Memorable Memorial Weekend in McCall

For several months, I knew that I wanted to go to McCall for Memorial Day weekend. Monday of Memorial Day weekend would be my dad's birthday and I wanted to be somewhere where I could really think about and celebrate him. My dad loved the outdoors and being in nature, so I knew that McCall was where I could feel closest to him. Nathan had called his friend to ask if we could have their cabin for that weekend but it was already going to be used. I just kept hoping that something would change and we would get to go to McCall. Thursday night at 9pm we got a phone call that plans had changed and that if we wanted the cabin, it was ours. At 11 o'clock that same night, we called and invited the Ramey family to go with us.

The big kids decided to try ice skating. They all LOVED it!


The kids took a break from skating and had a scrumptious lunch on a boat dock and then headed back in for more skating.





The weekend wouldn't be complete without having some tasty treat at Ice Cream Alley.


The kids spent most of their time near water; whether it was on a boat dock fishing, playing in the sand or throwing rocks into Payette Lake.
Boy howdy did we have us some fun!!










We also made yummy s'mores, took a few naps and fed Hot Dog Bob.










We had so much fun with the Ramey's!!


When we got back to Boise, my mom was at our home so together we sang Happy Birthday to Grandpa, ate German Chocolate cake,(his favorite) and watched a movie that Sarah had made of Grandpa from last summer. It was wonderful to celebrate Dad with my mom and family. Happy Birthday, Dad!!

These are pictures of Andrew and Sarah fishing with my dad in the summer of 2006. I treasure these pictures of my kids doing something with my dad that he loved. He also loved to find arrowheads and on his birthday, Spencer found one in Payette Lake. I felt it was my dad's way of letting us know that he is close and still very much a part of our lives.



We love and miss you so much, Grandpa!!

Oh, Happy Day!

I thought that I might just include this in our post about our busy month of May, but then I decided it deserved it's own post. May 15th was a very happy day in the life of Sarah as she got her braces off! Here is a picture of her before...

Yep, she was pretty excited! Here she is with her braces off. What a beautiful young lady - inside and out!!

She got a bag full of candy she wasn't supposed to eat while she had her braces on and a jar of sparkling cider to celebrate with. (Sorry it's so blurry.)

Oh, happy day!!

Neighborhood Visitors

Do you remember the post from here and here and again here?

Well, we have yet again some fun visitors in our neighborhood. We've gone on several walks to go and see them and have driven by many times. We just can't get over how darling they are, especially the babies. I love listening to them call to their mamas. They are in our neighborhood to help with controlling weeds and reducing potential wildfire fuel load in our open spaces. I must add that they are doing a really good job.




Some of the colorings on the goats are so intriguing. I think they are so beautiful and unique. They make you think you need one in your own backyard.

life lately

Here is what we've been up to lately.

Andrew has gone out for track. He's had three track meets and has done really well in all of them. He's gotten 2nd and 3rd place in the soccer ball throw. 2nd place in the standing long jump. He's done several relay races and gotten 1st and 2nd twice. He's ran the 800m and got 1st and ran the 400m and got 1st and 2nd.


Spencer went on a walking field trip with his class. They had created door hangers for Earth Day and placed them on neighborhood doors.



Benjamin, Levi and I went to a park a couple of weeks ago and then walked down to the river. I love being out in nature with my kids. I love watching them explore, throwing rocks in to water and seeing them choose their favorite stick. It's so good for our souls.




We also stumbled upon the coolest fort.



Every Spring at our elementary school the 5th graders become a famous person for a "Living Museum". Andrew became Andrew Jackson and did a wonderful job. He had memorized his script perfectly and helped create his props and background. (Nonnie helped him with the props and Grandpa helped him with his costume - thank you!!)


We have been freezing but enjoying watching all of the Spring sport events.


Spencer participated in his first Pinewood Derby. He did GREAT!! His car took first place in several races and I loved how he showed complete sportsmanship towards the other boys. Spencer is an amazing example of what a Cub Scout stands for!



Benjamin "graduated" from his Speech class. We are SO proud of him and all his hard work.


Nathan needed to buy a new tie when he had gone to work without one one day and found he had an unexpected meeting that required he wear one. I loved getting this picture in a text from him. Isn't he and the tie so fun?!!


I've been trying to keep up with the busyness of it all and learning new, healthy ways to feed my family. Check out those Alfalfa sprouts (that I grew) on homemade whole wheat bread! Oh yeah!