Adventures in the Treasure State

A couple busy summers have kept us from a visit to the family cabin in Swam Lake, MT. Cole and I were determined to make it happen this year.

The drive is long but the relaxing, fun and family time is always worth it. As an extra bonus, we were joined by several members of the extended family who hadn't seen Crew since he was about 6 months.

Crew was in love with the lake water, catching minnows, "flashing" anything with his mini flashlight, camping in the "little cabin" and of course, "mountain biking." Cole and I got to completely unplug (aided by the limited-to-no-cell-phone-reception situation), play, read and just enjoy each other.

Crew and my Cousin Carson enjoying the fruits of Huckleberry Days

Stand up paddleboarding, while kneeling, proved to be my favorite and my frequent activity of the weekend.

Minnow catching efforts

My dad relaxing with just one of five furry friends who joined us at the cabin

Crew and Cole working to get the loaner boat to work

My mom and Aunt Lori soaking some rays

Mid "mountain bike" ride for Crew

Cousin Caleb catching footballs off the dock

Our only family photo. :)

Late night games

Showing off the weekend project of extending the deck

Goodbyes and final thoughts for the cabin journal

Lansfords Take NYC

So here's how it happens. My sister in law gets awarded a fancy Gracie award for Best Sports Anchor of the year, her school decides to fly her to NYC to receive the award in person and the rest of us Lansford ladies get lucky enough to tag along for an extended girls weekend. Recipe for perfection I say!

We took on the Big Apple for five days so instead of boring you with the details of our daily schedule, the highlights by category are below.

That being said, nothing pictured below will top exploring the outskirts of Times Square four nights in a row to hunt down the Jamaican men selling questionable purses, watches and sunglasses! No pictures cause we clearly didn't want to get caught or impaled.  

Touristy Spots

9/11 Memorial

Brooklyn Bridge against cityscape

"Dog Protection" in the subway

Cityscape on Ferry Ride to Lady Liberty

Taylor enjoying the Pirate ship

Last night hurrah at Newsies

Bike Ride in Central Park

Group Shot in front of Ellington Circle

Singlehandly the most overwhelmingly shopping experience of my life. That is a lot of store...

Tasty Bites
Usually while in New York, I love to shop. Given my growing bump, that was a no-go this time around. I made up for it by researching yummy bites and iconic food spots for us instead. Pretty much every stop was a huge success.

Sunday brunch at Sarahbeths

Getting excited for our "Fat and Fluffy" french toast and pancakes.

My Lemon Ricotta pancakes and as you can see from my bacon, their "sides" are quite generous.

Sampling Hersheys products in Time Square

Quick trip to Harlem for some chickin and waffles

Sylvia's handsqueezed lemonade

Yum!

Shake Shack (of course)

Dragon Fruit on Canal Street while bartering for questionable merchandise.

Juniors Chicken Parm

Juniors Devil's Food Cheesecake

Visiting Buddy's

Black and White cookie, brownie, lobster tail, cannoli, red velvet cupcake- All so good!

We planned to enjoy these after an easy dinner of Grey Papaya hotdogs but the NYC heat got to them for sure.

No muss, no fuss. Just yummy thin crust pizza at Grimaldis in Brooklyn.

"We're Off to AZ"

Well, truth be told we already did and are home safe and sound. 

Crew and I visited my sister Alyssa and family for a week this month. She had a beautiful little boy in April and I have been inchin' to hop on a plane and hold Baby Rigdon. 

We divided our time between a half dozen stellar parks and green spaces, her community pool and a few shopping hot spots. We also had the opportunity to spend a few evenings with Uncle Ben and Aunt Madison who are also in Phoenix for medical school right now. 

The week was so relaxed and chill; just what the Dr. ordered. Even better is that both families will be back in Utah in about a month to see us again. 

See below for picture overload!


We're off to Arizona! from Maura Lansford on Vimeo.

Riding the Park Trolley

I can't believe how big he is getting

Crew and I pretending we were riding the Dinosaur from Toy Story

Relaxing and watching Scout or Peter Pan.

Alyssa and the man of the hour, Ridgon

All cleaned up for church

Crew loved to "check in" on the baby every so often

Feeding the Ducks turned into feeding himself

 

Love this girl!

Nordstrom Clearance Store...um yes please!

Crew was enamored by the cactus and was quick to remind me that they will "pitch our fingers!"

Nearly daily workouts with my favorite gym buddy!