A little R & R {October 7-9th}

We have had our plans change more than once when wanting to go and visit Ryan's Brother and Sister-in-law in Bear Lake this year.  And despite the crummy weather, we loaded up and left town to get as much Rest and  Relaxation as possible before plowing into the holiday season.  Ryan took some "Mental Health Days" and we sure did enjoy them!

We made a short and very cool (no pun intended, but it was FREEZING!) stop in a close-to-home town...and saw the Soda Springs Geyser.  I thought it erupted every fifteen minutes, and after waiting at least that long, the boys thought it was better viewed from the comfort of a heated car.  Can't say I blame them!

It took me 20 minutes to realize this ISN'T the geyser I should
have expected...just gearing up for that ahah moment. 

Travertine terraces were pretty amazing and beautiful!
Blue skies would have made for gorgeous pictures. 

Smart to get in the warm car! 

The drive down was beautiful...the dark and mystic skies - scenery in general was gorgeous!

The clouds were very intense the whole drive...super fun! 

not bad for a 'through the windshield' photo! LOL! 

We didn't let a little rain ruin our fun though.  The kids played so well together, and had a blast just playing with their cousins.  We adults also had a nice time catching up and visiting.  When we decided to stay an extra day, Mitch and Heidi and their kids led us on an adventure up a gorgeous canyon, where the kids ran to get wiggles out and collected cans for their local recycling program, threw rocks in the river, then ran along the path.  Ryan even let Rylee & Mitch shoot a few rounds off my P22 Walther handgun...Heidi and I herded the kids back to the car, but not before some fun and silly photo ops.

Proof I was there and helped carry the baby.  

Do you want a "Merry Christmas" now or later?  :) 

Cousins....I love this shot! 

These three crack me up.  They played so well together! 

Thanks again, guys!

Brotherly Bonding moment right here.

loved the back pack

Millions and millions of these beauties made the stroll enjoyable and breathtaking.

Of course, as we were leaving Sunday afternoon, the sun's rays were starting to peek through the clouds...

Thanks for putting us up and putting up with us this weekend guys!  We need to do that again, soon!!!

We had to make a quick stop at my parents' home to pick up the bed frame my dad fixed for us...pictures to come!!!  Thank you dad!