Swiss Days . . . Again!

Since Ben loves Swiss Days so much, I told him to get the Friday off so we could be there for more time.  We didn't realize at that time that the girls' school was starting so late, but whatever.  The girls had their first day on Thursday, then we headed out that night (after gymnastics and mountain biking, of course - getting a late 7pm start to our drive).

Once again, Swiss Days did not disappoint.  It's just fun.  And, of course, it's always great to hang out with my parents at their home.  Plus, a bonus:  the Sabeys (Christian, Erin, and their kids) came over for dinner on Sunday.  Awesome.

We checked out the vendors on Friday morning, then came back home for lunch - and then headed to Timpanagos Cave for a tour.  Ben worked there for a couple of years during his BYU days, but hadn't been back since.  Our kids had never been either.  I think the last time I went was at my 4th-grade field trip (like, uh, 30 years ago!).

 Here we are at the beginning of the trail.  Lucy bought some binoculars at the store there.  She loves them.

 Lucy + Grandpa's hat = adorable!

 On the trail.  It's an up-and-up hike for sure!  But luckily we had some shade and so it wasn't too bad at all.

 At the entrance!

Same picture, except for Lucy looking through her binoculars.  :)

 Ben recognized a few people from his days working there - 20 years ago!  He visited a lot (especially when we were finished) with our young tour-guide as they knew many of the same people - including the boss man, who fell off the trail on his dirt bike a few years ago and died.  :(

We all enjoyed the outing!

Saturday morning we went to the parade - it's a legit parade (as opposed to those that happen in Montrose) and always fun and always provides lots of gross candy for the kids.

 Here we are hanging out on Grandpa's toy watching the parade.  Fun for sure!

 Jonas got to try out this electric, or somehow motorized, bike - he loved, loved, loved it.

 Jonas and Emmy had fun racing on this inflatable toy.

 

 Jonas and Miles had fun, too!

We enjoyed more time at Swiss Days checking out more booths and such.  The kids went swimming that afternoon.  After dinner Jonas wanted to go back and buy a puzzle (like Miles . . . ) and so Ben, myself, and our two boys went.  It's definitely the time to go - last evening, it's nice and cool, way less crowded, and the sellers are cutting their prices!  It was fun and the boys were able to nab two Dowdle puzzles for the price of one.  :)

We watched the BYU football game that night and shockingly they won!

Sunday was church and then for dinner the Sabeys came over.  My mom prepared an awesome dinner for everyone (I put the "labor" in Labor Day weekend for my mom - ha.).

 We all love the Sabey's kids and their newest one, Sunny, is no exception!

Jonas, Vance, Minne, Sunny, Lucy, Emmy, Hope, and Miles.  What a great group!

On Monday the boys went and helped clean up some of the Swiss Days stuff.  Then we packed our car and headed down to Provo.  We weren't the only ones who thought of hiking the "Y" . . . about a billion cars were there, too!  The trail didn't seem too crowded, though.  The hike is a good climb - and it was a little warm in the high-noon sun, but it wasn't too bad nor too long.  We hiked back down and headed to the Creamery for some Ice Cream (duh).  I saw several other groups at the Creamery that I had seen on the trail to the "Y."  :)

 One of the viewpoints along the hike.  Miles took off after this point and we didn't see him until we reached the "Y."  That kid is a fast hiker!  I used to be in my young days . . .

 At the "Y"!

 Emmy's "new" sunglasses she found along the trail.  She saw them on the way up, they were still there on the way down, so she took them.  Sort of legit, right?!

 The "Y" from down below - not a great shot, but whatever!

Then we just drove back home!  Another great trip!