kids also worked on their tans

They had so much fun they could barely pull themselves away but the long trip was moving forward so they moved along with it.  The little family packed their bags again and drove to the Hotel Carlston.  The hotel occupants supplied with them with more cousin fun and luxury accommodations.
They also got to wade through a jungle safari in a torrential rain storm.  Some would just call it a crazy rainy day to go to the Zoo, but these adventurers were resilient and determined.  The kids saw all the animals they could and it only took a few hours to dry off afterward.

Next on the agenda was celebrating the 4th of July!  Our little family was lucky enough to be invited to an exclusive backyard BBQ where the best ribs this side of the Mississippi were served.  They ate and chatted and enjoyed the shade in very good company.
The famed grill master at work

Some of the guests caught mid-partying

 

The baby made his appearance with other rock star babies, all born within six months of each other.

 

The dad and the baby snuggled with full bellies, totally content.

 

The little family was having so much fun they couldn't stop there!  They moved on to the last location of their amazing journey.  They drove up into the mountains to a Cabin Retreat.

With breathtaking scenery and not a dull moment, the family packed in even more fun with a rodeo and fireworks

hiking and horseback riding (the little boy's allergies permitted a short ride only!)

 and of course mouth-watering food at every meal.

The little boy and girl wore cowboy boots the whole time and played with this bunch of cousins

 

The little family had thoroughly enjoyed every day of their journey.  The numbers backed up their adventure:  being able to see three great grandmas, one grandma and two grandpas, 18 aunts and uncles, 18 cousins, dozens of animals, three pools, four different sleeping arrangements, and over 1,000 miles.  They were ready to finish their trip and head home!  As they family said goodbye to their loved ones, they reflected on how blessed they were to be related to so many amazing people.  What a great time was had by all.

Happy 4th of July 2012!