Spring Break in Colorado - Part 1

For Spring Break this year, I took the kids to Colorado to be with my family.


We don't usually travel over Spring Break.  Trev has to work, because we want to save his vacation days for warmer temperatures...and since the girls were born it was just a lot easier to stay home, than pack up my car with the bazillion things babies seem to need (strollers, play pins, bottles, etc.).  But this year was different, because there are currently no babies at our house. ;)  So I thought, what the hey, let's go this year!  


The trip started out a bit rocky honestly.  We left on a Monday (it's a 9 hour trip) and about 2 hours into it, we blew a tire.  In the middle of nowhere.  Without a spare.  On a two-lane highway.  With four kids.  In the heat.  No shade.  Only highway traffic, and barbed-wire fences.  Not the funnest place to be stuck.


We sat on the side of the road for 2 and 1/2 hours. :(  Yeahhh...


We walked, played in the dirt, pee-ed outside, and I tried to keep the children's and my own  nerves steady.


However, in this state of duress, quite a few tears, and A LOT of prayers (both vocal and silent), there was something that was actually fun about it.  As we sat stranded on the side of the road, we saw angels.  Lots of them.  Too many to count.  About every 10 minutes actually.  They would offer assistance.  They offered rides.  They even offered food and water.  One of these angels in particular was Rue.  He was a sweet old man that I believe could be one of the 3 Nephites from the Book of Mormon.  He stopped within minutes of the tire problems.  Helped me search for a spare to no avail.  Then took off my tire, drove it into town, got me a new tire, brought it back, and put the new tire back on my car, and waited for us to be on our way safely before he left.  This took his whole afternoon.  I prayed for help, and a true angel arrived.  He was older, with white hair and kind eyes.  If he had not shown up, and refused to leave until he knew we were ok, I don't know what I would have done.  He even texted me the next day to make sure we made it to our destination.  I love this man.  He was an angel sent to me that day by a watchful Heavenly Father.  I know I will see him again one day, and I will hug him once more for his selfless sacrifice and service on behalf of me and my children.  We love Rue.


After this fun ordeal, we decided it would be best to stop halfway and get a shower, and good night's sleep before pressing on.  I needed this.  So did my kids.  That hotel was a sight for sore eyes.  That shower was heavenly.  


The next morning we left early and finished our journey without further incident.  We arrived to my sweet Aunt Vicky and cousin Jordan, with open arms, lots of embraces, and even more treats to begin spoiling the kids.  Something my aunt is EXCEPTIONAL at. :)

We spent that day just relaxing and soaking up the ranch life.  We fed animals, watched the new Chipmunks movie, played with the dogs, petted Sunny the Horse, and checked out all the new little calves that had been born over the last couple months.  It was peaceful as always.  I still find it amazing how quiet it is our there.  Just lots of open, beautiful space.  


The next morning we got up and went swimming at a great rec center in Highlands Ranch.  We have been here before and my kids just love it!  I mean really, with water slides, sprinklers, and a lazy river, how could you not?  Check this place out.

Now I have to admit, I hadn't planned on going swimming so I unwittingly left all my kids swimsuits and swim gear at home, much to the chagrin of my kids who insisted I bring them. Did I listen?  Nope. :(  But never fear...Aunt Vicky was here to save the day!  She took us to Walmart and bought them all new stuff to go swimming!!  That's right, swimsuits, paddles, diving rings, etc.  Told you she spoils them.
She is so great.


One little funny thing happened during our shopping experience.  My aunt let my kids pick out their swimsuits.  Abby picked out hers, and Claire picked hers.  When we got home, they put each others on and wore those the whole week. :)  Funny girls.


After swimming, we met my Aunt for lunch at Jimmy John's and ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Does it get any better as a kid?  Doubtful.

On our way home, we hit up this great park in Parker.  Fitting right? :)

After this FULL day of fun, we headed back to the ranch for some R&R.  We needed it. :)


Stay tuned for Part 2...

Easter Fun

Easter 2012  

Here is how we, Lightens, celebrated this special holiday.

1) Traditional Coloring of Easter eggs.

2) A trip to City Creek and choir concert on Temple Square with the Charles ladies.

3) Neighborhood Easter Egg hunt complete with Egg Sugar cookies.  Mmmmm...

4) The Easter Bunny came.  He brought candy-filled baskets and a GIANT Moose...that had money in his nose and which we lovingly named Morris.

5) He also hid eggs in the backyard.  As usual. :)

5) Last, and most important of all...Church.  Have I mentioned that we have the 2:30-5:30 p.m. time slot at church?  So yeah, we had plenty of hang out time. :)  And while we are just hanging out...why not take some more pictures??!!  Something I wanted...not so much the kids. :)  But oh well. :)

I will spare you all the sad faces shots.

After church, we went to Trev's parents house for Easter dinner and more Egg Hunting.  It was a very nice weekend.  CHOCK full of eggs and candy.

But all of this is small compared to the real reason we celebrate this holiday.  On Easter morning, in our family scripture study we read about how the disciples took the Savior's body after His crucifixion and prepared it for burial.  He was honoring his Lord.  It makes me think that is really what Easter is all about.  A special time of the year that we get to reflect on and honor our Savior and His Atonement for all of us.


It also makes me think that we should do this every day, every week (especially on the Sabbath), and every year.  Forever.  Because He opened that door for us...the door to forever.  I have a testimony of my Savior.  He lives, and my heart swells every time I think of Him.