Best Summer Vacation....Ever!!!

Ok, it was the best summer vacation this year and our only vacation. We did a 6 hr drive to Mesa Verde and camped for one night because Carter is not a good sleeping camper. We ate some amazing foiled dinners and goulash and did a bit of hiking.

 This is a common face for Carter during the hiking portion. Not sure if he really loved it.

 Carter did look around a lot and often when we were trying to take a family picture. We enjoyed touring 3 houses, going down in the kiva, and learning about the culture.

 One thing that he did love was drinking water out of mommies water bottle. Though most of it ended up on his shirt, he was a much happier hiker.

 

 We climbed through small tunnels and up some really tall ladders. By the end of the ladder, I was methodically going one rung at a time so as not to kill Carter and me.

Casey wasn't nearly as scared and hauled up the ladder with Carter!

All in all, we had a great time (even Carter) and really enjoyed learning about the Pueblo people. After Mesa Verde, we drove through the night for 14 hours to get to Tyler, Tx. We were going to stop and rest a bit, but every time we stopped the car, Carter woke up. That monkey!

Once in Texas, Carter adapted well and is saying "howdy" in this picture or maybe he's just yelling, which he does a lot now. We continued the good food theme with some delicious Texas BBQ, amazing Japanese food feast, and lots of Blue Bell ice cream. Carter loved being around so much family and especially that silly Grampy!

But Carter, by far, LOVED playing with his cousin, Ruby. He would light up even when she took his toys or gave him whiplash in his jumper. Now that's family love. I enjoyed holding and snuggling with little baby Gary. He was just as cute as can be and so light compared to Carter!

Carter spent most of the 21 hour drive home either single or double-fisting his car seat while sleeping. He's a fun kid!