Friday, August 13, 2010

FF: Trying to stop talking. Really.

 have returned.  Did you even notice that I was missing ?? Humor me on that one, okay?

During my hit or miss blogging during the last two weeks,

*I have slept at the bottom of the second largest canyon in the U.S (Palo Duro) and did  not see a snake.

*I realized that even in the cold and rain, Colorado is one gorgeous state, and if I pay to ride the train up to the top of Pikes Peak and the visibility from the top is zero, I can still convince myself that the ride was worth the money. But no, sadly my boys did not see a black bear.

*I didn't buy a University of Wyoming hoodie and that is something I really regret.

*I realized that we did not encounter one mosquito west of the Mississippi (what's that all about???)

*My friend found humor at my expense when I said I couldn't believe how Mt. Rushmore had changed in the last 30 years ( I meant the gift shops, OF COURSE.)  I also learned that some people go to Mt. Rushmore to look at the carvings.  What a mystery that decision is when there are so many great signs there.


*I thought myself very lucky to sleep on the prairie and see shooting stars and maybe a meteor (okay, fine.  I missed the meteor while I talked about the historical significance of the prairie.  My boys, who were not listening to single word, saw the meteor) until 2 AM when the winds decided to BLOW my modern covered wagon about and I was sure Laura Ingalls Wilder and I were about to meet in the heavens somewhere.

*I found all the missing mosquitoes.  It turns out that they live in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

*I also found the Mall of America and learned a lot about how people use elevators.

*We learned that when a campground is rainy, boys will find something to do.  In this case it involved wet underwear and a stick.  Voila!  Underwear ball had now been invented and it doesn't have a single physical connotation.

* And I met Mrs. 4's IRL!!!!  Suffice it to say, she is smart, very pretty, energetic, svelte, and graciously accommodating.  But I guess you already knew that, didn't you?

P.S. Do you know what happens to Checkered's car when his son leaves a milkshake in the backseat and the car sits closed up outside in the 100 degree weather for two weeks?  Let's just say Checkered is now riding in a veritable cloud of ... well ....  let's just say, "Poor, poor Checkered."  I should buy a gas mask for him.






Mommy's Idea



 


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22 comments:

Matty said...

Well yes of course I noticed that you were away. I saw some of your posts during the trip. You really logged some miles. Sounds like a lot of fun, and I hope you brought home some souvenirs. The best part might have been meeting Mrs 4444's.

joanne said...

wow! It sounds like your family had a great time and packed in alot of 'history.' I am intrigued by "underwear ball," I don't think my gang has ever played it!! hehe.
Glad you are back home safely...I did miss you.

Cranberry Morning said...

What a fun post!! Sounds like a great time, at least until hitting the great wall of mosquito in Minnesota. Love that underwear ball. Kids are so creative! :-)

Mental P Mama said...

Welcome home! And I can smell that rotten milkshake all the way over here. gag

Lucy and Ethel said...

Sounds like you had a GREAT time, and the boys could market underwear ball!

I can top the milkshake episode but won't. It's TOO GROSS.

Happy Friday -

Lucy

Busy Bee Suz said...

So many funny observations...and yes, you were totally missed. I almost quit blogging in protest of your vacation time.
So, were those your underwear?

Lucy and Ethel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Following from FFF.
You can visit me at www.bargainmom.net

I Am Woody said...

Glad I'm not the only one that enjoys taking pictures of signs:)

Lucy and Ethel said...

It's Friday the 13th for sure. I think I have ghosts toying with the server and/or browser and/or computer and/or my brain.

Why TWO copies of my comment showed up is beyond me (see above), but I deleted one of them. I think.

I trust I didn't delete your post in the process....

Lucy

Betty W said...

I read about your meeting with Mrs. 4´s! So exciting. I´m glad you liked each other, even in real life.... :)
Underwear ball? Hmmmm, sounds like you have boys. haha

The Crazy Coxes said...

What a great vacation summary! I am biased but Colorado does ROCK! It sounds like a fabulous trip!

Nancy C said...

I went to Mt. Rushmore a few years back...right at the same time as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. SURPRISE!

That was a lot of fun, but also a bit crazy.

Julie said...

Oh I missed you. I knew you were gone.
Your vacation sounded wonderful, something right up my alley. YEAH FOR YOU ALL!!!
I think a gas mask just might not be enough. Sorta like finding the sippy cup under the seat after it sitting for ages. YUCK!!
Glad your back. Take care and have a blessed afternoon.

One Photo said...

Oh you have indeed been missed! I love the imaginations that can make a game out of wet underwear and a stick. Glad you had a great vacation, you traveled far and wide and did so very much in just a couple of weeks.

mimbles said...

Oh dear, poor Checkered indeed!

It sounds like you had a wonderful holiday :-)

Mrs4444 said...

Svelte?! WOW! I've never been called svelte before! THANKS! :)
I was really scared, because when I first saw the title of this post, I winced. (I thought you were referring to me during our visit!)

Mom was a little girl when they were carving Lincoln's nose (she was born in SD.) She was pretty disappointed by the distracting buildings they built in the name of tourism.

Miss you already... :)

imbeingheldhostage said...

sweet! Sounds like an awesome vacay!!
Welcome home :-)

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Welcome home Caution family! What a great vacation and the memories made for a lifetime!
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Lawyer Mom said...

Welcome back. We're ready to proceed again with Caution!

Marla said...

What an awesome vacation!

Kristin - The Goat said...

It sounds like a great trip! I have seen most of the U.S. but have not been to ND, SD, or MN. They are on my list. Seeing Mrs. 4444 must have been so much fun. I love meeting my blogger friends.

Kristin - The Goat