A few weeks ago our family took an epic summer exodus that crisscrossed back and forth 3 states and hundreds of miles. I have to admit Jen’s Guy and I were scared that it was all going to go terribly wrong, because it was our toddler’s first trip like this. And that kid is not a real fan of her car-seat, but in the true spirit of summer adventuring, we loaded up the car and hit the road!
On this trip we hit pretty much every splash pad in several states.
With the realization that watching a toddler at a splash pad is kind of like watching a drunk at an open bar, just cuter.
While on vacation I turned the BIG Three- Eight. I am not a real cowgirl, or even any sort of cowgirl, but Jen’s Guy thought it would be a marvelous idea for the family and I to have my birthday dinner at a small town rodeo. Truthfully, I think the fact that it was “steak and tater” night was a pretty big draw for him. So off we went! Aren’t you jealous?
Funny story about the rodeo, my 13 year old daughter Samantha was sitting and collecting tickets with her cousin when her cousin told her not to like any of the boys there, because she was pretty much related to all of them. I guess I forgot to mention that we were visiting Jen’s Guy’s hometown. He grew up rural. The steak and tater deal probably wasn’t a surprise for him, now that I think of it.
There were horses!
And there were some seriously pink and rhinestone bejeweled cowgirls who helped my seven year old daughter Rebekah discover what she believed to now be her true calling in life. She was meant to be a rodeo princess! The next morning when we hit the 4th of July parade, she saw that the princesses were there working that event as well, she began to realize that “being a rodeo princess looks like a lot of work!” It appears that dolphin tamer might still be in the mix. . .
The next morning was the 4th of July Parade. The toddler was stricken with delight by the sheer amount of candy passed out, which she then proceeded to hoard and let no one else touch. This made for a very grumpy 7 year old, who felt cheated out of all of the work she had done to collect that candy.
And after the sugar rush, the home grilled burgers, several pounds of watermelon, and a visit to a milkshake shop Jen’s Guy hung out at in High School, we hit the fireworks. My kids had never sat close enough to actually smell firework ash before. It was a huge hit for everyone but Anneliese. She put her hands over her ears and kept asking if someone was dying!
Jen’s Guy grew up hiking some of the most beautiful National Parks ever and for this trip he took all of us to visit Zions. If you have never been, plan to go at least once in your life. It is so worth it!
Jen’s Guy said that there “is something spiritual” about squishing river mud between your toes. It is doubly significant watching your kids do it, if it is the same river you grew up “mud-squishing” in.
At the end of our trip we drove through Las Vegas, but didn’t stop until we hit the Hoover Dam. The 11 year old son and Jen’s Guy came up without about 1 million terrible “dam” jokes. Because you know getting to swear when you aren’t really swearing is always an opportunity not to be missed.
Here are a few of their “best”.
Mom, can we go hike all over the “dam” rocks?
How about we take the “dam” tour!
What if we rented some donkeys and dragged our “asses” all over the “dam” rocks?
They really aren’t as amusing as they think they are. . .
It really is a pretty amazing sight! Happy Summering!
Stay Happy! Stay Informed!
Love,
Jen
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Comments
Aw, looked like such a fun time and am still giggling over the dam jokes ;)
Janine Huldie recently posted…9 Things I Would Pretend I Never Did for My Kids’ Sake
Thanks Janine! Oh there are more of those for sure, I just didn’t think you all wanted your ears to bleed :)
Jen recently posted…Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl
How fun and I loved all the red/white and blue attire for the 4th. That was awesome.
I’ve been to Zion National Park so I agree that it’s a must see. Breathtakingly beautiful.
I’ve also been to the Hoover dam and it’s an awesome sight as well.
I’m so happy your vacation went well. Thanks for sharing it with me.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. ☺
Comedy Plus recently posted…Feline Friday
Have you driven over the new bridge at the Hoover Dam? It is scary high! We walked it and looked down and wow! What a sight!
Jen recently posted…Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl
I LOVE Zion. I went once.. in October. Yes. Yes.
Ok your story about not liking the boys there cracked me up. I met a super cute boy at a family reunion party (should have been my first indication) when I was ten and then my grandmother came over and said, “Ah, you’ve met your second cousin!” He’s my mom’s first cousin’s son. He has a twin. My sister and I both crushed hard and they crushed back.
The magic was broken by being cousins. He’s an adult now (like me) and honestly, if we weren’t related he’s totally my type even now. Is that weird to say? I mean, I can just tell. We’re both happily married!
Now you probably think I’m weird.
Rodeo princessing is hard!!
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I could live in Zions! Jen’s Guy did, he grew up hiking all over that place. I am jealous.
Haha! oh that is funny! Those reunions can be dangerous. I had a cousin I met at one and thought he was cute and then a few years later heard he was a baby daddy for two women at the same time. They were less than thrilled when they found out. The news killed that crush instantly I tell ya!
Now you probably think I’m weird! So we are even :)
Jen recently posted…Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl
This looks like fun.
Splash pads are always a must in the summer.
Amber recently posted…Why Returning Home After A Vacation Is Tough
I agree! It is about 115 degrees here today and it wasn’t much cooler on vacation, so getting wet is a must!
Jen recently posted…Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl
Awesome Trip! And happy birthday! Love the jokes but no Vegas gambling huh?! I totally want to visit Zions, after the Grand Tetons!
Kristen recently posted…10 Lessons Learned from Binge Watching Say Yes to the Dress
No Vegas gambling for us, although I did win 5 dollars at a Denny’s slot machine a few years ago. I figure the odds are now stacked against me after that win!
Jen recently posted…Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl
Oh, how fun! Hope you had an awesome birthday! When I was little, I wanted to be a rodeo princess, too. Horses and rhinestones seemed so glamorous :)
Akaleistar recently posted…Sweet Links
Thanks! I wanted to be one too, but I was allergic to Aquanet, so sad :)
Jen recently posted…Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl
Oh my goodness. So many thoughts. 1. My husband and I did Hoover Dam last year and I thought that man would never run out of dam jokes. 2. I too have now discovered my lost calling to be a rhinestone cowgirl. WHO WOULD NOT WANT THAT????? 3. Your baby! Oh! The preciousness!!!! She’s right. Fireworks are way too loud.
April recently posted…The 1 Thing All the ‘Gurus’ Don’t Want You to Know, Guest Post by Fitness Blogger Justin Cox
Someday we need to get our families together. I think our husband’s would have way too much fun! I was encouraged that there were the older more mature/mom/grandma princesses/queens (?) in attendance as well. Maybe you and I still have a chance!
Jen recently posted…Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl
Aww, love this post!
– TRUE. Watching a toddler at a splash pad is definitely like watching a drunk. Never thought of it that way!
– WOW at those bedazzled rodeo princesses! That’s definitely a great calling!
– Snickering at the dam / ass jokes ;)
Happy Birthday, Jen!!!
Let me know if you want more of the dam/ass jokes. Jen’s Guy and Caleb are thinking of making up a book of them, you know kind of like Chicken Soup for the Humorous Juvenile in everyone….. I bet it would be a best seller!
Jen recently posted…Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl
What a gorgeous vacation! So glad to know that the toddler left you *mostly* unscathed. Love the comparison of a toddler to a drunk at a splash pad. And my Husband would totally be with the kids in making all the “Dam” jokes. He never met a pun he didn’t like!
Leslie recently posted…{DIY} How to Make a Sprinkle Covered Cake
Thanks Leslie! It was a blessing indeed that the toddler managed this trip so well. I guess it was all the visits to splash pads that left her in a happy mood!
Jen recently posted…Man-day Post: 5 Reasons Why I Guess I am Not a Feminist
OK. So is it wrong that I want to be a Rhinestone Cowgirl? I really want to go to Zion and other National Parks but we haven’t been there yet. We do love splash pads, though. They are just so easy and everyone has fun. Happy Summer. I hope you are doing well. oxo
Caryn recently posted…Tips for a Healthy Road Trip & Family Vacation
Heck no, I think we all want to be a rhinestone cowgirl! Zions is amazing! I love that place!
Alas our summer is almost over, but Happy Summering to you! Get in some splash pads for me now :)
Jen recently posted…Man-day Post: 5 Reasons Why I Guess I am Not a Feminist
What a fantastic trip you had. I think being a rodeo princess is very ambitious and exciting goal:). Hehe! My 7 year old recently picked up a pink cowboy hat with a tiara that lights up all kinds of crazy. They would be quite the pair together by the way things sound :).
Love the pics, the dam looks amazing.
A pink cowboy hat with a tiara that lights up! How have I missed such a purchase? I think that would just about knock my Princess’s socks off with it’s sheer coolness!
Jen recently posted…Man-day Post: 5 Reasons Why I Guess I am Not a Feminist
Well I thought those ‘dam’ jokes were pretty funny, especially the last one. Zion looks really beautiful!
Melissa Matters recently posted…Back to School: 5 Signs the School Year Has Started
Oh yes they about ruptured a spleen on that last joke they were laughing so hard!
Jen recently posted…Five Things I WILL and WILL Not Do This School Year
I think the non-swearing jokes are awesome. Then again, I did just giggle through Finding Nemo in the pediatrician’s waiting room yesterday. I lost it when Nemo “touched the butt.”
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…The Eighties Were, Like, Totally Rad, Guys!
Oh yes that one is funny from Nemo! I think that movie seems to be pretty standard doctor/dentist waiting room material, huh? It was on at our Doctor’s office last week too!
Jen recently posted…Five Things I WILL and WILL Not Do This School Year