Labor Day 2011 (My four wheeling adventure)

We didn't plan anything special for the holiday this year (actually, we rarely do) but ended up having a busy, fun-filled weekend.
Saturday started out like most of ours do- lazy morning, chores and shopping in the afternoon. In the evening we had a bbq with our fun neighbors just a few doors down and a little gathering around their fire pit that lasted until 3 AM (I actually bailed at like 1030- I know, I'm a wuss).
Sunday, we went to Rich's sister's house to swim in the pool one last time before it closes for the year. I, once again, wussed out and didn't actually get in the pool. But Rich and the boys had fun with the cousins while I lounged in the sun. That evening we had another yummy bbq where I had to do none of the cooking or preparing- my favorite kind. :) We love to visit and always have fun with Rich's family.
Monday was FOUR WHEELING day! I was super excited for this since I haven't been for sooo long. And I was actually surprised that Rich invited me to go with him and his friends. So were his friends, ha ha.
We got all ready (after a little spin on Chad's motorcycle, also so fun and something I haven't done in a while) and I got all helmeted up and we headed up the mountain. The first trail we took was a little steep, nothing I couldn't handle. UNTIL we reached a little ravine part and Rich and I started to tip! Granted, there was really no where we could go but I still didn't want the thing on top of me. It was at this point that I decided I was done. That's right, about 15 minutes into the ride I was asking for my keys and phone so I could make the trek back down the mountain on foot. I made it about 20 feet when Nate and Chad came back down because it got too steep and said we'd try a different trail. This one was supposed to be a little tamer so I put on my big girl panties and climbed back on the four wheeler.
The second trail wasn't too bad. At first. Then it started to get a little steeper and a bit rocky. Still, I was doing okay. UNTIL we reached another ravine patch and I watched Nate start to tip! So without waiting for Rich to tell me no, I hopped off and let him do it by himself. I felt much safer walking up that part of the trail.
Eventually, I did get back on the four wheeler and we made it to a little resting point. We pulled over and Chad asked "Is she ready for the cliffs?" Um...... no! I didn't even know what "the cliffs" were but if they had to ask, I knew I wasn't ready. But since I really had no other option, up we went to these cliffs. The actual cliff part wasn't really long, but the trail was about as wide as the four wheeler and on a slant. Oh, and on a cliff. I'm pretty sure some un-ladylike words escaped my mouth (I know- shocker), along with "I hate you Chad!"
But wouldn't ya know it? I made it in one piece. And after that, it was smooth sailin' (or four wheelin'). The view from the top was amazing. All out over the valley and the bay (Willard) on one side and a terrifying canyon on the other. We hung out there for a bit while the guys took pee breaks (yeah, none of those for me) and Rich scared the crap outta me walking around the loose rocks on the edge. Really, he's like a child- a child that doesn't have life insurance. After this little trip and hearing how they are much more adventurous when girls aren't there to slow 'em down, I now realize the importance of having said life insurance. We should really get on that..
Anyhoo, as hesitant as I was to make the trip back, it was inevitable. So with shaking hands (it was all very traumatic), I grudgingly put my helmet back on, which was a real shame because I looked super hot with matted down hair and a face covered in dirt (see picture below). After demanding to be let off at the cliffs, we started back down. It actually wasn't that terrible going back down, I guess because I expected it to be horrifying this time. Don't get me wrong, it was still horrifying. Especially when we reached the cliffs and my dear husband would not let me off. "You're fine" never made me so angry. But I survived again. Whew!
I was a little braver and a little less whiny the rest of the way down. I'd like to think to reward me for my efforts, Rich let me drive around when we got to the bottom. It was really fun and I drove the rest of the way home. When we got to Chad's house, I was relieved. I was dirty and sore and wanted to get off and collapse on the lawn. But it was not to be. We drove past the house and down the street to "the bog" so I could get a little more practice. At least this was just a field and I was in control. But there were still a few bumps and steep parts and I tried to throw Rich off the back at least twice. Hehe.
At last, it was over so we parked the four wheelers and tried to hose ourselves off to look presentable for our next activity. It was really a lost cause, so I showed up to Madison's (Nate and Jean's baby that I will steal one day) first birthday party looking like a bum. It was a circus themed party with a bounce house, games, face painting, a photo booth and the cutest decorations ever. The kids had a blast, despite a bit of rain and Zachary getting sick. Karter got his face painted as what else, a dinosaur. How much he gets into character really cracks me up. And I can't wait to get our photo booth pics back from Jean.
Needless to say, the Merrills had a good holiday weekend! Hope you all did too! Buh-bye now.