July 3, 2005

July 3, 2005

Wow! What a great week we had on vacation. It was a much needed break and we had such a fun time. We left on June 25 to Springfield, Missouri which is where Bob’s sister, Debbie, and her family live. They just bought a home so we were able to go see their gorgeous new place. Most of Bob’s family was able to be there as well so we kind of had a mini reunion.

The trip itself was about a 7 hour drive and of course, took us a bit longer. We took a "short cut" which put us on this crazy dirt road. The kids thought that was pretty funny though. It was a beautiful drive and thank heavens the kids behaved. The next day we went to church with them and then had a nice relaxing evening at their new home making orange julius and scones.

However, we lost power during a lightning storm, so the scones were put off for a short time.
On Monday, we went to "Crystal Caverns". It was less than 5 minutes from their house. There is this couple that runs it. He is 88 and she is 86. They took us on a private 80 minute tour of the caverns and it was so cool. We saw some very neat formations and then they gave the kids their own rocks from the cave to take home with them. The weather all week was blistering hot, but the caves were a welcomed relief at 59 degrees! Debbie and her family finished moving out of their old home during the afternoon. We had a fun FHE put on by Debbie and her family that night and then we played games.

Tuesday was a big day. We spent it in Branson, Missouri. It was so hot that it registered 103 while we were there, not counting the humidity. The weather just made it miserable. We went up to Table rock lake and visited the fish hatchery. They had a tank with these huge trout in it and Alayna went right up to them and said "Blah blah blah, me me me, blah blah blah blah me me me". (Its what the trout say to Nemo’s dad in Finding Nemo) I was laughing so hard. I guess she thinks that’s how they speak! Anyway, we went out and saw millions of fish at the hatchery and even got to feed them.

Then we went to a fun picnic area with a playground to have lunch. Afterwards, we went to Table rock lake to skip rocks and relax a bit. Then we saw the "Acrobats of China" show. It was the highlight of my day. I was absolutely amazed at all the cool things they could do. Our kids loved it, even Alayna didn’t get antsy until the very end. I am sure I could never bend that way. After one amazing performance by this couple, Tyler leaned over to me and said real loud "I bet you and dad could do that". I had to laugh as there is no way on earth we could do any move they did!! Unless Bob dreamed of being smashed like a pancake!

After that, we went to a famous "roll throwing" restaurant called Lamberts. They actually come out and say "hot rolls" and you put your hands out and they huck them to you. If it falls on the floor, oh well, they send another one to you flying through the air. They come by with all sorts of foods that they just plop on your plate if you want it. I ordered a salad and it was the biggest salad I have ever seen. I barely dented it and it even served many adults for lunch the next day. It was such a fun place to eat and the kids really got a kick out of it. Even Alayna caught a roll. Then we went back to their home and did a night of fireworks. Bob and the boys got a huge assortment and we had a blast-literally! The kids even did sparklers.

On Thursday, we went to the Springfield Zoo. It was another VERY hot day. Alayna loved seeing all the animals. We were able to feed birds, goats, cows, giraffes, etc. Alayna though that was the best thing ever. At the end, we found they had a place where water shot out of the ground so we all raced over and got wet. Even Bob and I got soaked. It was too hot not to. That afternoon, Debbie took us to a huge fountain that has water shooting all over as well as a wading area. Boy did all the kids love that. Yes Bob and I joined in again in our clothes. It was so much fun!

On Friday, we went to this HUGE place called the Bass Pro shop. It had boats and ATV’s and everything you could ever want or dream of for the outdoors. It was quite a place. It even had a McDonalds and fudge shop inside. So, you can guess where we went for lunch! We came home hot and tired, so we stayed in for the rest of the day. We watched the movie "The Pacifier" that night and I REALLY loved it! It was very funny. The kids even want to se it again.

On Saturday, we drove with Grandma and Grandpa to Nauvoo. We stopped in the Ozarks at the Osage Beach for lunch. It was so beautiful and the weather finally started to cooperate. We definitely plan to go down again someday and spend more time there. Maybe spend the day on the water? We got to Nauvoo in the evening just in time to see the BYU Ballroom dance team. They did an AMAZING performance which the kids LOVED. Today Kayla was even dressing up and dancing around the house like they did. I loved it, but I must say I felt pangs of regret for not having been a part of that at BYU. Oh well, can’t do anything about that now! We drove home and made it by about 11pm. We all zonked out and have spent today trying to recoup. The kids have been a bit crabby and I can understand since it was a long week. Tomorrow we will have a fun day enjoying the 4th. We invited several people over and none responded, so I guess it will be a private party which is just fine with me.

Sorry this wasn’t a detailed report, but we just wanted to share with you where we have been and what we have done. I will post even more pics on Wednesday, so look for them. It was such a joy to spend time with loved ones and we are excited for much of the Ribera clan heading our way in a few weeks. Congrats to Joe and Diana on the news of their new baby, a special Happy Birthday to Joe! Happy 37th Anniversary to Mom and dad. And a Special Happy Birthday to Nina! Sheesh it’s a busy month. James and Brandi, we are so excited about your new blog!!!!! Our love to you all and have a happy and safe 4th!!!