Boulder City, NV Getaway

Last year the Evan's invited us to spend this Fourth of July in Boulder City, NV. At the time we didn't think it would work out and we were pretty bummed about that too. But, things change and sometimes timing works in a way you wouldn't expect! Just last week we booked our hotel for an unexpected vacation. We couldn't stay the entire time the Evan's and Ball's were staying, but the two nights was just what we needed.

THURSDAY before we left, my grandparents arrived here! So, we all went to lunch before Andrew, the kids and I headed out to Boulder City. The kids were so excited to see Juana and Ito - the Sat. before this Jackson randomly asked me about them. He had been missing them. And how cute is Ryan reading while I changed his diaper - already like his dad.

Our journey wasn't too bad - the kids fell asleep for a good part of it. BUT, three hours into the drive, Andi started getting fussy. Luckily, it wasn't anything that couldn't be handled by some Veggie Sticks. We were ALL so EXCITED when we saw Lake Mead. The kids were going crazy!!

We arrived at about 6PM, just in time for dinner. Everyone was already in town eating, so we decided that instead of loading up the kids again, that we would eat at the buffet in the hotel; afterall, the kids were all free! It wasn't fantastic, but hey, I've never been a fan of buffets. But, for the price of $0 times 3, I'll take it!

We ate, and went right back to our room. The kids were beat! So, we got everyone settled and put the day to rest because we knew the next day would be exhausting!

Ryan and Jackson were in the same bed. I put the couch next to them so Ryan wouldn't roll off the bed. Around 10PM, Jackson made his way to the couch. Then in the middle of the night, I found Ryan there. Around 1:30AM, I just had to get a picture of them cuddling.

The next morning, Friday morning, we had breakfast in our room. The kids were stoked that we actually bought the Costco muffins - they NEVER get these. But, I felt awful for housekeeping. Can I just say, it's amazing coming home after a long day and having all the sheets changed and the floors vaccumed; I mean seriously, that would be a perk I'd take!

We are early risers and we have very routined mornings, so we were ready to go a little sooner than the rest. It was fine though because we were able to relax and just hang out and prepare the kids for the boat. Off we were and I wish I could have recorded their comments all the way over there. I think Ryan was the most excited as he saw all the boats. Andi copied everything he said! It was seriously gorgeous out there!

So we loaded the boys and kids onto the boat, and then Nicole, Laurel and I drove the cars over to our beach area so we could set up camp. It was perfect.

Because Andi and Ryan haven't been on a boat before, I wanted to go with them to see it all for the first time. The boys were planning on taking the kids, but I tagged along. I missed some relaxing girl time on the boat, but I had to see my kids' experience first hand.

After all the kids took the first ride, my family of five jumped on the raft. After first they didn't know what to expect. Jackson made sure to tell Cory to not go too fast. They were ok at first, but as soon as we picked up speed, we had screaming kids. I think Ryan was too stunned at this point to do anything. Andi wasn't bad, just like, "What the crap?". Jackson was hysterical though.

It was so nice being out of the lake, so wonderful! But when lunch came around, the kids were also stoked to play in all the mud. Seriously, they all LOVED it!


After lunch we ALL got back on the boat - it was awesome. The girls all took the babies on a little ride. For this one, Andi kept saying, "Weee!!!". She LOVED it.

One of the greatest parts of this trip was our kids are the same ages as the others. It was great because everyone totally got it when the kids were at their limits. The kids needed to same things at the same time. So when my kids were done being out the first day, so were everyone else's. It was perfect.

That night we went back to the room, showered and changed for dinner. Ryan rested as much as he could before we went out. We went through the drive-thru of Panda Express and then over to McDonald's to play and relax. It was a perfect hang-out for all the kids. It got us out of the 112 degree weather and the kids were still entertained without destroying anything!

That night we all slept pretty heavily :)

Saturday morning the kids were excited to get going. Luckily they did sleep in a little longer, but this made us a bit late in checking out. They were all out of bed by 7:30, but after showers and all, that wasn't early enough. And it didn't help that Andi made a mess on the carpet. A mess that she just so happened to blame Andrew for! She was pretty disgusted with dad for what he did :)

But when we got to the beach, things were ready to go and we all headed out on the boat. Our kids were pretty sleepy, Andi even fell asleep on me. Mind you, it couldn't have been any later that 10:30am at this point.

Cory took the kids on some tube rides, but we spent some more time at Hoover Dam so we could relax and swim. It was awesome watching Jackson hang out on the back of the boat. And Andi, she wanted to swim so badly. Watching their comfort go up was wonderful!!! Very promising for future adventures.

It again time to get our kids used to the raft. We got Andrew on there and all three kids, but Jackson quickly jumped off. Ryan was hysterical this time. I think that was mainly due to the fact he was very sleepy.


After watching the babies go, Jackson decided to be a little brave. So, he went with Andrew. He covered his eyes for most of the ride - granted, he HATES water in his eyes and it was a bit windy, but still, he was being lame. Haha. But really, we were so excited he tried it again and we know it will only get better from here.

Gunner and Jackson put on a great water show; spectacular :)

Meltdowns began around 1PM and we all knew it was time to get back to the beach. This was right after a few of the kids and Andrew got chucked from the raft - OH MY GOSH it was high :)

So back on the beach we had lunch. At this point, my kids were beat. They hadn't had real sleep or naps for two days and so Andrew and I had a choice to make. We were leaving Saturday so we could either try to make the best of it and fight with them to try to hang out until that evening, or we could pack up then, know they would sleep, and get home by dinner. We chose to head out. I am weak, I can't handle all three losing it. So, we said our sad good-byes and headed home.

This trip was seriously amazing and we are so grateful that we were able to go afterall. We can't wait to do it again and we thank the Evan's for a fabulous time. The Ball's were amazing too! We couldn't believe we were only there a couple days - it felt like we were a world away from all our stresses. It was fabulous and much needed!!!! WAHOO!!

And considering my parent's house is on our way home, we stopped for dinner. My mom made homemade carne asada and a fruit salsa - very yummy. I'd say that's a pretty good ending to a fabulous trip.