The Dudo Family: Family Trip- Evanston, WY

-- Extra long post from 12 days of FAMILY, FUN and FIREWORKS!

Kurtis' sister and her family moved from Cheyenne to Evanston about three years ago and we had yet to go visit them. The 10+ hour drive across the state of Wyoming with two young kids always made us cringe but we decided it was time to go. Kurtis took off a week of work so we headed to Evanston, WY for 8 days + 4 days in the car!

We left on Friday, June 26th after Kurtis got off work. We dropped Wally off in Lex and then headed t Cheyenne for our first night stay. We of course had to stop at Cabela's in Sidney for a break. The kids loved the animals.

The kids were pretty excited for our road trip. Of course we couldn't have made it without multiple stops, lots of DVD's, snacks and the iPad.

The scenery was so beautiful the entire way.

We arrived in Evanston on Saturday just in time to celebrate Roan's 6th birthday. All he wanted for his birthday was for his cousins to visit.

We even lit off a few fireworks to celebrate his big day.

On Sunday we visited the pond. The river there too was absolutely beautiful, but of course I forgot my camera. The kids enjoyed wadding around in the water.

Roan ended up catching a fish with his hands. Amberlee had to show it off.

On Monday we decided to travel to Salt Lake City. Kurtis was wanting to see the Great Salt Lake so we loaded the kids up and headed that direction. Kurtis' sister is only about an hour from there so it was perfect.

Grandma Dudo sent dragon puzzle books with us for all the kids. They enjoyed putting them together on the way.

The Devil's Slide

We went to the Salt Lake Shoreland Reservoir to hopefully see the Great Salt Lake, but after walking what felt like eternity we didn't see much but a lot of grass and cattails.

Are we anywhere yet?

They had a great viewing area.

The kids were way too hot for a family photo but we tried.

After visiting the shore land we headed to Antelope Island. There we were able to see the Great Salt Lake; however, so much of it was dried up. Kurtis was disappointed there wasn't more water but at least we can say we've been there.

You can see all the salt from where the water had dried up.

Avery and I took a break from all the walking. It was way too hot for our taste.

We did stop at a ranch along the way while we were on the island. There was a huge herd of buffalo.

It was so hard to capture on the camera but you could see Salt Lake City off in the distance.

The trampoline was a HUGE hit. I think Landon spent 85% of his time on there.

Roan (6), Amberlee (7), Landon (4)

Then there is Avery (1) !

Some cousin wrestling time! Landon definitely enjoyed his time with his cousin.

There was NO HUMIDITY and NO MOSQUITOS which was really nice, but it was still hot there during the day and chilly at night.

A kid at heart had to get in on the fun!

Then Aunt Erica got out the shaving cream.

While we were there we were able to watch both kids play soccer games.

While in Evanston my sister-in-law talked me into going to Zumba with her. I was certain I was going to DIE; however, I will admit it was actually a lot of fun. I ended up going with her twice while I was there. On the way home one evening there was the most beautiful sunset.

Evanston is a pretty small town so there wasn't a ton to do, so we spent a lot of time relaxing and playing. However, one morning we decided to go check out the Evanston Roundhouse. The city is in the process of restoring the entire building and it was absolutely beautiful inside.

Their plan is to finish restoring the entire thing. I can't even imagine what it will look like when it is done. It was fun to see a Roundhouse in person. I was telling Landon that the only one I have ever seen has been on Thomas the Train.

The actual turn table (or whatever you call it)

A long way from home

My sister-in-law had to take care of her friends' puppies here and there while we were in town so of course we had to tag along. They were adorable!

Landon loved them all and wanted to take one home. I settled for taking lots of pictures of them so he could remember them.

Zach had set up a tent in the backyard and it sat vacant for most of our trip; however, the night of July 3rd Landon decided he wanted to campout. He's been asking us to campout in GI but we just never have so this was the perfect opportunity.

Landon was so excited to sleep in a tent and sleeping bag.

Boys night out

They ended up sleeping in there the entire night. I was waiting for them to come in in the middle of the night but they made it!

Lots of family firework time!

Happy 4th of July!!

Zach's parents from Grant and his sister and nephew from New Mexico came down for the 4th as well.

The night of the 4th we headed downtown to a local park, lit off some more fireworks and then watched the cities fireworks. It was a successful night of fun!