The McKay Family

Home Again-Tuesday 8-2-11

2011-08-04T12:27:00.001-05:00

All good things must end and so must vacation. Headed out of Phoenix at 9:00 their time. Stopped for lunch at Tayte's new favorite find-Del Taco. (We had to indulge her. We made her eat at In and Out Burger 3 times.)

Drove all stinkin' day. Several naps and stops during the day. We finally rolled into Oklahoma at

And into the driveway at 12:08 California time, 2:08am OK time. Fun trip. Saw a lot, went to a lot of places and drove a lot! But, laundry is done and I could leave again tomorrow...

Beach then Home-Monday 8-1-11

2011-08-04T12:21:00.001-05:00

Tayte and I had to hit the sand before heading out. We had check out at 1:00 so we had limited time.

Dad joined us while Bub vegged in the room.

But, alas, beach time was over. We packed up and headed toward home by way of the Outlet Mall in the Palm Springs area. Big mistake. The temp there was 110. We didn't let that stop us though. Drove to Phoenix to sound the night at Homewood suites. Logan was like," What kind of place is this? They put a ribbon the the extra toilet paper to make it look good!"

San Diego-Sunday 7-31-11

2011-08-04T12:15:00.001-05:00

Lesson learned last night-Don't try to get a room in San Diego on the weekend in the summer! Seriously!! The closest we could get was San Clemente. And the weekend beach traffic in Malibu on in was crazy! Plan for today was the San Diego Zoo, which was busy, too. But, we were there so off we went. Stupid me did not stop and get any pics in front with the sign. It is a great zoo.
This polar bear worked for quite a while to dislodge his ball from under the rock in the water.

And we had to wait in line to peek at the giant pandas.

Coronado Beach was the final destination of the day. It is a beach in San Diego. We had reservations at Hotel Del Coronado. It's a really cool place built in 1888 right on the beach.

The temperature was high 70's and low 80's. The first thing we did wad hit the beach.

Tayte and I looked for seashells. The weather may have been warm but the water was not! Too cold for us Okies to swim in.

After the beach we were on our way to check out the hotel and get ice cream, but the kids decided I should get my birthday present first, a day early.

And, yes, those boxes are Tiffany blue!!! A beautiful bracelet and heart charm from Tiffany's in Carmel.

Two thumbs up!

Hearst Castle-Saturday 7-30-11

2011-08-04T02:12:00.004-05:00

We stayed last night in Cambria at the Cambria Pine Lodge. The small town was really cute. One of those places you could enjoy walking around for hours. The lodge was great and I am so glad we found it. I think we got the last room.

We really debated on whether or not to go to the Hearst Castle, but we are so glad we went. What an interesting place! Mr. Hearst was definitely of the "more is more" people.

After the tour we continue south towards San Diego on Highway 1. Still can't get over what a gorgeous drive it was. I wonder if you see it everyday, do you still know how pretty it is?

Highway 1 and Carmel Friday 7-29-11

2011-08-02T22:35:00.001-05:00

Left Monterey Bay down Highway 1 towards Carmel. The shoreline was beautiful!

Tayte and I wanted to stop and get out about a hundred times. We couldn't get enough.

The guys, well, not so much.

More scenery-

We went by Pebble Beach. The place is impeccable.

We made it to Carmel and had lunch outside at a little cafe.

Then we were off to shop. They have the cutest little town. If I win the lottery, I could definitely live there!!!
Left Carmel for more of Highway 1. It is truly one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken. There were tall cliffs that just dropped into the ocean. Mesmerizing really.

Probably my favorite part of the whole trip!!!

Just north of San Simeon we noticed that there were a lot of people at one of the scenic stops so, of course, we pulled in to take a peek. We found these-

Elephant seals! About 75 or so. A gentleman we spoke with said that in the winter there can be 5,000 of them all over the beach, everywhere. These two kept getting into it with each other.

Tayte wanted to sneak this one in the car.

Monterey Bay Thursday 7-28-11

2011-08-02T22:17:00.002-05:00

We stayed at Monterey Bay Inn on Cannery Row and had a balcony on the ocean. The guy that checked us in was absolutely amazed that we drove all the way from Oklahoma. The longest hr had ever driven was an 8 hour trip...and it took him 12. What a light weight!!! I woke up this morning to sounds of sea lions playing in the ocean.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium was the main event for the day. Tayte loves aquariums but the rest of us not so much. I must say we were all pleasantly surprised! It is the best one we have ever been to.

After the aquarium we walked around Cannery Row and then down to Fisherman's Wharf. Then what Tayte and I had been waiting for-the beach!! Problem-it was freezing!!!! The temp Wes in the mid 60's so the water was really cold. There were kids on the beach in winter coats. Now that just ain't right!

Tayte tried to chase down a bird because he wanted to eat her shoe.

At the room later I watched a dog swimming around playing with a couple of otters. So cute!!

Monterey Bay-Wednesday 7-27-11

2011-08-02T01:44:00.001-05:00

Time to head out of San Francisco, after a few stops. Had to find Lombard Street and take yhe drive down it. It is known as the crookedest and steepest street in San Francisco. It has 8 hairpin curves in one short block. Kind of an interesting story behind it.

Next, the Painted Ladies-historical victorian houses that have been In movies and TV.

And, finally, a neat place with a VERY cool name!!!

Crissy Field is a park today but was once an air field for the U.S. Army's Presideo Army Base.

After catching those last fee sights we were off to Monterey. Lots of farms along the way-oranges, grapes and lettuce. Finally-what we had been waiting for-the ocean!

And the sailboats in Monterey Bay

On the advice of some lovely friends, we ate burgers at the Cannery Brewing Company. They have chalkboard walls so I had to leave them a message.

And so did Tayte

San Francisco-Tuesday 7-26-11

2011-07-28T18:52:00.001-05:00

We pulled in last night. Tayter girl hates bridges and tunnels. We had to go across a long bridge only to pass through a tunnel.

And on the other side of the tunnel was another bridge

We walked to Fisherman's Wharf. Ya know on TV when they show how straight up and down the hills are in San Francisco and you think,"Wow those look like some big hills"? In real life they are much steeper!!!

We took a boat ride under the Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz

Looking back at the city

We then waited an hour for a trolley.

A little shopping and dinner at Gott Burgers :-)

Sequoia National Forest-Monday 7-25-11

2011-07-27T15:45:00.001-05:00

Stayed our first night in Tulare, CA and pulled out to Sequoia this morning to see the giant trees. They are 3000+ years old, over 150 feet tall and have diameters of over 40 feet. Huge doesn't even begin to describe them. Pictures really don't show how big they are but with the car in front of it, it kind of gives you a perspective. This is not even one of the biggest ones. You have to walk to them.

We hiked out to see the General Sherman tree, the biggest one there, and on the way back to the car we saw something even better-a black bear looking for food :-) He's the black spot to the left of the tree.

The kids are in the middle of a hollowed out tree.

I got to check of "See Giant Trees" off of my bucket list! That place is gorgeous!!! And the temperature was perfect. The picture below is just to rub it in.

Left Sequoia and headed into San Francisco, arriving about 9:00pm California time.

California

2011-07-27T02:11:00.001-05:00

We had planned on leaving for vacation Sunday 7-24-11 because we had to pick Tayte up from Granny's Saturday evening, but after getting her home and doing her laundry, Devin wanted to head out. So, we pulled out of Edmond at midnight not knowing how far we would go. Somewhere in New Mexico I watched the sun come up in my mirror.

With 3 drivers we ended up going further than we thought. We finally reached a place we had really been looking forward to at about 4:00pm Sunday in Kingman, Arizona.

At some point we decided to drive all the way!

It took about 22 hours to get to out first hotel stop and we were a day ahead of schedule. Not too bad!

Crested Butte or Bust

2011-03-11T17:40:00.002-06:00

All packed uo and headed to Crested Butte to hit the slopes! We will hopefully make it to Raton NM tonight. That will make for a shorter day tomorrow in the car. We can pick up our ski equipment and be ready to ski Sunday morning. Didn't leave until after the Swine Week 2011 assembly at Memorial. The kids raised $462,000 for the OU Pediatric Heart Center. How awesome is that?!?! We talked about leaving this morning but Tayte didn't want to miss out on any of her first Swine Week.
Logan is the first driver today. Tayte is co-piloting...or sleeping... Praying for safety for all spring breakers out and about this week :-D

Can we make it??? Yes we can!!!

2010-06-15T15:35:00.005-05:00

I think this is the only car in America with more stuff in it than ours!

Tayter and I rested in the back while we left the boys in charge of driving.

We stopped in Springfield, MO for lunch at Arby's. Then, we hit the Red Box at McDonald's for some new entertainment. And we were off again. We crossed into Oklahoma around 2:00ish. The kids cheered with joy :-)

This sign the kids were really ready to see!

We had a great time and I am so glad we went. Kinda hurt that the kids were so ready to get back home to their friends but I guess I should be thankful that a)they even went with us and b)they have such wonderful friends in their lives! I love my family and am so blessed by them each day.
Hugs to everyone :-)

Welcome Home Tuesday

2010-06-15T10:56:00.002-05:00

We all got texts, pics and posts about the flooding back home yesterday. We saw stories on the national news and even saw pics from Edmond in USA today this morning. Completely unbelievable!!! Our hearts go out to those back home. Praying for no more rain! The lasts 6 months have hit some Oklahomans hard with record snow fall, record earthquakes, deadly tornadoes, record hail and, now, record rain...

We hit the road leaving St. Louis about 8:30 this morning and are driving hard towards home :-)

Monday, Monday...

2010-06-15T10:50:00.002-05:00

Not much to post for Monday. We left Clarksburg and saw more beautiful mountains. i took some pics but they really don't look like anything much. Went through Kentucky. Thought the kids might want to stop in Louisville and go to the Louisville Slugger Tour. Um...not so much. The general feeling we are getting from our little angels is that they are ready to see their friends. Weird! I don't get it! They aren't really open to stopping and taking any more time than necessary except when we were discussing where to stop for the night. When Tayter heard that we might stop in St. Louis by the Galleria Mall, she perked up a little bit. So, we pulled into St. Louis about 6:00, ate a little dinner and went to the mall for an hour.

We were all ready for sleep and to hit the road for the last leg home.

Sunday a.k.a. Chocolate Day

2010-06-15T09:19:00.012-05:00

Left Philly on a mission. Hershey, PA was our goal. We took the senic route through Amish Country. I wanted to go to some of the Amish furniture stores and fruit stands. Their culture and their steadfast hold to it is very interesting to me. Kinds wanted to see it in person. The problem was that we went on Sunday and the Amish really only go to church and rest on Sunday. Only saw one carraige on the road. Maybe next time.

One thing we did see that really excited us...

SONIC!!!! Hadn't had a Sonic coke in a week and a half. We had to stop!

Next stop - Hershey, P.A. where the street lights are Hershey Kisses. Now that has to put a :-) on your face.

The kids didn't really want to take the time to go to the Hershey amusement park so we went to the Hershey Museum and made a Chocolate Bowl in the Chocolate Lab.

First order of business is to put the lab garb on. So cute!

We dipped ballons in chocolate a couple of times to form the bowl shape.

Word of advice to those who may go to the Chocolate Lab one day. Make sure to ask for more chocolate during the balloon dipping process because after all balloons at your station are dipped you get to eat the left overs! Very important tip!

After the chocolate balloons cooled in the freezer, we popped and removed the balloons. Then, we decorated them with some melted, colored white chocolate.

Crissy's Creation

Another piece of advice - be prepared to eat the bowl upon completion. We found that just a little while in the warm care turns the chocolate bowl into a chocolate plate. Still tasty though.

We decided to do some shots while we were there...Chocolate shots from around the world. Most were dark chocolate and not very good!

Logan trying to get the dark chocolate shot taste out of his mouth.

I did not want to go through Ohio again. We chose to shake up Lulu, the gps, and go a different way. We left Hershey and went to Baltimore, MD. Home of the Ace of Cakes! Sadly, Duff did not come out to great us :-(

They have a really neat area on the harbor with restaurants and shops.

This was a battle sailboat from the late 1800's.

We ate at Five Guys Burgers and Fries (Love that place! The closest one to us back home is in Frisco, TX.) and headed off through Maryland and West Virginia. It was an absolutely beautiful drive. The mountains were littered with small towns that have been there for hundreds of years. I am in love with the old churches! I will definitely go that way again next time with my good camera and extra time to be able to stop. Finally stopped for the night in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Westward Ho!

2010-06-12T20:49:00.006-05:00

Didn't realize how much luggage and stuff we had until I had to stand with it on the street waiting for Devin to get the car from the parking garage. We probably had more for our 2 week trip than most NYC people can even fit in their apartments.

Passed through the Lincoln Tunnel, after we finally found it and went to Hoboken, NJ. Yep - we went to see the home of the Cake Boss, Carlo's Bakery. Problem - we weren't the only ones. There was quite a line to get into the bakery. About 30 minutes later we were in and picking out some treats.

Next stop - Philadelphia, PA. Went to see the Liberty Bell and the home of the Declaration of Independence.

Walked around the park by the hotel where Tayter and I took a pic with this guy.

Problem of the day - we had our Cake Boss treasures in the car while we visited the Liberty Bell and it was an unusually hot day here. Logan's cake with custard and Taytes chocolate mouse cake kinda weren't cakes anymore.

Pic for my Harley friends. This was in the a store window:-)

Friday - Last Day in NYC

2010-06-12T20:34:00.005-05:00

Spent the morning shopping around again. Went to Canal St. because Tayter wanted some purses of the faux kind. Stangely enough - couldn't find any faux purse peddlers. Well, found 2 but not for what Tayte wanted. She finally decided she would see what they had. Went back to find them and they were gone. We were told that the police are really cracking down on them and that our best chance would be Saturday. So, sadly, no fauxs.

Mama Mia was on the agenda for the evening. Logan backed out so it was just the 3 of us. Only in NYC - we passed this guy on the way to the theater. For a small fee you could take a pic with his buddy the Boa Constricter.

Mama Mia was at the Winter Garden Theater. It was beautiful inside. I love checking out all the different theaters. The show was really good. All the songs remind me of listening to our ABBA 8track tape growing up. The end of the show was the best when the cast just sang 3 of the songs like a concert. The audience was singing and clapping. Really got into it.

The weather was great so after the show we called Logan and made him meet us in Times Square. It really got crowded Friday night. So much fun to watch all of the people. Of course, we thought everyone was a little strange and that we were the only normal ones there.

We packed up the room and finally made it to bed about 1:30am. Loved NYC. Loved the hotel, AKA New York Times Square. Kinda ready to be home.

To Central Park and Back

2010-06-10T18:06:00.006-05:00

We hoped the uptown bus this morning and toured the upper east and west sides. Even went through Harlem. Saw where Ex-Pres Clinton has his office and where The Donald lives, although word around town is that he is not home right now. Out traveling and spending money.

For lunch we went to Serendipity 3. Food costs too much, but we were there so we spent it. Of course, when you go to Serendipity, you must have the Frozen Hot Chocolate. We threw in a Chocolate Blackout Hot Fudge Sundae for good measure.

Just had to include this as proof that, yes girls, they do indeed offere a $1000 sundae.

After all of that, we had to walk some of it off, so we went to Central Park to see the fountain from "Friends". I love to walk Central Park. It is so pretty and the flowers smelled great today. We found a rock to sit on and watch the world go by.

Shopped 5th Ave. all the way back to the hotel. By shopped, I mean mostly window shopped. Logan found something interesting... And the rains came again! Sick of rain in NYC. Makes it harder to get around.

Off to see "The Adamms Family". Should be exciting!

A little dinner in Times Square after the show.

In NYC and Lovin' It

2010-06-09T23:34:00.006-05:00

We have been introducing the kids to NYC. First, we rode the ferris wheel in Toys R Us at Time Square. Then, we went to check out Times Square. All the billboards, ain't nowhere else like it. We were told that TS buildings are required to be at least 18% covered by colorful signage. I think they have accomplished it.

Tayte kissing up to the cops.

We have been riding the tour buses around town and took the boat to the Statue of Liberty. Tayte didn't realize it was that big. Maybe she though Lady Liberty was lady size???

Tuesday evening we walked down 5th Avenue. Tayte and I seemed very "at home" there.

This guy was washing windows on the building next to us this morning. We sat and watched him probably longer than we looked at the Statue of Liberty.

Rained most of the day Wednesday. Had to buy a $5 umbrella on the street. Lasted almost the whole day so I guess we got our money's worth. We went to the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller Center. The "Ice Rink" at Rockefeller Center looks smaller in real life than in the movies.

Spent the evening with Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes at the Broadway show "Promises, Promises". We gave it 4 thumbs up. Loved it!!! Now off to bed and hoping no rain for Thursday. Off to Central Park and Serendipity for some Frozen Hot Chocolate tomorrow. Sounds like a great plan :-)

Loved Southampton...But Who Wouldn't?

2010-06-07T10:45:00.011-05:00

As promised to Tayter, we went to the outlet mall yesterday in Riverhead, NY, about 20 minutes from Southampton. First stop, Coach Outlet. She spentsome hard-earned babysitting money. Logan's choice, Oakley. Nice place with tons of stores. Tried to restrain ourselves and save some money for NYC. No pics of the mall trip. Sorry...

Headed back to Southampton for dinner and a little beach time.

The Main Street is so neat. It looks like Mayberry USA with a twist. Instead of the Barber Shop and the 5 & Dime there is Saks Fifth Avenue(the pic of the building with the columns is Saks) and J. Crew. And the parking spots are filled with BMWs, Mercedes, Bentleys and Roll Royces. Pretty interesting.

This is Southampton School, public school.

The streets are all lined with bushes that are close to 6 feet tall so that you can't really see any of the houses and most houses have gates. Sometimes you can get a peak through the gates and these are some big houses. Won't be relocating here any time soon.

It was supposed to rain and storm. We were even in a tornado watch. The rain never came but the waves were really washing in and it was dark and overcast. Made listening to the waves even better. The building is a church on the beach.

Found a cute little bakery called Tate's Bake Shop. Too bad they spelled the name wrong. Really great brownies and muffins. We went there this morning on our way out of town and enjoyed some breakfast muffins.

Dogs in Southampton ride in style.

Headed to NYC about 10:30 :-)

We Made it to The Hamptons

2010-06-05T21:42:00.008-05:00

Accidentally slept in a little this morning so we didn't leave Somerset until almost 10:00. The drive through Pennsylvania is beautiful.

The long tunnels through the mountains were a surprise to the kids. Don't have those in Oklahoma...

After several hours on the road, including driving through ugly Newark, NJ we saw the NYC skyline.

This Home Depot was right next to the Holland Tunnel entrance. Just very interesting to us, since we are used to big Home Depots with tons of space at home.

We ended up going through the Holland Tunnel. Still creeps me out to know we are under the Hudson River. Also don't like it becuase they squeeze 6 lanes of traffic down to 2 before entering the tunnel. Those NY drivers are crazy!

After a very long time trying to make our way through the parts of New York City I had never seen including Queens and the Bronx, we finally made it to the Hamptons. Quick dinner, a change of cloths, and we were on Coopers Beach in Southampton. It was 6:00 so hardly anyone was there. The beach and ocean are BEAUTIFUL! The water is FREEZING! It was 58degrees in the water today. Needless to say, we didn't really get in the water but really enjoyed the beach. Glad to be here and share this with my family :-)

Long Day 2 of Driving

2010-06-05T21:21:00.005-05:00

Drove most of Friday afternoon in the rain. Not just rain but a really hard, driving rain. Dinner was at the Quaker Steak and Lube outside of Wheeling, Pennsylvania. Neat place.

This Corvette was hanging upside down over our table.

Several Harleys were scattered around the restaurant ceiling, too.

Tayte played a game on the way out and won! Logan was just trying to figure out how she did it.

Ended the night in Somerset, PA about 11:30 ready for bed!

4:00ish

2010-06-04T17:06:00.001-05:00

Moving right along!

NYC or Bust

2010-06-04T16:29:00.009-05:00

Nothing like a long road trip to bring a family together. Or, make them want to kill each other. We will have to see how this goes. We left yesterday for our road trip to NYC about 4:30 in the afternoon, only 3 1/2 hours after our goal time to leave. It was slow going for a while but we finally made it to Rolla, Missouri about 10:30. Surprise! The Weinermobile was parked at our hotel.

After a good night's rest, we headed out this morning at 8:30. Had a lovely lunch at Wendy's in Marshall, Missouri, switched driver's, and we were off again.

Tayter the Navigator, although not the best navigator ever. Let's just say that talking on the phone, texting and playing games were a little more important.

And the 2 best seats in the house, or car. We all call dibs on the back seat because you can stretch out. Dad won this round.

Almost There

2009-12-30T22:29:00.002-06:00

Just got on the Kilpatrick Turnpike. Home in 20ish. One of those trips that I am not ready to end. Loved it! Had a great time! Kids were fun-farts, stinky feet and all! Love the extra ones like my own-farts, stinky feet and all :-)

Oooooooooooooooooooooklahoma

2009-12-30T20:38:00.003-06:00

Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains! Just crossed over. Yes! Lulu says 2 1/2 hours to go. Kids are watching "Master of Disguise", an oldy but a goody :-) I got a round of yeahs when I announced that we were in Oklahoma. Almost home.

Welcome to Amarillo

2009-12-30T18:31:00.001-06:00

Pulling into Amarillo. Will grab something to eat and get gas. Probably be home 11ish. Not too bad. Car is very quiet. Think I have some tired babies ready to be in their own beds tonight.

6:00

2009-12-30T18:02:00.002-06:00

Pit stop in Dumas, TX at 6:00. Probably stop in Amarillo and eat. Better selection than here.

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

2009-12-30T16:11:00.007-06:00

Went through a stupid safety corridor in New Mexico. Down to 55mph. It killed our time. Gotta love it. Just passed through Clayton, NM at about 4:45 OK time. Kids have watched "Are We There Yet", "Are We Done Yet" and "Yours, Mines and Ours". I love to listen to them watch a movie. Nice to know that a PG movie can still entertain them. I know I have posted some car pics but thought you might see how they are squeezing in right now. Chadley is behind Devin and Blakester is behind Chadley. Log man is behind me and Tayter is behind him. And Chelsea girl is stuffed in the middle like a tamale. The kids swap out the tamale seat.

Pit Stop

2009-12-30T14:23:00.003-06:00

Stopped at Subway for lunch in Canon City about 12:00 Colorado time, 1:00 OK time. Discussed Chad's full beard that is coming in quite well. Now passing through Walsenburg on South I25. It is 2:35 OK time. Very little snow on the ground. Only patches here and there. Kids are watching a movie and computing. Cool thing Devin found. It is called Cradlepoint and you plug your USB internet card into it. The cradlepoint then creates a wifi internet. At one point we had 5 computers surfing the internet in this car. Crazy!!! No License Tag game in this car, baby! ;-)

Pics 12-30-09

2009-12-30T14:15:00.003-06:00

Not very good pics of the kids as we left this morning. My iphone lens kept fogging over.

The snow was falling as we left Crested Butte.

Pics form 12-29-08

2009-12-30T14:06:00.003-06:00

The kids at the top of Painter Boy. This may be the only picture I have with all 5 kids in it... Hard to get everyone together. Should have remembered to tell them to take off their goggles, but it's cute anyway.

Our hot cocoa and snack at Painter Boy.

Tayter Tot and me after turning in our equipment. It was a hard 3 days of skiing and boarding, but tons of fun.

Pics from 12-28-09

2009-12-30T13:47:00.005-06:00

Every wonder what a bedroom shared by 3 teenage boys looks like after 24 hours?

Pictures of Devin, Logan and me at the top of Painter Boy Lift. Most beautiful views of the mountains. They have an igloo up there for kids.

Tayte and Chelsea, the Board Bunnies!

Down after a day hard at it. Blake made himself at home in the girls bedroom (a.k.a. the living room) - which had the only TV in the condo.

The Long Road Home

2009-12-30T09:54:00.000-06:00

The kids had an awesome time yesterday. All boarded on blacks and blues and only one ended up black and blue. You will have to ask Chadley about his butt bruise. Chelsea was the first to throw in the towel followed by Logan. Devin and I were pretty much done about 2:15 but Tayte wanted to go some more so she and I headed to Peach Tree with Devin in charge of video. Blake and Chad took a break but headed out for a last run a little after 3. The lifts close at 4. We all got our equipment turned in on time and everything accounted for. The snow fall started in the afternoon. Everyone in CB was thrilled! Apparently, it has been weeks since it snowed. Signs at lifts and in shops said to pray for snow. Finally happened yesterday. That means it warmed up enough to snow. It has been way too cold to snow for weeks.

Oh and I found a little somthin' when I was getting off a lift. Seems as if someone was planning to get high on more than just the elevation!

After we cleaned up we went to town and ate at Donita's. Took forever! Then a walk in the snow down main street for a few last minute purchases. Back to the condo to pack. Hate that part! Devin and I went out to walk around a liitle more. Kids wouldn't go with us. Too tired. Pansies! It was so pretty to walk in the snow. Talked to one of the snow groomers. Those machines are incredible. And they start out at only $250,000. Might need one of those. When we got back an hour later they were all in bed.

We could hear coyotes on the mountain every night. Last night one sounded really close. Looked out the window and it was right there! Pretty cool.

Up this morning at 7:30. Boys took all the luggage down and Mr. Devin loaded up in the snow. We got checked out, snuggled in the car and on our way. It is pretty quiet in here. Lots of snoozing. I think we wore them out. Had such a great time. Thanks for loaning your kids to us! I know it made Logan and Tayte's trip.

Onward and Upward

2009-12-29T15:22:00.003-06:00

Thought you would like to know that all of the kids, including our precious girls, went to the top! The peak of the mountain! Boarded blacks and blues down. No guts, no glory. Apparently they chose glory :-)

Mid-Day Report

2009-12-29T14:54:00.002-06:00

Everyone seemed to drag a little this morning but out the door by 9:30. All met at the top of Painter Boy. Hot chocolate and pictures. The boys have the girls on blue runs today. We have some real board bunnies. Devin and I went on several runs and just noticed how sore we are when we stopped to grab a bite to eat. Turn in equipment today after lifts close at 4 and then into town for dinner. After that it will be time to pack and "shut 'er down" as Mr. Brent would say.

Day 3 with Devin & Crissy Plus 5

2009-12-28T20:22:00.003-06:00

Ok - this stupid computer is taking FOR-EV-ER to upload pictures tonight so you are just going to get a rundown of the rest of the day.

It was -17 when we woke up this morning. That is negative 17!!! We were all on the slopes by 9:30. The boys in one direction, the girls in one, and Devin and I in another. The boys started out on some blue slopes. Blakes and Chad even did some blacks. They even got lost once. But all made it back safe and sound. Devin and I took a couple of different trails today. Logan even went with us a couple of times. Logan, Devin and I had hot chocolate at the top of the mountain overlooking the the slopes. Beautiful! We found a few trails that went under the roads and right by some houses. So much fun! The girls did their Peach Tree trails. Chelsea even went up Red Lady a couple of times.

The boys met up with Taylor Galvin and Michael Shay a couple of times today. Funny how you travel 15 hours to hang with kids you barely see at home.

As for pictures of the boys boarding, you won't get many. They go where I would not dare to. So you will just have to imagine it. Plan on getting some group pictures today. All have been wearing their helmets. As a matter of fact, Blake took a pretty good tumble yesterday and this morning said that he would never board without the helmet. Lesson learned.

We are all very tired tonight. Just chillin' in the condo. Ate take-out pizza from the Avalanche and now just laying around. It is already 1 degree outside.

The condo is tiny but working out well. It is maybe 800sq ft. The first floor has a tiny kitchen and living room. The girls are sleeping on the pullout couch. Up a tiny set of steps to the 2nd floor there is a bathroom and the boys' bedroom. Up another tiny set of steps to the 3rd floor is another bathroom and our bedroom.

Planning on hitting the slopes tomorrow and then probably going back into town for dinner tomorrow night.

I see there is a good chance for snow back home. Maybe we can ski at home when we get there...

Day 3 with Devin & Crissy Plus 5

2009-12-28T20:00:00.005-06:00

The boys were first up this morning. They grabbed nutrigrain bars and then they were on the lifts when they opened at 9. Logan said there was ice on the seats when they rode up at 9. Here they are ready to hit it this morning. There was talk of double blues and blacks.

Tayte and Chelsea followed closely behind. They were ready for Peach Tree runs this morning and left with smiles on their faces.

Tayte and Chelsea dressed and ready for day 2 on the slopes.

Tucked in for the Night

2009-12-27T22:33:00.005-06:00

We went into town for dinner at the Wooden Nickle. If you ever go, the onion rings are A-Maz-Ing! Buffalo burgers and Shirley Temples were quite popular. We walked around town, bought tshirts and finally made it to the grocery store. Ummm - I think I have gotten spoiled to the grocery stores at home. Not much to choose from here. And prices aren't like home, either. We had planned on cooking breakfast and even lunches but plans are evolving. Kitchen in condo is tiny! So got hot pockets for breakfast. Remebered today what a pain in the butt it is to undress to eat lunch and then dress again to go back out. Got some snack stuff that we can easily get to or will go get pizza from the bakery for lunch. Way easier and no changing of clothes involved.

Kids are winding down. First day is always hard. Poor Tayter was walking up the stairs in the condo which, by the way, are the skinniest, little bitiest stairs ever, fell and caught herself with her nose on the wall. Some tears and and bruising were involved. Maybe a picture tomorrow and hopefully a great story about a wicked snowboarding accident to explain the injury to her friends.

Night!

P.S. Pictures aren't great. Forgot cord to get pics from the camera to the computer so I am having to use my Iphone for all the blog pics. Does and OK job.

Down for the Count

2009-12-27T17:30:00.002-06:00

Chelsea and Tayte were tired after the day on the slopes.

The Kids

2009-12-27T17:24:00.000-06:00

Blake, Logan, Chad, Chelsea and Tayter Tot

2009-12-27T17:20:00.000-06:00

Devn and me watching the kids.

2009-12-27T16:39:00.002-06:00

The kids after picking up equipment this morning.

I Had Forgotten How Tiring It Is

2009-12-27T16:20:00.002-06:00

I had forgotten how tiring it is just to get dressed for skiing. All the layers. Ugh! But we did it. Of course, after you are throroughly warn out from that you must go to the rental place and chase down your skis, poles, boards, helmets... Grabbed a bite to eat the the Bakery (been dreaming about their brownies for the last 3 1/2 years) for breakfast then we were off. Blake talked about taking some lessons but ultimately decided to start out with instruction from Logan and Chad and if he wasn't feeling it then he could take a lesson later today or tomorrow. No formal lesson needed. He picked it up rather quickly. The kids all headed to the Peach Tree lift and were off. Logan said that Blake face planted once but, other than that, not bad. It took the girls a while to get their snow legs back. It is really a lot of work to snowboard. Lots of falling down. Devin and I watched the kids for a little bit, took some pictures and then Chelsea and Tayte decided to go up Red Lady with us. I think it was too much too soon. They did a lot of stopping and resting on the way down. Tayte twisted her ankle on the lift this morning so between being tired and her ankle, I pulled her most of the way down. Break time!!

Back to Bakery for lunch. Good pizza!

Girls did Peach Tree one more time. Devin and I did Houston and another run. Devin only fell getting of the lift one time. Of course he took me down with him. Thanks! Now resting at the condo. It just wears you out. Walking in those stupid ski boots is the worst!!! Probably going into town tonight to get a few groceries and eat. That is, if we get out of bed first. Boys are still out hitting the runs. There is talk of going up Silver Queen and stepping up their game from greens to blues. We'll see how that flies!

We arrived!

2009-12-27T09:30:00.003-06:00

We made it! Crested Butte looked so pretty last night! The Christmas lights on the little houses and cabins and all the snow was perfect. Took a while to get to the condo check-in. It's on Gothic Road. Surprise! There are 2 Gothic Roads here. Great. Arrived at the condo a little after 8 and it is litterally right on the slope. Was supposed to have a slope balcony but the balcony is really on the side. The lift is right outside the door so I am sure it will work anyway. We got everthing in , which was not easy because we are on the 4 th level and all stairs, and then the girls went sledding. It was 1 degree. Little chilly. Tried to go into town to the grocery store. Closed! So back to the condo, up the stairs, and finally ready for bed. Yes!!! Woke up at about 8 this morning. My magic phone says it is -11 now. Awesome! Ready for the sun to come over the mountain and heat things up. Kids are getting dressed to go pick up gear and eat. Then, it's off to the slopes. Should be fun to watch the boys try to teach Blake to snowboard. He may be begging for a real instructor by noon. Pray for safety and pray for warmth ;-)

Gunnin' to Gunnison

2009-12-26T19:07:00.002-06:00

Stopped for gas and snacks at Salida. Saw a dude in shorts, tshirt and no shoes at the gas station. Lovely! Oh-and the temp was 7 degrees. Drove through Monarch Pass. Learned something new about my car. It shows negative temperatures. Like -2 degrees at tge top of the pass. Ice was forming on the inside of the windows when the kids breathed on them. We saw the lights of Gunnison in the valley. Beautiful sight. Main Street Gunnison is all dressed for Christmas and a huge live Christmas tree is in the center of town. Sssoooo cute!!! Stopping at Sonic for dinner because we are afraid we can't get in anywhere at Crested Butte this time of night. It is about 30 miles up the mountain. Have a small bet going as to when we will arrive. May need to eat slow to make sure I win!!!

Lunch

2009-12-26T13:32:00.002-06:00

Stopping at Lamar, CO for a bite to eat. Kids have done great but the girls are getting a little cramped stuck in the back seat. Blake reminded them that it would be really bad on the way home when there is nothing to look forward to at the end of that trip.

Getting the Heck out of Dodge

2009-12-26T11:12:00.002-06:00

Pit stop in Dodge City, KS. Gas, Snack, drinks and back on the road!

Oops!

2009-12-26T09:16:00.002-06:00

Not doing so hot at navigating this moring. Turned west too soon. Going to Pratt, KS and then turning north to get on highway 50. Maybe it was the fall at the Umberhams that threw off my navigation skills...

Some sleeping and some watching movies

2009-12-26T08:56:00.001-06:00

Crested Butte Here We Come!

2009-12-26T08:26:00.001-06:00

Going to Crested Butte for a little white Christmas action sounded like a good idea a few weeks ago. Who would have ever thought that we would end up having a beautiful white Christmas of our own at home? Record breaking in fact! The kids were not open to staying at home and playing in our snow. Something about having no snowboards or ski lifts. So, at 5:30am we loaded in the car. First stop was to drop Rascal at the Umberhams and pick up Blake. Falling in the street while trying to get back in the car was just a bonus :-( Next on to pick up Chad and Chelsea. Finally, off for Crested Butte.

Kids all slept until we stopped for breakfast just south of Wichita at about 8:00. After checking some different websites and road conditions we decided to go west on Highway 54 to Pueblo and then on to Crested Butte.

Roads in Edmond were terrible but improved a lot just 5 miles north of town. When we reached the Stillwater exit, roads were greatly improved. Right now there is very little, if anything on the roads but the wind is very windy. Might slow us down a little.