Powder room remodel

 This is when we first moved in. I think they had updated it some to sell, but the lighting, mirror and faucet just not my style. I lived with it for almost 2 years but then hurried up and imposed my taste on it in time for a fundraising event we hosted at the house.

 I did at least paint the vanity back during crazy paint days.

 But the black vanity wasn't enough. Art from Minted.com, lighting from PB, mirror, faucet and cabinet pulls from RH. Click, click, click, on my doorstep a few days later. Thank you UPS!

I helped Sean install the mirror. I called my favorite electrician and plumber to do the rest. The paint is Sherwin Williams "uncertain gray", thanks for the inspiration, Lisa! Slightly less expensive than the master bath remodel...

Food shots, I think I am done with vacation photos now...

 Waffle with chocolate and strawberries and whipped cream. Sugar, it's what's for vacation breakfast.

Cinnamon roll french toast. Worth the drive.

Nature and Science Museum

 On the way home we decided to stop at a great museum that friends had recommended. It was also near a Trader Joe's, so win-win.

 Yes, they were definitely still crazy at the end of the trip...

 They had an exhibit about mythical creatures and I think Snow White was in that for fairy tales? Whatever, this is creepy.

 Anna loved this exhibit, I stayed with her in it after everyone else moved on. We could have used a whole day to see everything but Sean wanted to recover before he started working again, so we had to get home.

 Lots about Big Foot, also Loch Ness Monster, mermaids, etc etc. This is how you get 11 year old girls interested in science...

 Patrick is all about the maps, always.

Except when he is all about eating a huge chocolate bar that he picked for his treat from Trader Joe's. All over his face...

BURGERS

 Very bright at the Devil's Thumb Ranch where we went for happy hour dinner our last night.

 They then insisted on some crazy photos

 Yes, she is giving herself bunny ears too. Oh wait, she says she is a reindeer.

 Great view from the patio, great way to end the vacation

 Lisa, these horses are for you. They were so tame, people went up and pet them in the field.

 Wagyu cheeseburger.... Anna is in heaven. I wasn't in the mood for a burger but knew I had to get one. That was the correct decision. Only $10 during happy hour, I'm thinking of driving back...

 SEAN GOT A SALAD. I'm sure it was delicious and that's usually what I feel like eating at the end of 5 days of vacation eating out, but wow, what a bad decision. I think he was able to finish some kid's burger for them so he did get a taste. My burger had sautéed mushrooms and onions on it, so he had no interest in stealing some of mine. Yep, ready to go back, looking at the calendar, I think we can squeeze in a two day trip at the end of next week...

 Look who is on her phone. She has gotten much better about not being plugged in so much, partly because her phone is dying and we took most her apps away.

 New app on my phone for the camera works wonders-- Camera+

Amazing how shots in the shade turn out now. Of course the background is blinding, but good effort.

 FREE S'MORES. The marshmallows had chocolate in them so  you didn't have to make a mess with Hersey bars. We ate them after having real dessert too. Did I mention the $3 glasses of wine? And it was such great wine that I had two glasses. Why don't we live near this place??

 Do you see the guy on the phone?? OH MY, shut it off and turn around. I guess people just get used to the view there.

 Another guy on his phone with a guy looking over his shoulder to see it. There is no living in the moment anymore. There are always cat memes to share.

 Something about the assembly of this s'more must have gone wrong....

 Because this was the reaction to it. Ah, boy drama.

 And there it is, that tiny outcropping up there is the "Devil's Thumb".

 Looking back towards the lovely resort that we did not stay at, probably because it's super expensive. Weddings there go over 6 figures. I can't imagine why people spend that much but I guess it creates a lot of jobs and hey, if it's subsidizing the burgers at happy hour, then cheers to the bride and groom!

 On the hiking trails, in the bright sun... with full stomachs.

Free Rock Fun

 He waited a long time to get to a place where he could throw big rocks into the river.

 Just posing.

 They all had fun with this activity.

 Sorry, no cute coordinating family outfits for us.

 More posing

 Anna going for the big rocks

 This one is all about having her picture taken. I should get a real portrait done soon, as she keeps reminding me.

 More posing instead of rock throwing.

 Sean did a great job of planning most the trip. Usually he is too tired and busy but this time he took care of it.

 I need to prove that I also went on this trip but this photo could not be less flattering. Out of freezing desperation I bought a sweatshirt that apparently makes me look pregnant.

Sled Dog Day!

 We took a tour of the sled dog kennel with another mild mannered family. I suspect the guide/owner is used to more extroverts, we didn't have that many questions for him. Anyway, yes, this is where the 76 sled dogs live. They sleep in the barrels and in the winter their body heat makes it warm enough in there. It looks kind of sad but the dogs were happy and love getting to do the job they are bred for- pulling sleds. We did not go on a ride because they only go out at sunrise and that's too early on vacation with kids. In the winter they go out several times a day of course.

 This is the puppy pen. Good thing the kids didn't see them as tiny puppies, they are already crazy for a dog, who can resist a tiny puppy??

 Emily pretending to drive the sled.

 And then ride on the sled

 Patrick being the best sport ever and putting on the dog harness.

 Their favorite part, playing with the dogs of course.

 Tag team petting

 Surrounded by dogs, her dream

 One dog is near the fence and waits for the part of the tour where people come close enough to pet him. We also got to hear all the dogs singing together, not quiet. Anyway, that was our educational part of the trip and at the end we got some great restaurant recommendations including happy hour at Devil's Thumb Ranch which is a whole other post.