Family Vacation - Carlsbad Caverns, July 30

The last week of July through the first week of August was our family vacation. We had a Anderson family reunion in Texas and so tried to make a fun trip  out of the long drive out there.

We made sure to plan a camping stop near Carlsbad Caverns on our way out to Texas. We had gone on our honeymoon and knew the girls would love it. It was so great to go back!

Getting ready to head down into the cave. Abby was very excited!

Eric tried taking some pics inside but they really don't do it justice! It is incredibly beautiful down there!

The plan was to hike down and then take the elevator back up, but there was a two hour line for the elevator so we hiked back out again. I was worried mostly for Abby since she had already walked that long way in and it was all uphill going back. But she did amazing! Did not complain once!

Coming up on the opening.

  

Made it out!

Had a picnic dinner while we waited to watch the bat flight. Beautiful views.

 

 

Such a fun day!!

Phoenix and Texas trip - Jan 2016

Finally going back through the year :)

Jan-Feb 2016 Phoenix/TX trip

We went to Phoenix end of Jan so I could do my marathon and then turned it into a family vacation to visit Eric's family in Texas as well.

After my marathon 

We first spent a couple of days in Phoenix with my sister Ruth and her family. A couple of relaxing days, recovering from the race. 

Abby and Rua got lots of fun cousin time!

Beautiful, isn't it!?

On our way to Texas Abby and Rua got to see and touch snow for the very first time! Just at a gas station, so really not too exciting, but it sure was for them!

In Texas we spent a couple of days with Eric's parents in San Antonio and then a couple days with his sister in Temple. More cousin time with Lydia, Hannah, and Emmalee!

Temple, TX - Kimberly and David's house:

Eric and his sister Kimberly

San Antonio, TX - Grandma and Grandpa Anderson (Eric's parents)

Rua and Grandpa!

On our way home, we stopped in El Paso where Eric's grandparents Anderson lived. They have since moved to Utah so we are glad we were able to see them on this trip!

July 2016 pics

Superheros for a day! (At a friend's bday party)

Pics at home

Summer fun

Cow appreciation day at Chic-fil-a. Abby was very confused as we were getting ready (we've never done it before) but she had a blast!

Fun at the waterfront park

Fourth of July 2016

We spent the Fourth this year in Fontana with my family. Before that, though, the girls spent the week beforehand preparing. They made lots of crafts in anticipation of the Fourth. The craft pictured was a fireworks craft which I thought was probably the funnest and most creative one. They also made pictures, hats, and shakers.

We drove up the night before the Fourth to be able to spend a little more time with Grandma and Grandpa.

We had a bbq with my parents and the my brother Edward, sister Tamara and their families. Rua and Katie were very excited to see each other. :)

Rua'a first s'more. She's a fan.

Getting ready for fireworks!

Abby's first sparkler