Day 2 of our Trip

Our first stop of the day was Philadelphia. We went to Independence Hall to see where George Washington sat, where the declaration of independence was wrote, the old court house room, and the original declaration of independence (unsigned).
We also saw the Liberty Bell. It was a little let down for the kids, they expected something a little bigger. But hey, now we can say we saw it.

This is the kids with Betsy Ross. She showed us how to cut a star with only one snip of her scissors. While the kids were getting their picture taken. I put a dollar in her cup thinking it was a tip jar- but no it was just her drinking water. Max and the kids laughed about that all day (and still bring it up!) We toured the home Betsy Ross rented, which was very small for so many people leaving in it.

We also went to the US Mint to see how coins were made. Unfortunately, it wasn't one of our favorite stops. There wasn't much to see. A lot was blocked off, either for protection or remodeling (not quite sure) but none the less we weren't to impressed with the mint.

Day 1 of our trip

Our first day we landed in Newark around 8pm. We picked up our rental car and headed out to the beautiful town of Trenton. This was the only thing that our son Trenton wanted to see. He was excited to be in a place that had the same name as he did. When we stopped to take his picture, I would have to say that it wasn't the best part of town. So we quickly got out, took pictures, and quickly got back into the car.

Our Summer Trip

This was the first time for all of our kids to fly on an airplane (except Lacey). They were quite excited and nervous, but the flight to Newark, New Jersey was on time and smooth. Lacey had to use the bathroom 5 times in a 5 hour flight. I don't know if it was because she liked walking back to the bathroom or she really had to go. Either way, it was driving me crazy.
Kaylie wanted to know what the button on the side of the chair was. I told her it was an ejection button. She said, "Really?!". From then on it was an ongoing joke throughtout our trip.

I did it! I passed my nursing state boards. I am now officially a RN!!!! It's hard to believe that it's actually all over. I get to go on our family vacation with any books. This vacation is going to be awesome.

I always wonder if all my studying will pay off in the end. I feel like I have been living with books constantly in my hands for the last two years. I took my nursing boards today and I don't feel very good about it. When I first started the test, I decided to mark how many I felt like I knew was right. When I got to question 75, I had only marked 7 questions- and then it turned off. That's not good. But I guess I'll know for sure in a few days.

Vegas Nationals

Kaylie's dance team qualified for nationals, which was held in Las Vegas. Max and I decided to make a trip out of it. So we rented a room at the MGM Hotel for 4 days and got sitters for our other kids. We had the wonderful opportunity of taking Kaylie's friend along with us- Madison Curtis- who kept us laughing. We will forever thing of her when we hear the song "Pocket full of Sunshine" (or the dance actions).

Kaylie and Madison at the Hoover Dam
The MGM Lion in front of our hotel.
Posing with Mr. Yellow at the M&M store in Las Vegas.
Kaylie and Madison with their lute that they won at the Excalibur Hotel. They also went to NY NY Hotel and rode the roller coaster. Kaylie rode it 3 times... yeah she likes her coasters.
Kaylie with her dance team and coach Jessica.


Kaylie and Madison
The whole Precision Dance Teams with their awards. Kaylies group got 1st place for their Hip Hop Dance, Sparrow recieved 2rd, Sweet Dreams got 3rd, and Mama I'm a Big Girl Now got 1st. They did very well with all their dances. I really enjoy watching her dance. Great Job Kaylie!!

Pioneer Trek

Garron and Kaylie went on a pioneer trek for one of their young adult activities. The trek was 3 days up near Springerville, AZ. They said that they walked a lot and that the food was not that great.
Garron and Kayile getting ready to leave on their big trek.
Be Afraid!!!

Kaylie after the Trek. Yes! That is dirt! Kaylie's leg when she got home from the trek. They were both just filthy. Whoot!

Kaylie's favorite part of the trek was the feast at the camp when they finished their hike. Garron's favorite part was when they stopped hiking!!!