A visit from our Wisconsin Cousins

The Wilkens came out for a visit last week. They flew to SLC on Friday September 9th and flew out on Friday September 16th. We had so much fun with them. They flew in about 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Shawn had the truck with the boat behind it and I had the minivan. We both met at the airport to welcome the cousins. We piled into the 2 vehicles and headed straight for Idaho. I have to say, I was so impressed with Nicholas (7), Max (5), and Caden (3), after traveling basically half the day, I am sure it wasn't too appealing to jump into the car for 4 more hours of traveling. They were great though. I think it helped that we had a movie on in the minivan. We stopped for a quick bite to eat in Idaho Falls and to grab a few groceries and made it to the cabin with some light to spare.

On Saturday we spent most of the day on the lake. It was a gorgeous, warm day! The lake was only about 68 degrees, which is a little chilly for little bodies, but the boys did have fun tubing. Nicholas even tried waterskiing. We took the boat out again on Tuesday. It wasn't as warm when we started but it ended up getting nice and warm and sunny. All in all we totally lucked out with weather.
Uncle Brian and Caden
Cruz getting some sun!
Wilkens Family enjoying some time on the boat!
On Tuesday Shawn got some barefooting in!
Cruz and mom
Legs taking a nap on Aunt Leigh. Leigh was kind enough to hold her so I could get some surfing in!
Shawn wakeboarding
Getting some air!
Boat on Glass, really it was amazing!
What a cutie!
Nicholas, Cruz, and Max tubing!
The little ones (Alegra and Caden) really wanted a turn on the tub too. Aunt Leigh was a good sport and went with them.
Uncle Brian, Nicholas, and Max
Cruz, mom, and Alegra
Lunch on the boat
Hanging out on the pier
Love him!
Goggle boy!
Alegra wanting her goggles since Cruz had his on
Tired kiddos on the way home from the lake! (Caden and Alegra)

That night after Bratwurst, we made a fire and had s'mores for dessert. They were D double D-licious!




On Sunday we drove over to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Shawn actually left at about 6:00 a.m. in the morning and rode his bike up and over the pass and we met him in Jackson Hole at about 10:30. On our way to Jackson Hole though, I had to make a pit stop and have the Wilkens try a Huckleberry Shake at the Victor Emporium. I wanted them to experience all the area has to offer. Once we met Shawn we decided to go and do the Alpine Slide up at Snow King Lodge. It was the last day it was open, so we knew we wanted to do that first. Nicholas went by himself. Cruz and Shawn rode together. Leigh and Max rode together and Brian and Caden rode together. Alegra didn't quite make the cut off with age so we waited at the bottom trying to get a good picture!




We ate lunch in town and then walked around the town square in Jackson Hole. It was really crowded because there was an art fair going on. It was getting hot and the kids weren't too interested in shopping so we jumped back in the vehicles and decided to head out towards Teton National Park. Alegra and me in town

The Wilkens infront of the Grand Tetons! The weather kind of turned grey and rainy in the afternoon. It was a good time for the little ones to nap. The older Wilkens boys did take a little hike out to some hot pots that I guess were not that hot.


Lots of the time the kids hung out and played. They played on the trampoline, the swing set, with the Legos, in their "club", with their spy glasses Grandma Frye sent, on the ATV's, and so much more. They had a lot of fun just playing together.
Brian/Caden and Shawn/Alegra. Alegra can't get enough of the Razor or ATV. If she sees someone on one, she goes and gets her helmet like, "take me, I'm ready!"
Shawn is constantly puttering around the place, he was nailing some nails down on the deck and Alegra really liked to help him.
Grandma Frye sent some hair bands so Alegra could wear them around her wrist.

On Monday Shawn floated Leigh, Brian, and Nicholas down the Snake River. Max and Caden stayed back and played with Cruz and Alegra. That afternoon Shawn and Brian took the boys fishing over at Bud's pond. It is a great place to fish because the fish are HUGE and it is a bit easier to catch them. Nicholas actually got one on but I think because it was so big, they couldn't get it in. That night we drove over to Victor to get some pizza.
Caden and Alegra hitting the town
Fisherman!


The boys had fun sleeping in the bunk room together. I was actually surprised that Cruz slept in there with them, kind of far away from our room, I guess our little man is growing up.
Max loved Alegra!
Reading time with Aunt Leigh

On Wednesday, before heading out of town back to SLC, we went on a little hike up Palisades. It was really pretty!
We got back to SLC right at about dinner time. We decided to take the Wilkens to our favorite burger place, In and Out. Brian had eaten at at In-n-Out in California when he used to travel with his old job, but it was a new experience for the rest of the gang. I think we hooked them! :)
On Thursday Leigh and Brian took all of the boys up to Snowbird. They took the tram up to the very top. In the distance they saw some snow so they decided to hike to it. I think it was a bit further than they anticipated but all the boys did great and made it there and back. It was a little chilly at the top, about 40 degrees, that is why they all look a bit cold!!

Fran, Steph, Wyatt, and Walker came over Thursday evening for some dinner. It was fun having all of those kids together. We even had a special "early" birthday surprise for Uncle Brian. An ice cream cake to celebrate his upcoming birthday. The hit of the night was when Fran brought out the remote control cars. I thought one of the boys was going to pass out from a giggle attack.


The Wilkens left on Friday afternoon. Cruz had fun playing with his cousins both at Idaho and at his home. I think Cruz liked showing off all of his toys. I think the Wilkens boys really liked the trampoline. Alegra liked having lots of different options of people to play with. Nicholas and Max I think had fun sleeping in the playroom at our home, but I don't think Caden was too fond of sleeping in the laundry room with all of the "big machines". All in all it was such a fun week. We are so glad the Wilkens could come out for a visit!