Summer Trip: July 29, Day 10

We had an incredibly fun time with the Giauques at "This is the Place" Park. Panning for gold, exploring a child-size model of a ship, riding a mini-train, watching a shoot-out in town, and coloring little bags were just a few of the highlights. Bittersweet was eating ice cream as we said g'bye to the Bailey's.

To see Amy's pictures of our afternoon together, click here.

After our fun afternoon at the Park, we headed to Grandma Winkie's house where we met up with our Wing family, rode motorcycles, ate dinner, and talked.

Resting before heading into the park.

Waiting for tickets, and looking around the entrance.

Look! Gold!

All the kids panning for gold. Even the littler ones got involved!

Megan's gold.

Amy helping her kids pan for gold.

Annie smiling for me. I love those bright blue eyes!

Zoë found even more gold.
The kids had to show the "owners" of the stream their find, and were allowed to trade the (fool's) gold in for tootsie rolls or to keep them. My girls were glad to find enough gold to be able to do both.

Yes, they did get wet. But it was hot enough nobody was too worried about it.

I was helping Megan swish the rocks to find the gold pieces.

We found 4 pieces rather quickly.

But Megan wanted to find a few more...

Grandma got the kids these awesome ring pops. They started licking them just as we got on the mini train. Megan sat with Andrew...

Amy with Ella...

Travis with 'Nica, Zoë and myself...

... not pictured: Grandma with Miranda
... not pictured: Becky with Annie in the stroller waiting in the shade.

'Nica felt so grown up to be sitting by herself in this train.

Displaying their "Bling."

Yummy, tasty "Bling!"

Tame compared to some of the riding we've been able to do other places, but no matter what, it's still fun to ride a pony!

Who doesn't love riding a horse?

Chillin' in the shade.

Miranda is actually petting this little pig. He wasn't too unfriendly, either!

This kid rarely sits still, and especially not for pictures! I was glad I caught another of his face, even if it has a goofy smile. I love this kid!

We were resting for a moment, watching the animals.
I did catch this great shot of Zo&euml's and Travis' smiles.
I didn't catch Veronica screaming and shaking with terror when a goat and a little pig came over to say "hello" and chew on her stroller. I also didn't catch Annie and Ella laughing with joy at the visit!

Hmmm, I think I need to utilize this hidden talent a little more often!

I'm really not sure how she managed to clip this on without it falling off the line first.

Scrub-a-dub-dub!

Miranda had a different approach to needing three hands- one for each corner, and her mouth for the pin.

Ella loved washing the laundry, too!

She got a little help hanging it out to dry.

'Nica got some help, too. But, I think she really just loved playing in the water.

Swish, Splash!

Seriously, I think I need to use this enthusiasm and joy for work more!

The cousins "milking" the cow. It's a came that teaches children how to pull and get the milk out while getting their little person to climb up the rope.

It was hard to get a face shot, but we had all 6 of the 7 who could walk at the wall "milking".

They got pretty good at it!

Zoë and Andrew were paired up to card the wool.

Miranda and Megan were paired to get that wool soft and smooth.

'Nica and Ella got some extra assistance from Grandma- just so they didn't take each other out with the pokey paddles.

'Nica loved it!

The girls enjoyed decorating their little "flour sack" bags.

Looking for the right color.

A perfect fit for her water bottle!

Megan made a picture on each side of her bag. This side had a flower and butterfly.

This side showed a teepee and some Indians.

Miranda and her Aunt Becky.
I still say they look a lot alike!

Some of the Bailey's and kids. Here are 7 of the 15 grandchildren.
Travis, Claudia/Mom/Grandma, Becky, Amy
Veronica, Zoë, Megan, Miranda, Ella, Andrew, Annie
and Nadine behind the camera.

WING'S:

Although Nana had set up a couple of tables and there were plenty of chairs around, the cousins decided the all wanted to sit at the same table, together.

Yvonne after her ride on Michael's motorcycle.