In late August, Brooks took off a week of work and we took a ten day road trip with the kids. The above pictures pretty much sum up how amazing the trip was. We saw amazing things and were able to visit with amazing friends as we traveled. We were in the car for a total of 50 hours and the boys did better than I ever could have imagined. We stopped at the Miller's on the way up and stayed the night with them before heading up to the Dobbins place in Pocatello.
The next morning we left to go camping in the Grand Tetons with Joe and Shelli's family. We found a camping spot and walked down to the lake. The kids were in heaven splashing and throwing rocks in the water.
We haven't camped in a while, so the kids were enthralled with the idea of the tent. This excitement led to them getting in the way while we set it up, but it's all part of the camping fun. Joe and Shelli brought amazing food and all the gear to cook it. Brooks and I are used to eating simple meals while camping and this was anything but simple. We were well taken care of by the Dobbins. After dinner, we went for a drive to the top of a lookout for sunset. The views were breathtaking and I had a moment at the top of the lookout that I don't want to forget. What an amazing world God gave us!
The next morning we went for a walk by the lake. The boys were posing for a picture which led to a wrestling match, as it usually does. Even in the rocks, they were wrestling.
After an amazing breakfast, we drove to Jenny Lake for a hike. This flag was on display and Landon and Elliot pointed it out immediately. With the Olympics being in August, they became very aware of the American flag and point it out wherever we go.
Our options for getting to the waterfall included taking a ferry across the lake or walking around the lake. We opted for the hike which was a good choice for some of us and not so great for others, but we all made it. There were stunning views as we got further along the hike and closer to cutting into the canyon.
After the hike, we drove to a spot where the kids could wade in the water. Landon wanted to lay on a towel so he snuggled up to Joe to stay warm. We had lunch, played in the water and said goodbye to Joe and Shelli. They headed home and we decided to stay another night.
The next morning, we drove to Yellowstone. We explored the geyser loop first. One of children was cooperative and one was less than thrilled with the walking, but they both enjoyed the geysers and pools. I love this picture of Elliot looking like a little tourist!
The boys liked to stop and read each sign. They are showing more interest in words and it is fun to watch.
After the geyser loop, we took a drive. We didn't see a lot of wildlife, but the drive was beautiful and we stopped to see amazing things.
On our way back from Yellowstone, we stopped to see the Fischers who were in Idaho to visit family. The boys still talk about when we lived next to Harrison, so they were really looking forward to this. We stayed the night at Kristi's mom's and then let the kids play all day. Having the three of them back together again was fun to see. They laugh at each other's jokes and get along so well. I wish we lived closer! Kristi and I chatted and hung out with the kids while Brooks and Forrest went for drive. We stayed for dinner and probably later than we should have because we had a hard time saying goodbye.
Then it was back to Pocatello for a couple nights. We went to the zoo, rode the four wheelers, played on the tire swing and Brooks went shooting with Joe. Brooks is in heaven when we are there and loves all the land to explore and the "toys" to play with. Riding the quads with their daddy was a highlight of the trip for Landon and Elliot.
Our last stop before heading home was Salt Lake. We met up with Amy and Jon at the dinosaur museum and the farm at Thanksgiving Point. These three kids together are adorable. Abbie is 5 days younger than them and they hit it off in Spokane as well. They have missed each other. Abbie had them right where she wanted them and they don't mind getting bossed around a bit by her. We frequently went to museums with Amy and Abbie in Spokane and it was fun to be back in the swing of things. After the museum, we went to Chris and Tiffany Barrus' for dinner, but I don't have any pictures. The kids played a little tee-ball in their yard which was pretty funny to watch.
Brooks took the kids on a walk in the morning. This is about the best picture we got of the kids together and Landon isn't even in it.
The trampoline was a big hit when we visited in July and didn't disappoint this time either. They spent all evening out there.
The night before we left, we got to see Sam, HelenAnn and the brand new Charlie. They were in town too and it worked out perfectly. The visit was short, but I am so glad we at least got to see each other and see the new baby.
This trip was so much fun, but it also brought back so many memories for me. We saw five of our favorite families, four from lawschool. Spokane was such a good experience for our little family and it is mainly because of these amazing friends. Just when I think I am starting to get used to living in Arizona, we go on a trip like this and it reminds me of how much we love and miss these friends. It worked out so well that we were able to see everyone on the same trip!
1 comment:
I love Jenny's Lake! Looks like so much fun. We keep thinking we need to make a trip to Yellowstone when we go up each summer, but still haven't done it since we've had the kids. Makes me miss home. :)
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