Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Holley Manwaring Reunion 2009 + SLC

It is SO time for me to post about our latest family reunion. We weren't planning on going and then VERY last minute decided we'd give it a go. Jarom quickly logged onto priceline, secured us a hotel room, and off we went to UT for the weekend.

We drove straight to our hotel and on the way passed a Holiday Inn Express that had a giant water slide coming out the side of it. The kids started squealing at the sight. "Is that OUR hotel!!??" Alas, it was not. Ours was a block further down. Let me tell you, when we saw OUR hotel, we were less than impressed. Dirty, scary, stinky, pretty much disgusting, AND it had one, I repeat one, double bed. I hadn't even packed blankets for the kids; there was no way this room was going to work for our family. We used the potty (without touching too much), packed our suitcases back into the truck and headed to the family reunion dinner.


We were delighted to see Aunt Shauna and Josef whom we don't get to see very often.

The kids had a blast with these "slinky bubble blowers". It was just a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off, and then a piece of cloth rubber-banded on the end, filled with bubble solution. The bubbles would come out in big, long slinky looking things. Kate never quite got hers figured out. She'd put it to her mouth and THEN inhale, sucking in a mouthful of bubbles.

The traffic cones provided much entertainment for the little ones.

Kaylee, Camille & Louis's daughter.

After a few short hours visiting with family, we decided something needed to be done about our sleeping arrangements. So, we broke down and booked 2 nights at the fun, water park Holiday Inn. It was well worth the money and I know we will definitely stay there again.
Our kids swam for HOURS, while I read. (Well, tried to read. I can't relax around water very well.) There was a big water tube, a kiddie pool, 4'-5' pool, 3' foot pool, and giant hot tub to boot. Lots of fun.

As much fun as swimming was, we had to get out and do a few things. As we were driving around we saw this crazy double decker bike. I just couldn't help snapping a picture. It was so bizarre.

And we HAD to eat at Pat's BBQ. Jarom saw this little joint featured on Food Network a while ago and really wanted to try it out. Had we not seen this place on t.v., I don't think all the money in the world could have made me go inside. It looked like a hovel. But, on the inside it was so fun. (I didn't get any pictures.) And WAY bigger than it looks from the outside. The food was great. We say our number 2 pick for best BBQ, only to be beat by Bodacious BBQ in Gilmer, TX.

We also took some time to see our UT cousins the Murdochs. It was so fun to join them at the aquarium and for ice cream.

The little river explorers. Silly kids.

All in all, I think our weekend was a great success and I'm glad we got to sneak one more fun vacation in before school starts.

12 comments:

Tonya said...

Sounds fun... I really wanted to go somewhere this summer. For sure I coming to see all you cuties next year.

Unknown said...

SOunds like a good time! I'm so glad you were able to find a FUN place to stay. I love a hotel with a good pool!!!!!

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

One of our county pools has the slide that leaves the building. Good move to change plans!

And we have never had a family reunion. Unless you count funerals...

Lee Ann said...

looks like a great time! I always love cousins! Oh and BBQ.....my mouth is watering at 7:45am! So glad you didn't stay at the scary hotel!

CB said...

What a bunch of fun family reunions can be!
Kids getting creative with cones, parents trying to keep track of kids - it's all good!
There is nothing better than cousins!

Glad you had so much fun :D

Brenda said...

That motel looks fabulous!!I was laughing about the BBQ joint. Aaron loves Diners, Drive-In's, and Dives, so last time we were in SLC we hit a couple of places they have featured! They were yummy though. We will have to try the BBq place some time:)

Jennifer P. said...

the bike was hilarious! So were the traffic cone pictures! You guys always seem to have the most fun reunions!

Grandma B said...

You need to share details of where the hotel was and the BBQ place. Sounds like places I need to know about. I love the slinky bubbles. It will go on the list of things to try with the grandkids!

Wendy said...

Sounds like fun -- squeezing in one more fun thing -- yep, that's how I felt about Snowbird. School started today, and we're glad we got that fun adventure in under the wire...

"The Queen in Residence" said...

Hey I have seen that aquarium before. So not worth the cost but still an okay thing to do. That double decker bkie was weird, now on earth did he stop?

Mama Williams said...

Lenes you have to email me and tell me where that hotel and BBQ joint are at. Been to the Aquarium too not even close to as fun as Vegas. Glad you had fun. Does school start Monday for you?

Gina said...

Hey, do you live anywhere near White Bird, Lewiston, or Moscow? Because if you do, I am so stopping to see you the next time I go there!

Looks like a lot of fun! My kids would DIE to stay at a hotel like that.