What We Love about Idaho

Good news folks! We have a new computer. The other one was not worth salvaging. Sigh. Oh well.

Bad news folks! No new news on the adoption front. Are we surprised? NO. Again we wait. Extra sigh.

Now onto the real reason for this post. We spent an amazing week in Idaho last week. The main purpose was for Devin to work at Spud Harvest (separate post coming), so while he got to work 16 hour days, the kids and I got to play, play, play. It was a much needed break from the stresses of life. It is always rejuvenating to spend time with family, especially when they are dealing with some of the same stresses that we are. Nothing needs to be said, but just spending time together is healing.

Without further ado, enjoy a picture tour and a bunch of reasons why we loved our time in good ol' Idaho:

• Food. Food. Food. Oh and cousin bonding time. :) We had a pizza night one night at Sue's house. We then ate Apple Crisp and roasted Smores. Can never go wrong with more than one dessert, right? This is the only picture of that event that I took. Avery and Hallie loving Sue's new kitty. What a cheeser, that Hallie.

• Birthday parties galore! Avery turned 6, so we celebrated with a party at the "Pee-Pee Palace" (aka Green Canyon Hot Springs). This place is a fun little swimming area, but as you can tell, our always-kind-and-ever-appropriate family has given it a nickname. We asked the lady how old the red lounge chairs there are (serious memories of these as a child) and she said "oh at least 50 years old." Suffice it to say, it's a bit run down. 

That Sunday, we also had a mega-birthday party for Jennifer, Devin, Houston, and I who all had birthdays in a 2 week period. Of course we had to have two kinds of cake (back to to the multiple desserts issue) and lots and lots of food. It was a great time to be with everyone. Devin even got to be there because Sundays are days off from the spuds.

• Hailie's volleyball game! You know we love any excuse we can get to yell and be obnoxious. Poor Hailie, I am sure we just slightly embarrassed her in front of her friends. She plays some awesome volleyball, though, I'll tell you that much. (Love Mari Ann in this picture. Classic.)

• Down time. Uh, perhaps Hallie had watched a few too many movies at this point? Glued. Yes. Glued. Okay, she actually only looked this way because it was her favorite movie, Tangled. We don't own it, so she watches it at everyone else's house whenever she can.

• We got to see this beautiful girl, plus her daddy and siblings. I am embarrassed to say that I have not seen Charlie since she was in the hospital. It is hard to get to Logan (2 1/2 hours away) without my kids so I haven't been. But, Brad and the kids came up to Idaho for the weekend and it was so great to see them. I had some special Charlie cuddle time and it was so good for me. I love that little angel. She is so sweet and doing so incredibly well. I just look at her and can't help but think what a miracle her life is.

• Spending time with Grandma. I love being at my Grandma's house. It holds so many of my memories. Whether we are having a big get together, or there are just a few of us there talking, I cherish the time at her house. I look forward to it. This is one of my favorite places in the world. I love knowing that the door is always open and that I can sit there for hours and not be a burden. And hey, you can't beat that view of the Snake River, either.

All in all, a fabulous week spent on my home turf. I love Idaho. Even though I haven't lived there in years, it still feels like "home" to me.

And how about some bonus pictures of some cute kiddos? On our way home, we picked up Hudson and we got to spend a few days with him while his mama and daddy worked/went to school. We had such a fun time.

Two cute boys in a stroller!

Attempt at getting a picture of the kids...sorry Hals, kept chopping her out!

Again, just cute. Best buds.

That's it for now...Spud Harvest pictures to come. I know, I know, you can't wait!