Third Stop: The Cabin (Idaho Falls, Part Two)

(Somewhere in the last few days, I went out for a run. G&G took the kids to the zoo/park, and I thought I could find my way over there. I did, actually, but I never found them. I headed for Grandma Great's house instead. We visited for a long while, and I thought... boy, they're going to think I'm running for a long time! I was headed out the door to run back home when G&G pulled up with L&C. Busted. I'm glad I was there, though, as the kids ran to the back to pick berries. They might have well been in a candy store. So cute!

Grandpa also took C to the local airport to watch the planes come in and out, but I can't remember what day that was either! Guess that's what happens when you write it down 5 months later!)

The next day, we decided to head up to the family cabin - just down the road from the Idaho/Wyoming border. Beautiful country... really, just beautiful. Again, no nap for the kids, so already we knew we were in for a treat! My mom was going to leave from there and meet A in Jackson Hole to continue on with their vacation. So, we planned to hang out for a while, have a bite for dinner, and then go our separate ways. My plan for the trip was to try and get pictures of the kids (18 mo for L and 3 year for C) while we were there. Can't ask for prettier backdrop, so that's why there were so many close ups of C in the previous post.

Carter has always been one to prefer going without clothes (underwear is ok, apparently - and thankfully), but this was the start of him taking it "public." Eventually, he got dressed.

G&G took Carter on a little hike and found a fun rock pile. Mind you, he hadn't had a nap, remember... they came back with one cranky, banged up little boy. He had fun of course, but a few bumps and bruises heavier on the return trip. I was told to be glad I didn't see the falls.

Mom and I hung out with Laney to try and get some pictures of her. She had fun playing in the flowers, and eventually Carter joined us. Gma even taught C how to blow on the dandelions until all of the little petals flew off..."like little helicopters."

We headed out for dinner a while later. Grandpa took C out to play while we waited. more bumps and bruises, and more telling mommy 'be glad you didn't see it.' Poor little guy was beat up. I actually was a little worried! So was Grandpa as he called us on the way to the airport the next day to check in.

Until next time, cabin...

With Grandpa gone and my mom headed off to meet A, we were down to four!

Second Stop: Idaho Falls - Grandma and Grandpa's house! Part One (August 2010)

Eventually we did make it to IF. My mom and I took the kids to a neat park in Salt Lake (though I thought we would die driving around in circles there. Really... it's not a fun place to navigate through if you're not used to it!). Figured we would get them worn out for a nap in the car. We left the park, had lunch, and hopped on the road. Did I mention we were stylin' in an awesome grey Crown Vic? It was like driving a boat. I digress...

I don't know how much the kids actually slept, but I remember having them having a yelling contest in the back and me threatening everything in my arsenal for them to sleep.

We finally made it to G&G's house. Such a cute place and perfect for kids. It has a giant playroom in the basement for lots of toys. And... best part for a Southerner in August... it was COLD. COLD in the basement. It was also really cool on the patio. Great place to relax and have a glass of wine. Bonus that you weren't attacked by bugs the size of baseballs or sweating so much you dropped your glass. Plus, Grandma has this cool table that turns into a chair.

We hung out that evening and prepared for adventures the next day.

(I hope I'm getting these in the right order... I have a feeling I'm not, but that's ok).

We hit the Farmer's Market with Grandma the next morning. YUM. However, note to self... bring the stroller. Anyway, so fun looking and sampling the yummy treats around. I even treated myself to a homemade root beer. And, I will say, the best pancakes I have ever eaten. I think Laney had 3 or 4.

No pictures here seeing how I forgot the stroller. We were doing good to make it home with both kids.

There was a fun little festival held that evening. Grandma and Grandpa went to a family reunion while the kiddos slept, and Mom and I headed up to the downtown/river area. We missed the duck race (hundreds of little ducks dropped in the river with numbers on them. first to cross the finish line gets a car or something. it's really cute), but we still had a nice time walking around. The kids liked to see real ducks and other birds, and there is lots of space to run around.

We met G&G for dinner at The Sandpiper. Awesome. There is a big patio overlooking the river - complete with jackets to borrow if you're cold. Ha! In August! Loved it. Anyway... it was a birthday dinner (for my mom and me!) celebration. The food is wonderful. Haven't been to IF but a couple of times, but we've been to eat here each time, and we will definitely go back.

Is It Even Possible to Chatch Up???

For real... it's been since end of September without my little 'putey up and running. Joel has been very patient as I have used his here and there, but now - My computer is back and ready for action!

So... where I left off. Last August? Seriously... hopefully I can still remember!