Hart Reunion

July 25, 2006- Hart Reunion

Saturday, July 1: We were so excited to start out on our jam packed vacation. We spent all Friday cleaning the house and packing the car. So, we left early Saturday morning. We drove all the way to Kearney, Nebraska. We went to Wendy’s for lunch and then swam in the hotel pool. I think we were there about 2 hours. The kids had so much energy after being in the car for so many hours. After the pool, we went to Dairy Queen for some very yummy ice cream.

Sunday, July 2: We drove to Winter Park, Colorado. A good hour of it was up a winding mountain during a rain storm, which made it tough. Only because I have an irrational fear of mountain cliffs, especially while driving. If it doesn’t have some kind of preventative ledge, I foresee us propelling off the cliff. Add some rain and Bob driving, I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Winter Park was beautiful! We did get a bit lost finding the house we were staying in, but eventually found it. It was great to see everyone. We had a great dinner, some adults took the kids for a fun Sunday walk and then we spent the evening playing games. We had some great laughs!

Monday, July 3: The majority of the family went white water rafting on the Colorado river. They had a great experience. Even Tyler and Kayla went and said they had a great time and can’t wait to do it again. Marisa and I didn’t want to go and Alayna was too little. So, we went to the Hot Sulfur Springs. It is this cool place where they made all these pools and pipe in the hot water from the natural sulfur springs. It was heaven! The temps ran anywhere from 98-112 degrees. I couldn’t even get my foot into the 112! We did get lost on the way there, but it ended up being a good thing since we were able to see a small herd of buffalo!! Way cool! We stayed for a few hours until Alayna got bored and wanted to go home. Later that evening, after everyone got back from rafting, Marisa and I went back for a few hours. I cannot even describe how relaxing it was! We sat in this pool about 101 degrees and did these crossword puzzles together. It was especially fun because it was evening so the outside temp dropped dramatically. I need to do something like that again and add a massage!

Tuesday, July 4: Happy July 4th!! We headed out early to play tennis. Grandpa found this great place where there was a tennis court, basketball court, and playground all in one spot. It was such beautiful scenery- in a forest. I got to play some actual games of tennis. I was the worst out there by far, but they were kind to me so I could play. The kids had a blast and then almost everyone joined in a basketball game. The afternoon was spent in a giant DDR tournament (dance dance revolution) Even some of the adults tried. I don’t think they ever finished because I am not sure who won. I do know that it entertained the kids for hours!
That evening we went outside and did some fireworks. Grandpa also exploded 4 bottles of pop with mentos candy. That was a huge hit. Afterwards, we were able to see the city fireworks display from the balcony of the house we were staying at. They were actually pretty good for such a small city. When they were over, I looked down and Alayna was sound asleep.

Wednesday, July 5: YMCA of the Rockies day! We went early to sign up for archery, however, it was already booked for the remainder of the week. That was a huge bummer. We took the kids and made these cool tie dye shirts. They turned out great- each kid got to do their own. Then we went a played a round of miniature golf, once again proving I CANNOT play that game! Afterwards we had a picnic lunch in our cars. Then we took the kids roller skating, while some adults played ping pong and fuss ball. Kayla was doing an amazing job on her skates. She practiced the whole time seeing if she could do the straddle splits while skating. She got VERY close!! Then we took them swimming at the Y pool which actually had a fun water slide. The kids played together so well. After that, a group went rock climbing and then I think they went roller skating again. It was a very busy but fun day.

Thursday, July 6: In the morning, a group went to the Y again to play frisbee golf. Then we took the kids swimming again. I tell ya, that whole group of kids never slow down. After that, I drove Bob and our kids out to see the buffalo herd that Marisa and I had seen earlier in the week. At first we couldn’t find them, then saw that they were close to the road, but hidden by the river. We were able to get a very close look from our car. So cool! We also stopped by a wildlife area where we saw all kinds of birds by this beautiful lake. I was hoping to see a moose. No such luck. That night we played the Family Cranium game. It was bit chaotic but fun.

Friday, July 7: In the morning, most families left for home. We got to go play tennis with Grandma, Grandpa, and Missy one last time, while the kids played on the playground. The kids took turns playing with us as well and are improving. Then, after lunch, we drove to Vernal, Utah where the Dinosaur National Monument and park are. We were able to take a shuttle up and see this cool museum where they found hundreds of dinosaurs, stopped digging, and we got to see the actual dig site with the bones in them. Tyler was fascinated! We found lots of giant dinosaurs to take pictures with all through the town. Did you know there is actually a town called Dinosaur, Colorado?? Weird huh? We really enjoyed it out there. That night we went swimming at the hotel pool which was about 95 degrees. It was heaven!

Overall, the reunion was a giant success and we had such a great time, despite a severe lack of sleep. It was fun to be in a beautiful location. Even the weather cooperated. Thanks to Corey and Hal for arranging it all and making the effort to get us all together once again. I will post this with pictures and then I will post the Ribera reunion portion this weekend.