COMPLETE

After we booked our trip to Carlsbad in June, we had the bright idea to look at Airbnb like all the cool kids and were so bummed about all the cool places we could've stayed for the same price as our hotel. Since the only thing left on Tenley's Summer Bucket List was "fishing with Dad", we immediately looked for places to rent on Airbnb for our next summer adventure. Our friends rave about Pine Valley so we tried going there since it's so close, but no cabins were available when we wanted to go so we decided on Duck Creek instead. Ed and I have been there a few times and it never disappoints!

As soon as Ed got off on Friday, we made our way to the cabin and the kids were so excited.

As soon as we got to the street that our cabin was on they were doing road work and we had to wait for them to pour pavement. We pulled off to the side so we could get out and explore. To our surprise Duck Creek Horse Rides was conveniently located RIGHT there. I mean, I couldn't have planned this any better. Obviously the kids had to take a spin! They went for a 30 minute walk through the woods and we even had a few deer walking by us. 

Tenley's horse, who she named Cinnamon, took  off on its own and she was in Heaven and refused anyones help the rest of the time.

Ed has always calls Wesley Pancho Villa so it was super fitting that his horses' name was Poncho.

People had been crossing the road for awhile now, but we got seriously sidetracked with the beautiful horses. The kids didn't want to leave them and Wes legit cried saying bye to Poncho. Our cabin was just two minutes away and the cutest thing I ever laid eyes on.

We stayed up exploring and chatting until after 11pm, but that didn't stop my kids from waking up early! Of course, we got our coffee and headed straight outside.

Once we ate and got ready, we went for a walk to check out the area around our cabin. Right away we saw a deer leisurely crossing the street. This place is freaking magical.

The Venturino's came up to spend Saturday and Sunday with us. When they arrived we headed into Duck Creek to get bait and go fishin'. I hadn't been fishing since the last time Ed and I were at this lake years ago so it was quite nostalgic for the two of us. The kids were so grossed out by the slimy worms and extremely impatient with the fishing process. We didn't catch anything; which may or may not be from their tactics of casting and instantly reeling in or their constant loud voices. Either way, it was an experience that we'll never forget!

Before we even had Tenley, Ed and I carved our names in one of the trees around this lake. I never thought we'd be back, but here we were years later with three kids and sure enough we found it!

The kids had more fun playing in the creek than they did fishing; which reminded me of my childhood so much. These are the memories I wish to instill in my kids, too.

How ironic that we ran into Mandy, who taught the Hypnobirthing class that Karina and I met in when we were pregnant with Tenley and Sofia.

It began to rain when we got back to the cabin and the smell of it was out of this world. Karina made the kids hot chocolate while we listened to the thunder on the porch.

Sofia wasn't feeling well, so Ed and I took the big kids on a walk. We went on a path off the road and quietly watched a deer roaming around. 

Later that evening, we took the kids to Mammoth Cave. Ev was so excited to find bats. We crawled down into this hole and the cave was pitch black. We all had flashlights and walked to the end of the cave, but no bats. Whomp, whomp, whomp. In the cave the rocks had gold glitter all over them; it was so cool. Tenley was beyond scared at first (girlfriend hates the dark), while the rest of the kids were so brave.

On the way back to the cabin, we saw a sheep herder herding his hundreds of sheep. It was crazy and, of course, I had to stop and look.

The mountain was on a high fire alert so we couldn't have an open campfire; which bummed us out, but when we got back Karina had put Sofia to bed and started a wood fire in the fireplace. She's such a pioneer woman, that girl. We played games and made scores by the fireplace.

Most of the kids slept in the kid room while us adults finally got to relax by the fire and talk without being interrupted a million times. 

We enjoyed our last morning on the porch, drinking coffee and watching the humming birds. I had no idea that were that loud. Karina and I could've watched them all day (and drank coffee all day, too!).

Karina whipped up piggie cupcakes for the birthday girl when we were exploring the cave the night before. Alena was so surprised and the kids chowed down.

(Happy birthday, Lena Bug! We love you!)

We explored just a bit longer before saying goodbye to our cabin.

We  couldn't leave without going back to the horses so the Venturino girls (and the moms) could have a turn riding the sweet horses. I was so excited to actually ride this time and picked an all white horse just like the horse, Sunny, I used to ride with my Dad as a kid. I honestly don't know who was more excited... the kids or myself. But really, I know it was me. There's no way to be near a horse and not smile. It even made Sofia smile ear-to-ear and sweet girl still wasn't feeling herself. Tenley and Wesley requested to ride the same horses they rode on Friday and Everly made a new friend, Navajo. 

We had lunch at Aunt Sue's Chalet and the guys threw down.

Sofia was miserable so they headed home after lunch. We found a lake we've never been to before, Lake Navajo, and it was stunning! People had their chairs in the water with their fishing poles, while their kids splashed in the water. I was bummed we didn't find this lake sooner. Next time, we'll be more prepared!

The views down the mountain were nothing but spectacular.

We had the best weekend without electronics and nothing but nature (and coffee). My soul craves the outdoors and animals. I literally can't wait to do it again. I believe I'm a Utah girl at heart.

And with that, our Summer Bucket List is officially COMPLETE!