It was early release from school yesterday.  It's way too easy to have the kids come home at 12:30 and lounge around the house.  So I decided a one day mini vacation would keep us from plopping our butts down in front of the t.v.

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I loaded my three kids, and one of Emma's friends into the Suburban, and headed to Chico Hot Springs.  I take full advantage of SW Montana and everything it has to offer.  There are times I want to go camping, but don't want to spend the time or money to go far away.  The KOA at Pine Creek is one of my favorite places to go.  I don't always have to be in the middle of nowhere.  There's a pool, and the Pine Creek Cafe nearby...that's at least one meal I don't have to cook!  We drove through Pine Creek yesterday, and it just brings me peace.  Why would I drive far away, when some of the most beautiful country in the world is in my backyard?

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We got to Chico, after listening to the same Lady Gaga and Beyonce songs for an hour.  I had to threaten the kids to finally get them out of the pool.  That was about 4:30.  Strategic planning on my part, because I schedule my life around NOT having to cook!  That timing got us to the Paradise Valley Pop Stand right around 5.  I forgot how good and inexpensive that food is.  There were two adults and 7 kids.  They didn't even flinch!  I paid for me and 4 of the kids, and including ice cream and tip, I spent 30 dollars.

In this tough economy, and high gas prices, it's good to have a day like this.  It reminds me that I don't have to go far to have an amazing experience (minus the Gaga and Beyonce songs that I used to like).  The kids laughed and sang and bounced around the whole way home.  I was exhausted, but I hope it's one of those days that the kids remember.  I remember having days like that as a kid, but it was Thermopolis Hot Springs in Wyoming.  They are some of my best memories!

Which adventures do you remember most as a kid?

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