Summer Vacations, Part II--Zermatt

A couple of weekends ago we went on our 2nd summer vacation. This time it was with my family--my dad, all of my siblings, their spouses, and children. It was a lot of people! There were 34 of us in all, over half of which were babies and children....slightly overwhelming, yet fun all at once.

We went up to Midway, Utah to Zermatt Resort and Spa. The resort is about a year old, and really nice. There were tons of activities to do, and lots of beautiful scenery to look at. It was nice to have the feeling of getting away, but only having to drive a couple of hours to achieve it. Alec went golfing, I got a pedicure and went shopping with my sisters, the kids went on pony rides, and lots of other fun was had.

I must thank my sisters, Catherine and Margaret, for all these photos. We did not have our camera on the trip because Alec had lent it to a friend, which is another post for another day.

One of the most unique things I did on the trip was to take an hot air balloon ride. Though some of the group were too chicken to do it, I can honestly say I wasn't afraid at all. It was totally relaxing. Slowly going up and floating around was very peaceful. As the pilot of the balloon put it, "We just go wherever the wind blows us." The most exciting part was landing the balloon. I had no idea that the landing spot would be so unpredictable. You could land in a farmer's field, parking lot, or a subdivision. Our particular ride landed in the drive-thru of an ATM. Kind of funny and fun! I was just grateful we were able to land there, instead of in the dog run of the rottweiler, just on the other side of the fence.

The resort had a fun carousel on the property that the kids really enjoyed riding.

Here are Abigail and Owen with my sister Margaret's kids: Matthew, Will and Maren.

There was also an indoor/outdoor pool connected by a channel. The kids of course loved spending time in, or in Owen's case, around the pool.

Owen on his pony ride. He LOVED it! He kept saying, "giddy-up" and "yee-haw"! Abigail was a little more apprehensive, but liked it in the end.

On Sunday afternoon, we took a ride on the aptly named, Heber Creeper (emphasis on the creeping). It was fun, but at 3 hours, it was a little too long. It is a slow ride with a lot of rocking motion. It did put the baby to sleep, but unfortunately everyone else just remained on the verge of sleep. Alec was smart enough to bring along the latest installment of Harry Potter to read and occupy his time.

Monday we went over to Park City for the Alpine Slide, pizza at the Red Banjo, and shopping at the outlets. Alec had to stay back at the condo and work, but at least the boys were able to get a good nap in. Catherine's husband, Steve took Abigail down the slide. She was way more excited to go with him than she was to go with me, and I was just as happy to sit at the bottom with my sisters and babies. For those unfamiliar with the Alpine Slide, it is sort of in the spirit of a luge or bobsled. You take a ski lift up to the top and then head down the track on a sled.

Abigail on the ski lift with Grandpa, Steve and my nephews Josh and Spence.