Family Staycation

This summer has been jam-packed full of stuff, but we haven’t had much time to get out on a real vacation. We planned to head to Washington to spend a week with my best friend from high school but due to a few snags in our plans that has been postponed. The kids were bummed so we sat down as a family and planned a “family staycation”. We picked something fun to do every day and the kids had a ball. As a matter of fact, by the end of the week they were so exhausted they just fell into their beds and then on Sunday EVERYONE took a long nap!

We picked inexpensive activities that basically involved having fun and being together as a family. A few items have been postponed due to stormy weather that week, but we still had fun.

Monday we went to the AF swimming pool and then out to Maggie Moo’s for ice-cream. Keep in mind that we very rarely go out to ice-cream due to the inflated price of a kid’s ice-cream cone but thanks to City Deals I got a ton a of coupons for half price to use this week. My kids were thrilled.

On Tuesday, we packed up lunches and spent the day at Vivian Park up Provo Canyon. Seth met us there for lunch and we hung out, played in the water, rode scooters and played on the playground. There was a nice breeze and it made for a really fun day.

The kids playing in the creek.

Seth, Drew, & Ellie relaxing on the blanket

On Wednesday, we planned to go to Trafalga (aka Liberty Land and another smokin’ deal I got on City Deals) but were rained out so instead went to the new McDonald’s that just opened and played there and had a late lunch/early dinner. We don’t go to McDonalds very often since I don’t love the food but this new one was really nice and I may even consider going back sometime! After McD’s we stopped by Kohler’s and picked up a movie from Redbox and got some treats. Seth popped popcorn and we watched Tooth Fairy together.

On Thursday we planned to go head to Trafalga again but weather was still iffy. We mostly hung out without any plans until the evening. There was a free kid’s night for the Highland Days and we went over there and each of the kids ran in a short race, painted their faces, and played carnival type games. All participants received free Frosty’s, a free game of bowling and a free Webkinz. It was pretty awesome considering it didn’t cost a dime! We finished off the night playing birdie ball with Great Grandpa Cryer.

KK, Drew, & Meg after they got their faces painted

On Friday, Seth took the day off and we hiked Steward Falls (approximately 4 miles round trip). It felt longer than I remember it being but perhaps it was because Seth was carrying Drew on his back and I was carrying Ellie. Plus it was pretty hot outside. When we got to the falls Seth bet Jacob $50 that he wouldn’t stand under the waterfall for 5 minutes. Jacob was hesitant but went and did it anyway. He didn’t quite get directly under it as Seth had requested so his reward was chopped in half, but he still made $25. Seth is lucky Jacob didn’t get hypothermia standing under that cold water.

Just starting out!

Ellie and me

Claire wearing her gold medal. She was insistent it would help her make it to the falls…and I guess it did!

Jacob earning his keep.

After the hike we went further into the Canyon to Tibble Fork Reservoir. We had brought along a raft and a BBQ so we hung out on the lake and ate dinner. My kids were a little skeptical about the muddy water but really enjoyed riding in the raft.

KK and Jake paddling on Tibble Fork Reservoir

Saturday we went to the Highland parade because Jacob was riding in a float for baseball all-stars. Then we goofed around most the day until the weather cooled down and then headed down to listen to the bands and watch the fireworks.

Jacob on his float…all of our kids were running to him for treats!

Drew wearing his “super saver” mask he got in the parade!

Overall, I think the kids had a really great time. We were thanked multiple times about how much fun they had. It just goes to show that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a lot of fun. We have postponed Trafalga and bowling until sometime this week or as long as the weather permits.