Wednesday, August 31, 2016

These are my People (Family Pictures)

 Thanks Rodney Atkins for giving me the words when they escape me...

And these are my people, this is where I come from
We're givin' this life everything we got and then some
It ain't always pretty, but it's real
It's the way we were made, wouldn't have it any other way
These are my people

Thanks Chantel Allen for capturing "my people"!
 



















 
 













Sunday, August 21, 2016

2016 MeyerBell Summer Vacation (aka MBSV 2.0)!

We're going to Canada, eh?!?  The trip up was a little crazier than expected...but what do you expect traveling with 4 kids ages 4 and under.  It took a couple extra hours, but we made it.  Blackcomb, BC was our destination and we had arrived!!!

The Doc was in...and the kids were very happy to have a little play time before we headed into town.

 Line up everybody, Line up, Line up!  There were definitely times during this trip where we all felt like Mr. Grouper.  (If you don't know who that is...you are lucky)!

And away we go...no ramp, no problem!

Griffin checking out the raging river.

A little family shot on our walk to town.

Night one was Mexican...and the kids were all smiles.  Not sure if it was because they were out of the car...or their future had guacamole in it!

Dinner time!

Back at the "cabin" for a little Dr. McStuffins wide down and lounge-fest!

Up and at up...it was a new day and we were ready to conquer Whistler.

This crew...what can I say?

Our adventure begins...today it is the gondolas and peak to peak!

Of course there is a giant loader on our way to town...stop everyone Griffin has to check it out.


Here we go.  Our first gondola ride as a family of 4!

Family #1

Family #2

Could they ever smile in the SAME picture with Mom?


Smiles...Eyes...Tongues!  Yes, I can get them to be SILLY.


Checking out the views.

We made it to the top...the pictures do not do it justice.

A little chilly out, but we were ready to head to the next stop.


Peak to Peak!

All aboard.

R&S Selfie.

THIS. IS. CRAZY.

The kids absolutely loved it and had NO fear.

Just when we got to the top, this happened.

All 4 munchkins checking out the view.

Another family photo op!

Amateur Selfie Stick users...7 out of 8 in one picture is pretty good.

It landed right behind us.

On our way back, we had the gondola to ourselves.  The kids ran wild...seriously, ran wild at 500 miles about the ground while I freaked out and sat there.

Look Mom, a BEAR!

It was only appropriate to get a shoot with the Olympic Rings as Rio 2016 had opening ceremonies and started competition while we were there.


Back down.  Millie was enamored with Cam and followed him around like a little puppy.

Back to the cabin for showers, dinner in and wine!




Good Morning Crazy Hair Ladies...Day 2 is here!  Let's figure out what is on the schedule today!

A hike! A hike! A fabulous family hike!  Griffin went to Nairn Falls when we were up here with my family in 2013, but it was Millie and the Bell's first trip.

Here we go.  Littles in packs...Bigs hiking.  Let's see how far we make it!




We made it to the falls...but not everyone was ALL smiles. The Big kids hiked the entire way and did awesome.  (This picture is a little deceiving as Griffin go his stick taken away and was UPSET)!

See...still at the top and all smiles with MOM!

Heading back down, I can't believe what troopers these kids were.

See...the Bells were with us too.

Boys and climbing Big Rocks...I guess Boys will be Boys and Men will be Men.

Just taking a little break.

All smiles from this little lady...but she got a first class ride, so I'd be all smiles too!

Thumbs Up...time for the gang to get back to the truck and head to lunch!


Pemberton or BUST...for a quick lunch at MILE ONE!

Dads and Daughters.

We headed back for naps, swimming and a little R&R.  Once we had recovered a little, it was back to town for a walk and to pick up dinner. Most of the troops in "Line Up" position.

A huge lounge chair with my babies.

Doesn't everyone let their kids bear crawl through Whistler Village...Olivia, Millie and Drew thought this was so silly.

The hoodie gang...watch out, they bite, giggle and are super silly!

Since they crawled through the village, we decided a bath was a MUST.  Look at that DIRTY water.


Another great day in the books...and the Meyer kids were out.

Morning #3 and today it was time to go to the adventure center.  This 4 faces were so excited.

Raise your hands if you are ready for fun...well, the littles are!

4 kids. 8 eyeballs. 1 picture.  It must be a miracle.

Checking out what to do first.

Waiting in line for the Bouncy Castle.


And they are OFF....Millie takes a quick lead up the slide.





15 minutes of fun...climbing, jumping, sliding and being crazy.  Great way to get the wiggles out.


JUMP!!!

"I OK" aka Millie's most used saying.

Run Olivia!

Jump Griff!

Slide Millie!

Bounce Drew!

Yes, a nap was a must after that fun.

This happened on every trip out of the cabin and back to the cabin....RUN!  They had to stay within view, but they were maniacs.


After naps, it was time for more fun at the adventure center.  This time it was GLITTER Tattoos.  These were the best.  Who knew that the kids would love these so much!

Firetruck for Griffin.



Pumpkin for Millie (hahahahahahaha)!

Tractor for Drew and Tinkerbell for Olivia!

Ta-dah...we have TATTOOS!

Just goofing around.

Final dinner and it was topped off with mini ice cream sandwiches for the kids.  SUCCESS!

Back to the cabin with the Canada Medley Relay team...I guess we see why USA took the GOLD!

Warning: Don't do SnapChat filters while drinking wine.  This is what happens!


That's a wrap...MeyerBell Summer Vacation 2.0 is officially in the books! Can't wait to get 2017 planned and decide where the summer will take up.  Fun times all around!

The trip was filled with love, laughs and memories that we will keep forever.  Thank you Bell Family for being such great friends and companions to travel with.  Seeing these kids grow up together is such a blessing.

The Meyer Family had a small detour at Lake Samish on our way home to stretch our legs and play in the sand.