We were finally able to head out for a weekend together as a family. Dale reserved a cabin up at Bear River Lodge in the High Uintas for the whole Ralph family. However, those who came were Mom and Dad, Deanna, David, Dale, Don and myself with our families. We were missing Darin and Deborah. These type of weekend getaways are so fun...just to get away and go do something fun. These create memories and family bonding time. That is a good thing with the kids getting older. So often, I think that these years go by so fast. It is hard to believe that Ethan is already 16 with the others right behind him. Two more years and he will be out on his mission. Even now, it is difficult for him to listen to the advice of his parents. He tries, but he would rather go out with friends. It's sad for me, because he doesn't really want to hang out with dad anymore and Brad is starting to get a little like that as well. I understand this is natural, but it is still sad.
So, for our little adventure, who would have known that in the middle of August we would be experiencing fall-like weather. It was down right chilly. It was funny because when the kids were packing they decided no jackets were needed. It's a good thing they have a mom who always has their needs in mind. She would not take no for an answer, which was much to the annoyance to Ethan. It's a good thing Nichole was persistent
I love the cute smiles from these precious little girls. They had a blast going out, especially with the wind in their faces. Why is it that dad's have a special place in their hearts for the daughter?! With 4 boys, it is so fun to have a little girl and to witness all her little quirks and corky behavior.
Here, we went on a walk around the fishing pond. The fishing pond right behind this handsome group was a catch and release, but we never found the time to go fishing. Fishing is not one of my hobbies. I have a hard time fishing, because I lack the patience and hate the cleanup and fixing the line. My dad did not pass on the fishing gene
Deanna made her, what seems to be, the annual trip to Utah. She was here for a few weeks. The cousins love to play together. Whenever Deanna comes, she fills up the schedule with fun things. She is a good example of that and doing things to make memories. For example, we went to the new Provo Rec Center pool numerous times, she took her kids and ours to Lagoon. The budget seems to go out the window when she comes to town! Well, what's a credit card bill compared to memories, right?!
This was still part of our walk. Eli made us carry him...or, was it because he did not have any shoes?
Brad was so proud to drive. Technically, is he 16? No. But his daddy is a softy and has a hard time saying no. As his confidence grew, so did the throttle! 35 seemed doable for this 12-year old.
Don and I decided to wake up early on Monday morning and go for a trail run. He biffed it and we had a good laugh. Why is it funny to see people injure themselves or do something stupid!
I was blessed with scrawny legs. I believe there is a scripture that defines why I was blessed with such feminine lower half physique. And, I the Lord, give unto men weaknesses that they may be humble.
Jake and I made it to Lily Lake with the ATV. This was such a pretty lake and surrounding area. It truly is amazing how much God beautified the earth when He created it
Everyone loves Nichole's baking. She is the dessert queen. She made a chocolate peanut butter cup cake that was awesome. And, as typical, she made double the amount of what was needed to feed the whole gang.
My favorite past time...hanging out at the pool. Eli loved walking around the bench. It was the perfect height for him and the water temperature perfect. Dad hung out with us at the pool. It was good to just talk to dad for a while. We just shot the breeze and talked about life.
Such a cute smile. We could have stayed in this jacuzzi all day long
More of God's beauty
The kids actually let mom and dad go out together one time. Oh wait, that was because we borrowed one of Deanna's ATV's.
It was fun to have dad out there with us blowing up the dust.The first time out on the ATV, Dad went with Cody who is only 14. Cody insisted on driving. Afterwards, my dad mentioned he was pretty nervous with Cody at the healm.
These two cuties...Eli sure is growing up. He makes the cutest little faces
Of my 4 boys, I think Brad looks the most like me.
Hello, Mr. Chipmunk!
Alexis and Cassidy with their Grandma, Jan, who is Anita's mom.
It was awesome to hang out with the gang!
Since Nichole is missing in action again, I'm so glad you've posted all these pictures. So fun to see what you've been up to and it looks like it's been a good time!
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