A Weekend Away

The mariachi group had a few performances in a town about 6 hours away. Since we had to take 2 vehicles anyway, S, J & I decided that we would come back on our own and spend a night away. Originally we wanted to camp, but ended up staying at a state park hotel instead (much easier to plan for with a 1 year old!!!)

Here is the story of the weekend......

Jaden was excited to be around the group. He danced a bit while they practiced.

And, he played with Daddy's trumpet!

After the gig that night we went bowling. While Jaden had been in a bowling alley once before, he wasn't mobile so this was his first chance to explore. BALLS! Lots and lots of BALLS!!!!!

He really liked to play with them here but we had to be careful of this fingers. Trying to keep him away was IMPOSSIBLE!

Ann was nice enough to let Jaden bowl part of her game. Not too bad for the first try!!! J would watch the ball ALL the way down the lane.

He also got a little bit windblown....

One of the highlights of the night was riding on Daddy's shoulders.

Here you can hear the giggles!

On Sunday morning after church J found a little toy trumpet in the nursery and was ENTHRALLED

On the way home we stopped at a state park that has a natural spring (not hot, just natural). J enjoyed walking around. The wide open spaces with no one telling him NO (to stay off of streets and parking lots) was a treat.

Once J saw the water, he wanted in! Like I said, they weren't exactly HOT springs. Supposedly the temperature is a constant 76 degrees. Let me tell you...that is NOT warm - especially when it is breezy. But, J couldn't resist so we let him put his feet in the water and splash around.

This spring is in the middle of the desert and there is at least one variety of fish here that is found nowhere else in the world. We saw a lot of little fish and a lot of big catfish. Also a couple of turtles and several ducks. They all swim right there in the spring (pool) right the people.

J got really excited by the splashing fish so he splashed even more!

This canal goes from the spring to a desert wetlands area. The buildings on the right are the little cabins where we stayed. (sorry, I didn't get much of them, but they were cute!) We were in the 2nd door before the bridge.

They also had a big park so, after dinner, we had some fun! Look at those smiles! :-D

Whee!!!!!

The next day we wanted to check out the water again and knew, even though it was a bit chilly, we had to go prepared. Here is J in his new swimming gear!

Does he look ready to go surfing or what!?!?!

Here is the waterfall right outside of our door. The drop off didn't phase J at all. He was ready to jump in. We are going to have to WATCH that kiddo around ANY kind of water! He is just fascinated!!!

Here's a picture of the large spring/pool area. Apparently you can go scuba diving in here and there were a lot of snorkelers. The water is really clear!

Before braving the water J had to play with the crunchy leaves.

I think he is thinking....I know I wanted to get in here...but this is COLD!

This is all the farther mommy went in. BRRRRR!!!!

Daddy took one for the team though. He was brave (although FREEZING) and went in with J.

It didn't last long...it was just too chilly I think this face says enough!

Here's a little rest stop along the road home....just getting out to stretch our legs.....

Even though it was only a 1 day vacation it was SO NICE to just spend time together as a family and relax. No schedules, no homework, no computers, only a LITTLE of cell phones. We were needing that. Also, it was one of those things....something cool, so close to your home that tourists visit yet, in 4 years we had never been there. And S. in 24 years had never been there! We may just return...hopefully someday with a tent!!! :-)