(July 2) We had the best 4th of July last year in Steamboat Springs that we were hoping to go again this year. We’ve done  quite a bit of traveling this year, so we had written it off that we would go back. Well sneaky Brandon booked a place anyway and invited our dear friends the Nelsons to come along, too. He was going to surprise me on my birthday, but when I started talking to him about ideas for the 4th, he ended up telling me so that I wouldn’t make other plans.

I’m still shocked that it all worked out and that our friends could come, too. We had so much fun adventuring, celebrating the 4th, staying up late playing games and chatting, and seeing all the children get along so well together.

Vernal Temple

We stopped half-way through the drive for a picnic dinner at the Vernal LDS Temple. We love taking our children to the Temples wherever we are, so they will hopefully learn how special of a place they are.

Grand Entrance

You should have seen all 7 of these kiddos running through the hotel halls. They were so excited about it all!

Fish Creek Falls

We took the Nelsons back to one of our favorite hikes to Fish Creek Falls. There are two short and sweet trails that are perfect for little legs.  Oliver even walked back most of the way. And the view in incredible! As we were hiking, I told Brandon, “this is my happy place.” I love being in nature, hiking (moving) with my family. It does my soul good.

Swimming

At the hotel pool!

Evelyn really loved Dean and wanted to swim with him and sit on his lap for games. I guess she’s forgiven him for taking her under a giant splash pad bucket of water last summer.

Evening at the Park

Since we missed out on celebrating my birthday at home (due to the flu!) Brandon brought sparklers and we picked up ice cream to take to the park one night. Everyone sang to me and we did the traditional sparklers for my candles.  The children played while we us adults tried not to die from the smell of the hot pots nearby.