CAR RIDE
We all sighed in relief when Brooklyn finally fell asleep!
Audrey was a happy traveler, thanks to her new set of Junie B Jones books.
THE BIG ICE PACK
It was so good to see my parents again. Their hard work building, decorating, and landscaping around their new cabin has paid off. It was beautiful and the weather was absolutely perfect. Brooklyn overheats easily, so she was thrilled by how cool the cabin felt. She has started calling the cabin, "The Big Ice Pack."
The tulips and daffodils my dad planted were beautiful.
We loved how green everything was after leaving the brown of AZ.
The kids had fun playing at the Wildwood park near the cabin.
Brooklyn and Audrey could not get enough of the cabin's tire swing.
Even though it was quite cold and windy, the girls insisted on eating outside on their little picnic table.
The kids had fun playing with cousins, games, and toys inside the cabin. Brooklyn liked jumping out of her Magnatile house and surprising mom.
STEWART FALLS
We had a nice hike to Stewart falls, although I ended up spraining my ankle on the way back. This and some cold/rainy weather over the next couple of day ended our plans for more hikes on this trip. Note to self: Next time wear hiking shoes.
We were happy that my wonderful niece Emily could join us on the hike. On a hill, Emily and my kids are all the same height!
We had fun visiting with and going out to eat with the Barlows, and Maddy and Abby had fun sleeping over and hanging out with their cousin Emily. Brooklyn was excited to find a squishy toy that matched her shirt (matching is very important to Brooklyn).
SUNDAY S'MORES
On Sunday we had a nice church service at the cabin, and in the evening we roasted marshmallows for s'mores. My dad strategically placed the fire pit next to the rock wall of the mountain so you avoid having the wind blow smoke in your face.
Unfortunately I failed to get any pictures, but we had fun with Nikki and Andrew and the Grey Family family as well. Nathan had fun playing a very long game of Axis and Allies and watching Midway with the Greys. Brooklyn and Audrey had fun playing a shark game with Nash, and the rest of us enjoyed playing Sushi Go with Andrew and Nikki's family. We also got to see my Aunt Rebecca briefly, but had to keep our distance so as to not risk infecting her.
IDAHO
MK NATURE CENTER
Three little owls
Watching fish from the bridge
The fish bench
The lush, green scenery was beautiful. Brooklyn liked the deer, but was super afraid of the fish.
My 5 little birds in a replica of an eagle's nest. It really puts the size of their nests into perspective.
Petroglyphs
Little ones in a log
The playgrounds are open!
After the MK Nature center we decided to visit Katherine Albertson park, but were disappointed in how run down the park is now.
HIKE TO TABLE ROCK
We hiked table rock with Bryan and Afton's family. It is hard to tell with the lighting in the picture, but the view was amazing.
Brooklyn and Audrey liked hiking with their cousin Carissa.
ERIC'S NEW OFFICE
Eric gave Jared and me a tour of his new office, and even let us try out some of his therapies in his "mind gym."
BBQ AND SWIMMING
I was having so much fun that I forgot to take pictures, but we had a fun backyard BBQ and swim party at Bryan and Afton's house. My kids were in heaven!
GRANDMA'S HOUSE
Cooking at Grandma's house
Cousins
Audrey and Jenna had a sleep over and had so much fun together
Benson liked having a boy cousin to build LEGOs with.
Brooklyn really liked playing with her cousin Carissa.
Grandma's dress up collection is very fun. The kids put on a little fashion show. Brooklyn even decided to dress up like her Daddy.
We had a nice birthday dinner for Jenna and Jared.
Afterward the grandkids all performed in a talent show that included the piano, the viola, the flute, drawings, jokes, and origami. This was Audrey's first real recital.
BABY BLESSING
On our last day in Boise, we were able to gather at Kevin and Katie's new house for a baby blessing for their son Clark Kent Collett. It was a beautiful blessing and we are happy that we could be a part of it.
Last picture with Grandma and Grandpa before we had to say goodbye.
DRIVE BACK THROUGH UTAH
One last picture with grandparents before saying goodbye. Our time with family always seems to go by so fast!
Emily made it up to say goodbye to the girls one last time.
DRIVE HOME
Our drive home ended up taking over an hour longer than anticipated because of wildfires that closed down sections of I-17. We also ran into a long stretch of road through the Navajo Indian Reservation in which all bathrooms were closed due to Covid-19, which made for some very uncomfortable kids and adults. Luckily we made it to a gas station outside the reservation before any accidents happened.
By the end of the trip Brooklyn had had it, so I resorted to letting her use my phone for the last 30 minutes of our drive. She took some pictures of her legs and feet before figuring out how to take selfies. I love her selfie pout face!
