Colorado Trip 2014

We went to the Eco’s ranch in Colorado for a long fourth of July weekend.  This year the travel days of our trip went much more smoothly than last year.  The kids did amazing –they were very quiet and well behaved on the plane rides and Catelin even took a couple of naps.  

Steve’s whole side of the family came- there were seven grandkids age 5 and under so it was a little crazy in the house but everyone had a blast.




MJ worked on his “bugling” -- he sounded just like an elk!





Catelin worked on her America's Next Top Model pose (I seriously have no idea where she got this from!) haha :)





Ty worked on his “hunting” and fishing skills.






The four wheelers were a big hit with the kids. 















I love this picture of the boys listening to Grandpa tell the story of his bear hunt.




We spent a lot of time hiking, exploring and enjoying the views.  









We went over to Yellow Jacket Ranch to see the animals and play in the tree house.














And of course we had to visit Mr. Mitchell’s bear (and his llamas!)





The kids had so much fun playing with their cousins (and their aunts, uncles and grandparents!).  They last day the “big kids” even got to go on a treasure hunt.











And now I have to tell this story about MJ- it will probably be TMI for most of you so you can just stop reading right here… but since I do this blog for the kids I just have to include it….

On our first flight to Denver MJ tried to use the airplane restroom but he couldn’t go.  He is very regular and has never had a problem with this in his life so I knew we were in trouble.  The rest of the day he tried a few more times with no luck.  We attempted to give him a few different foods/drinks – including apple juice (which is almost always a sure thing with him) but to no avail.

On our second day out there I could tell he was getting uncomfortable.  He tried his best to put on a happy face and do all of the activities but by early afternoon he was in a lot of pain.  The only comfortable position for him was lying on his side on the couch.  Every time he moved he was in pain – so much so that at one point he started vomiting.  He looked at me and said, “I am RUINED!  I am never going to be the old MJ again!” 

I couldn’t stand to see him so upset and finally decided we were going to have to use a suppository.   I absolutely DREADED telling him about the medication and how it would be used—so, I told him that I would get him a small present if he didn’t freak out about the medication (yes, I bribed him- please don’t judge!) .  

MJ: Why, mommy? What type of medicine is it?
Me: One that is going to make your tummy feel much better.
MJ: Can I see it?
Me : Yes, but I am not going to tell you how it is used until we get up to the bathroom. 
MJ: Ok.  (as he watches me pull out the pediatric glycerin suppository)… What are you going to do with THAT?!
Me: I’ll tell you in a minute.  I just need you to go up to the bathroom first.
Once Steve got into the bathroom with me and MJ was ready, we told him how a suppository is used.
MJ: WHAT?!?!  WHY WOULD YOU EVER DO THAT TO ME?!

I felt horrible for him but let’s just say that it was essentially painless and it worked!!  After MJ finally went to the bathroom he says, “Mom, I think I feel like the old MJ again.”  And then after a couple of minutes, ”Yes, I do- I am as good as new!”

Then he ran downstairs and declared, “THE OLD MJ IS BACK!”