Utah Trip part 3- Boise

I know, Boise isnt actually in Utah, but it was the last stop before heading home. Its where Ryans brother lives, and since we haven't ever been up to see their house, we thought it would be a good time to go and re-unite with everyone. After all, a 6 hour drive seemed like nothing at this point. Besides, they did come clear out to Wisconsin to visit us, so it was only fair.

The day we arrived, we just sat back, relaxed and hung out. The next day, we got our swimsuits back on and went to play at the beach. I know, a beach in Idaho? Who knew? It was man made, just off a little lake but lots of fun for the kids. It was also pretty shallow which made it nice for them to play in.

Madi and her cousin Libbie, maybe trying to decide if they could float in the baby tube.

Our out of water baby, happy to play in the sand.

Ryans other brother and his family arrived later, and all the kids crammed into this big tube. Sorry your heads got cut off in this picture guys! Oops! (:

Zack got cold, and tried to warm up under a towel in the sun. Brylee thought it was a game and joined in.

Surprise!

The next day, we all headed to the zoo.

The giraffe is Alissa's favorite animal.

Cooling off in the elephant mister.

Watch out everyone...Zacks driving!

Everyone enjoyed the penguins.

And the giraffe slide.

Brylee thinking about feeding the goat. Of course she didnt actually end up doing it. Its the thought that counts.

With the whole Taylor family together, the next morning, we headed over to the park to take a new family picture. Brylee was ornery the whole time, but we managed to squeeze a couple smiles out of her. Some of the other new ones of our family and kids are on the top and side of the blog...if your interested.

After pictures we rewarded the kids with what else, but more water! Another splash park. This one had a playground with big instruments for the kids to play with.

Climbing on them works too for the not so musically inclined.

I dont know how she does it, but Madi talked Grandma Taylor under the dumping buckets this time. Its great to have such great Grandma's who join in on the fun!

All wet!

The night before we left, the kids held a fashion show. There were many creations and poses, but I will spare you all the pictures, and just show you this one, called Thumbelina...

and this one, called French Diva (Madi's personal favorite).

And of course there was the regular horse play.

Zack letting the littlest Taylor take him down. He's not normally that accommodating.

Again, it was great to be with family again and catch up. Big thanks to everyone who let us crash with them, fed us, entertained us and put up with our schedule and us in general! Everyone was awesome! We love you all!

Goodbye again mountains, until next time! ):

Utah Trip part 2-St George

The second destination on our visit was to the St.George area to visit my side of the family. Soon after we arrived and felt the heat, my parents suggested we go to a splash park down the street from their house. The kids were relieved to be out of the car and able to cool off.

Love Alissa's face in this picture.

Of course Brylee kept her distance from the shooting fountains, and just watched with us.

For some reason, Zack loves to sit on top of the geysers. Hmmm...

When the kids had had enough water, we went to the attached park to dry off. My little monkey!

More Brylee's speed.

After a comment from Katelin about how pointless this addition was, Grandma had to show them "how its done".

Katelin giving it a try.

The next day we took the advice of our good friends the Wilsons, and braved the heat to go to this "spin park". All the play equipment spins or rocks in some way, and they said it was a lot of fun. It was so hot we weren't able to stay long. Most the equipment was covered with shade, but some were too hot to handle. Madi enjoyed this spinning apparatus.

This one was like a skateboard, but Alissa tried it sitting since it was too hot to hold onto the handles. Look at her poor red hot face.

Yay, a smile!

Ryan and I trying our hand at getting dizzy.

A sunny rock climbing wall. Ouch. It was a great park, just better done in cooler temps!

The next day, we headed to downtown St.George to visit the old LDS Tabernacle, and another bigger splash park.

Mom got permission for Dad to play the piano in the tabernacle. I know he just loved it! (:

He is a very good pianist.

The water park was right next door, so we headed straight over. Brylee only got in the water after I put her there and made her follow me around. She wasnt extremely happy about it.

Managed to catch one little smile a little later. Notice she is out of the water.

That person in the middle of the giant geyser is Madi. I think it actually picked her up off the ground.

Zack loves fireman, so this was heaven to him. Watch out!

Our cute kiddos. Brylee was not happy I made her sit in the waterfall of death!

The park had a few sculptures, including this giant frog. Madi attempting to turn it into a prince.

Last up was the merry go round. A good way to dry off.

Alissa

Madi

Grandma and Zack

Me and Brylee

Dad and Brylee

Grandpa, Zack and Katelin

That night, some more of the family arrived. Aunt Tina came straight from girls camp and went right to work teaching the girls how to make bracelets out of embroidery floss.

The next morning was our family reunion. We headed over to the park for a pancake breakfast and games. With this one, they had to race to see who could get the toilet paper to break first, by squirting it with a water gun. There was also a hula hoop challenge, races and a ball game.

Madi and her cousin Casidi facing off.

Pinata time!

Lastly, water balloon volleyball!

Some family snap shots.

My sisters and I

Some of the grandkids. Not everyone could make it. The creepy guy hiding behind the tree is my nephew trying to stay out of the picture. I dont blame him. He isnt a kid anymore, so he didnt really fit in there.
So thus ends the Heaton family festivities. It was great to be with family again and catch up!