Spring Break (Part 5) : Dirt Biking at Napa Marina

Christopher was very excited when he found out that his cousins and Uncle Mike own dirt bikes.  He was even more thrilled when he heard we were going to have the chance to ride them.  On Thursday, April 8th Mike, Steve, Christopher, Kennedy, Samantha, Jeffrey, Alex, and I went out to a track near the Napa Marina.  Kennedy, being a little young to control a bike on her own, had the chance to ride with her cousins and Uncle Mike.  Christopher, despite a nervous mother, drove his cousin's bike solo.  I have to admit, I was impressed with how quickly he learned.  We spent about two hours out at the track.  The time was so enjoyable that we could have easily spent the entire day.

Spring Break (Part 4) : Horses of Course

Wednesday did not end with the walk by the river.  The next activity on the top of Kennedy's list...horses.  Nanci owns two horses, so we took all the kids to the ranch where she boards them.  The kids had a great time playing around and getting dirty, and Kennedy was able to get a preview of the horses she would have a chance to ride the following day.

Ever since Kennedy started horse-riding lessons, she has constantly talked about going to California and riding with Aunt Nanci. On Thursday morning, Steve took Kennedy back to the ranch to meet up with Nanci and fulfill that wish.  Kennedy rode like a natural and really enjoyed the alone time with her Auntsie(her nickname for Aunt Nanci).

Spring Break (Part 3) : Napa, CA (The River Walk)

On Tuesday, April 6th we finally arrived in Napa at 11 pm.  We set up camp at the beautiful home of Steve's sister, Nanci , and the party began.  Six cousins, ages 2 to 15, made a year and a half apart seem like nothing.  The kids were up until 2 am, laughing and playing until they passed out huddled together in front of the television.  The next afternoon, we all headed to Downtown Napa to walk along the river.  It was a perfect, relaxing afternoon watching the kids ride their skate boards and enjoying the California sun.

Christopher and Dominic

Kennedy and Dominic

Kennedy and her Aunt Nanci

Christopher, Samantha, and Dominic

   The Cousins that skate together, stay together. 

Alex, Samantha and Christopher

 Top: Kim, Samantha, Steve, Nanci, Jeffrey

Bottom: Christopher, Alex, Kennedy, Dominic

Spring Break (Part 2) : Vegas

On Monday, April 5th we hit the outskirts of Vegas around 8 pm.  I have to admit we were tired after two days of fun in St. George, but the bright lights were calling our name.  Really....could we have our kids telling everyone that they saw Vegas from the freeway??  We parked at the MGM and walked the strip to the Bellagio and back.  The kids really enjoyed watching the fountain show at the Bellagio, as well as, the M&M store and the mini Statue of Liberty.  I admit that Vegas is not on the top of my "kid friendly" list,  but I do think it is a spectacle worth seeing.

Spring Break (Part 1) : St. George, UT

This year, we could not have created a more memorable Spring Break.  2,000 miles, by car, was well worth the family visited and memories made.  Our first stop....St. George, UT.  Why St. George?  Well, it's a long story, but my sister's vacation home just ended up being the perfect spot for a Kennedy family reunion.  Dad and Irene flew from Washington State, Chris(my brother) arrived from Northern California, Kathy and Rick(my sister and brother-in-law) drove from Wyoming,  and Krissy and Karen(my other two sisters) came with their families from Salt Lake City.  Together we made a fun group of about fifteen.  It really meant a lot to be with everyone, especially my Dad who I have not seen for three long years.  The weekend was filled with laughter, great stories, and delicious food.  An excellent start to our vacation.  Now on to the next stop.....