Some Time in Alpine

Matt had to drive away to return the rental car and hop on a plane to go back to the UAE for work.  Isaac was off in Colorado on the Trek.  We saw Grandma Terry and Kim for just a moment after the Pioneer Day race.  They had to leave to do some fix-it work at their duplex in Provo but still made time to drive all the way up to Bountiful to say hi first.  The next morning, with Matt on the way to the airport, my mom came and drove me and the girls over to Alpine for a few days.  She was going down to help Brian and Hilary move, and then would drive us back with her to Colorado.  Super mom!

She drove up to find the girls warming up on the front sidewalk and reading the morning paper.

After hearing everyone tell her how tall she had gotten, Makenna was eager to size up with grandma.  She's not there yet, but closing fast.

Thanks for wearing our present Sam! 

The girls LOVED living the farm life for a few days.  They fed, patted, held and loved the chickens.  Oh, and they collected eggs too.  The Allens eat a lot of scrambled eggs.  We learned that chickens eat EVERYTHING.  Weirdest thing I saw: watermelon rinds.  Weirdest thing Emily reported: mice.  

Oh Orange Leaf, how we miss you.  Emily has great self control to not go there every week.

I was Tommy's favorite person....until grandma came back.  

We had to take this picture FAST because that hat did not stay on.  

We went over to a little pond nearby to try fishing, but had typical fishing luck.  Jess caught a tree, some weeds, nothing, and herself.  But it was still a fun outing.  

They made their own water slide and kept wet and busy for quite awhile.  

Meanwhile, Makenna got some time riding Lad.  Emily and Kate are experts at saddling and caring for their horse.  Makenna walked around the backyard for awhile before Kate joined her and they got to take Lad out of the yard for the very first time.  Emily was a bit nervous, but horse and riders were obedient and traffic light. It was a trip highlight for Makenna.  And I have heard Kate has been able to go out several times since.  

 Almost as fun as riding, was caring for Lad afterwards.  He had to be brushed and rubbed and Makenna loved helping.

We went raspberry picking before going to my cousin's daughter's wedding reception.  The cute little toddler, Brooke, I used to tend sometimes while I was at BYU is now married.

Jessica's typical berry picking hands.

Makenna and Alyssa got reacquainted quickly and enjoyed chatting.  Too bad Isaac missed seeing Tyler.  

The next morning we said good-bye to Kim and started the drive to Colorado.  

Over half way at our favorite Taco Bell, Grand Junction.  

We stopped in Golden to swap kids.  We ate dinner with the Muellers and heard stories of the Trek from Isaac, Kaeli, Jaimi, Jen and Brett.  They were happy to have Alie back.   The 6 kids didn't want to separate that night.  That became a common theme for the next month.  

We eventually made it to Colorado Springs! Hello Grandpa.