The West calls

 It seems JT and I haven't had enough of the West because our hearts felt a "tugging" to head that way again. In February (on Superbowl Sunday actually) JT booked a place for us in Carbondale, Co. I found an airbnb that looked lovely and he pulled the trigger! We left Tuesday, July 6th and landed in Carbondale this past Monday, July 12th. We stopped up in Ohio first to see JT's parents for a few days then headed on our way. I will give you a chronology along with a narrative of the events. 

Rewind to July 6th. 

Aren't those lovely smiles? What the picture doesn't show is our blood pressure :) This was right after we walked out of the house ready to hit the road. We had just spent the previous 3 hours going as fast as we could to get all the things packed and the house somewhat cleaned. Phew! I remember this moment and it felt like I deserved a personal trainer to come over and squirt one of those bottles full of Gatorade into my mouth. Oh well. For now I'll give myself a DJ tanner fist pump and call it a day.

The exact minute of departure

If you squint you can see JT giving a thumbs up. Bye Birch Creek! See you on the flippity flip!

When we do a normal road trip to Ohio to see Mimi and Pappy we don't do state line gifts. Since this was technically a leg of the trip west we naturally had to have them. The droopy eyes were first in play and they were quite the hit.

While we were in Ohio visiting Mimi and Pappy we also spent that Wednesday the 8th with JT's sister, hubby and fam. Both our families aren't usually up in Ohio at the same time so this was a treat. We ate at the Hot Dog Shoppe, fed goats at a family farm, and had a little party for Dash and Trip's birthdays. The boys sure love their cousins and it was great having the whole clan together. 

We love Nanabelle!

Whenever I tell Pace to smile this has been his latest response. A chip on the ole shoulder I guess😂

Nanabelle brought bubbles. Always a hit!

Mimi desperately wanted a picture of her grandkids in a pyramid. What Mimi wants, Mimi gets! JT and Kristy hid behind the pyramid holding the younger 2 up but I think it turned out well!

When it got late enough we did sparklers. Our blood pressure was quite high but we successfully ended the night with zero burns :)

Although a quick visit we loved seeing JT's family. On Friday morning we packed up early and hit the road. Hold those thoughts, I'm going to finish this post and continue as soon as I get a moment. Right now I'm eating a Buddah bowl (I assure you, it has nothing to do with Buddah) while The Princess Bride is playing and I'm going to enjoy the moment. Sit tight!

The Longs!

I still pinch myself... our friends FLEW during a pandemic across the country to visit us. We didn't tell the boys and pretended to "look at planes" at the airport. Then their best buddy shows up. It was nothing but smiles and good times from there. 

I met Stephanie 13 years ago at a church function. I remember her as the girl who doesn't like to cook and she remembers me as the googly-eyed newly wed who had been married for 3 months. We ended up in the same Sunday School class, went through life working as teachers, then pregnant together with boys that would become best friends, and now walk life together as homeschool moms. We've been together through hard and good times in marriage, pregnancies, Bible Studies, play dates, holidays, field trips, girl's weekends, vacations, and the list could go on. JT also found a best friend in Jason sharing interests in sports, work, spiritual walks, and imitating the pittsburgh Dad. Not to mention Caleb and the girls fit right in to our crew. Our kids can play for 12 hours and leave asking for more. These 2 have supported us through everything and we couldn't be more thankful for them in our lives. Now we have Utah in the book of memories... we love them!

We started the weekend with a campfire in the woods near the river (same spot we were at a few weeks ago). The boys explored the woods and we had the Long signature smores with Reese cups. It was a great time!

How are they 8 already?!

JT and Jason got to play a round of golf and since we're staying right on the 18th tee box the boys got to go through the path and watch their Dad's tee off. We love this part of where we stay! 

On Sunday we went to some Gardens here where the boys love to feed the fish. It was so fun!

(These flower pictures are specifically for Erin :)

 I didn't take too many pictures because I think I was enjoying the moments :) Not pictured is an entire day where the guys watched all the boys while Stephanie and I had a shopping day together. We took a very long drive through the Utah mountains and just enjoyed the fellowship of each other's company. I'll never forget it!