Fees, Frustrations & Fun!!!

**I wrote this a few nights ago but have been having problems adding the pictures and making it look nice. Sorry for the delay! And then I couldn't figure out how to make it so it appeared about Tip Tuesday. Bummer.**


We just got back from our week-long vacation to Lyman, Wyoming.

Where?

You heard me right. Lyman, WY. It's on I-80 almost to the Utah border in the middle of Bridger Valley.

We had a WONDERFUL time. Except for all the hidden fees. Okay, I knew I had to pay for gas. And I knew I had to pay for the hotel room. And Saturday morning breakfast was my responsibility, too. But I had no idea that I'd be shelling out $50 for Saturday morning breakfast (which hardly any of it was eaten). And I didn't know that we'd have to pay to see the rodeo or have lunch or go swimming .. or .. or .. or.

I'm not mad. But Popeye is. He HATES spending money. And when that money started going and we had to start using the credit card - boy was he CRANKY!!!

But we had fun. So I don't care.

Here are some highlights.

On Saturday the 19th we went to Cheyenne and stayed for the parade for Frontier Days. Here's a pic pf Popeye in the parade. Aint he good lookin'?

And then a few days later we headed down to Denver where I helped my mom with a catering job. The next day we headed out to Lyman. Friday morning we all jumped into our respective vehicles (us in our Grand Caravan, my sister Steph & her family in her Honda Odyssey, and my folks in their Hyundai Sonata) and headed out for Windy Wyoming.

We set off fireworks on Friday night.

On Saturday Popeye, my BIL Mark & myself were on a team for the Pioneer Days Triathlon. Popeye rode the bike (6 miles), I swam (250 meters) & Mark ran (3 miles). We didn't place, but we did make it in under an hour, so that's good I guess. We had fun and we plan on doing it next year, too! Then the kids had a mini marathon and then there was a parade. And this one was WAY better than Cheyenne's parade - Lyman throws candy!!! After the parade we had lunch and then napped. After our nap we all went swimming at the local Aquatic Center which we rented for ourselves. Over the last few weeks, Mr. Fantastic and Optimus Prime have taught themselves how to swim with a little bit of direction from me. **I'd include pictures but Blogger is being silly & I'm having issues. But just know that I took loads of pics to show you all!**

What was the clincher of that afternoon (for me) was that I had accidentally dislocated Thor's elbow by lifting him up by his hand to rescue him from falling down the stairs. He was in so much pain everytime I moved him or touched his arm. Just as I was about to pack everything up & drive the 40 miles to Evanston, WY where the nearest hospital was, my cousin & her family walked in. Now, this was very good because her husband is a surgeon. While he's a plastic surgeon (which doesn't help now, but may in 20 years) he DID learn how to relocate dislocated joints. Lucky us. Thor didn't like Jason too much, I mean, the man DID cause him much pain while resetting it. But after a few minutes the little boy wanted to go into the water with me! YAY! Hurrah for plastic surgeons who happen to be swimming at a pool in the middle of nowhere, WY!!!

Later that night we went to the rodeo and the kids tried their hands at catching some bunnies and goats. All failed. All were disappointed, as is evidenced by the looks on their faces. **again, more pictures needed...**

The next day, Sunday, we went to church with my sister and witnessed the blessing of her new baby. My BIL gave a beautiful blessing. All were in attendence, including my BIL's brother who passed away a few years ago. It was one of the most spiritual blessings Popeye's ever participated in (he says). After church we went to the park to have lunch and then we headed home.

Whew! And back to the daily grind & getting ready for school to start! More to come in a few days! Go eat some chocolate now, I am!