We did make a vacation of this year's marathon. We first drove (yes, drove) with the kids up to Grand Forks. We hadn't been back there for over 5 years, and it was so nice to see old friends and work colleagues as well as revist the town. As we were driving across North Dakota we kept commenting how "at home" we felt in the state. I don't think it is a place we would necessarily move back to, but the memories we have from our time there are just wonderful. It truly was/is a great place. I should note that this is not how we felt we when revisited Arizona earlier this summer!
After our GF visit, we drove onto Minneapolis and visited our friends from PT school, Chris and Emily, and their two kids, Brayden and Nora. (Chris also ran the marathon). Sam and Brayden had a splendid time playing together - we are trying to convince all of them to come along with us on our next "marathon vacation"!
We haven't taken a long road trip with Sam since he was about 2, and Anna has never had one. So, even though there were Goldfish and Froot Loops in most crevices of the car and we went through about a dozen pacifiers (they get thrown!) we actually had a pretty good trip. Sam particularly loved staying in hotels, and he can tell you all the details about each one we visited! The DVD player and iPod (Sam has his own) were also lifesavers. Seriously, how did my parents drive us all around the country in the technological dark ages? :)
Sam and Brayden at an Apple Orchard
The Cow Train!
Pony rides also at the orchard
Relaxing after a tough day
In addition to the ND/MN trip, we've done several other smaller trips this fall. In fact, Sam told me the other day that we needed to "slow down" on the trips and stay home for awhile! (Not documented below, but we've also been to Colorado Springs to see Steve's brother's family and Casper for a family photo day!)
At the Botanical Gardens in Denver - Grandpa Wayne's birthday gift!
Another trip to Denver - this time to the Aquarium!
Anna was a big fan of the overhead fish!
Hard to see, but Sam is showing you a shark!
On that same Denver trip we also got to see Thomas the Tank Engine. We had taken Sam to see Thomas when he was 2, but he didn't remember it. He had a fantastic time this year (even though Mom left the tickets in Laramie and Grandpa met us in Cheyenne with them - THANK YOU!)
Sir Topham Hatt
Driving a train!
And, after being hauled around a dirty train yard, missing a nap, and needing a snack, this is what Anna thought of the Thomas trip! (I'd like to note this is the only picture of me from the day!)
This one is hilarious - This is our "time out" corner, and Sam was there for some type of infraction. Anna went over, sat down on the carpet, and kept him company for the rest of his time out! As you can see, it doesn't seem to be too much of a punishment for him ;) Also, this was the first time Anna smiled "on cue" for a camera - a huge development in our family photography!
Yep, that is as big of a pumpkin as you can grow in Laramie! But, thankfully, two grew and got orange (yes, only two) so each kid could have one for Halloween.
