last summer road trip

Several weeks ago, the kids, my sisters, their kids and I made one last hurrah before summer's end and drove up to Pine.  9 of us and all our junk smashed into one vehicle.  My grandma has been spending the summer there, and I have been anxious to visit with her and enjoy a storm in the mountains. 

I've been going to Pine since I was born and I love it there.  My grandpa's side of the family has a lot of history there, and the home that his mother was raised in is still there (built around 1904 - anyone know exactly?), and it's a favorite spot of ours for picture taking.  It's been a bit neglected lately, but I love the history of it.

 

 

Just like their mommies used to, the kids spent entire afternoons under the bridge down the lane from Grandma's house.  This is the first time they've had permission to go on their own, and Taylor was in charge.  He took full advantage of the title "boss" and made the kids ask 'permission to speak'.  Very army sergeant of him.  They were ordered to worked as a team to move heavy rocks and built some sort of throne.  No guessing as to who sat there. 

Taylor also taught Hayden how to shoot an airsoft gun, and spent much of the day running around shooting at each other.  Taylor is a good teacher, and really patient with the younger kids when they are learning.

 We visited a goat and llama farm in Strawberry, which was surprisingly enjoyable.  We got there at milking time and the kids learned about the goats and each took a turn to milk.  The llamas were just intimidating and extremely unattractive.

 

 

 

One night after dinner, Taylor introduced his grandma to airsoft.  He had anticipated kickin' grandma's booty all week.  They had a great time, and played until it was too dark to continue. 

 

While they were at war, Ron kept the little ones busy in their dental lab.  Paige loved having her own Bunsen burner, making teeth molds.  Getting their thumbs forever molded in plaster was another highlight.  Paige would have stayed there all night if we let her. The even littler kids were entertained by all of Ron's guitars and helped themselves.  Gabriel is sure to be a natural musician with amazing handling of the guitar.  Faith even belted out a few songs, which is a rare treat.  It was short lived, though, with all the craziness that comes with a bunch of cousins running around.

In the end, our stay was during the only dry spell in 3 weeks and we didn't see a drop of rain.  According to Taylor it was successful because he told me it was the "best Pine trip ever".  (I've heard this several times recently.  Which means either a) I've really stepped up my mad entertainment skills, b) I've given my kids nothing to do in their early years, giving us nowhere to go but up, or c) they are finally learning how to entertain themselves.  With any of these, though, I'm a winner.)

Thanks for having all of us, Grandma.  I look forward to coming back soon... could you make it rain next time?