We absolutely loved spending time in Idaho this summer. There is just something special about that place. It's laid back, low key, beautiful, and full of family for us. There really are not many places that rejuvenate me like going to Idaho does. My kids have developed a love for it also and truly look forward to going there for visits. We loved seeing my parents, cousins, and sisters. I haven't spent that much time with my sister Shannon in years. It was wonderful!
We were a little late in getting our big one year old a cake. We just flat ran out of time to do it before we left for the summer and then we waited for Jared to get back in town to join us in the cake celebration. She was really funny about it.
Checking out this strange thing:
Getting a little taste:
Being supervised by two very anxious-to-eat-cake big brothers and Dada:
This big boy grew up a ton over the summer. He has become way more responsible and very thoughtful of those around him. I just love his tender heart and sweet personality!
We also loved getting to know our new niece/cousin. Shannon's little girl Kira was born last November, but none of us had met her yet! She is such a happy, laid back girl and Capri was quite intrigued by her. Look at that sweet smile!
This picture just makes me laugh because it's so true of the relationship between these two. Parker loves to bug Brody. Apparently this time it was by laying like this and not getting off. Parker thought it was hilarious. Brody, not so much.
Ha! While that was going on in the living room, this girl kept at her cake. She pulled out her hair tie and became a sticky mess. I think the fact that her dad had been sneaking her treats since she was about 8 months old took some of the fun out of the first birthday cake, but I really don't think she minded too much. Silly Daddy....
Miss Capri also figured out how to walk while we were in Idaho. She had taken a few steps before we left home, but she became a pro in Idaho. This is rather funny because Brody also learned how to walk at Grandma Burden's house. Back then we lived in Colorado and I had taken him up there for a visit with my Grandma. I'm telling you, there's just something special about that place!
Maybe it's this lady! I just love my Grandma. She's 89 years young, and I feel so lucky to get to spend time with her. I feel like she is an angel here on earth. She helps me so much in so many ways. I hope I can be more like her when I grow up. I love hearing her stories and learning about where she came from. It's amazing the trials that every person goes through, and it helps sometimes to listen to someone with the big picture of their entire life to put things into perspective. If that makes any sense.
Love you Grandma Burden! Such a classy lady, my Grandma.
Grandma always calls Capri, "A little doll." I love how Grandma is looking at Capri in this picture. They have a darling relationship. Those boys down there are pretty dang cute, too!
We also made our annual trek to Bear World. Actually we went about 8 times. I'm not sure these boys will ever get tired of the rides at Bear World.
This little lady really just liked watching the boys. Look at this sweet face!
I decided to look into some rock climbing while we were there. Parker climbs on absolutely everything and is obsessed with American Ninja Warrior. I thought it might be fun to take him rock climbing. Bonus for me is that everything is super cheap in Idaho Falls, so it only cost me $5 total for both boys for 3 hours!
I was so happy to find an activity that they both really, really loved.
Cute boys!
The guy working there said Parker had really great natural technique. That doesn't surprise me one bit!
Not scared of heights at all, either!
Grammy
I took advantage of the babysitters while I was there to take my boys on individual dates. I took Brody to the driving range and for a snow cone and Parker wanted to go to Five Guys and the park to practice being a Ninja Warrior. He's hard to get a good picture of these days, but I loved this one:
Parker's personality cracks me up. He is one of the most animated people I know. All of these took place in about 1 minute.
I loved taking Brody to the driving range. The weather was beautiful and it was so fun to watch his personality. He really is such a patient little boy. He made sure to take the time to line up every putt:
Notice his pattern he set up? He'd hit one ball and then move them all forward a position before he'd hit the next one. I love his little brain.
We finally took Daddy to Bear World!! Jared had never been before, so the boys loved taking him around and showing him all there is to see there. They especially loved that daddy was able to ride the rides with them. I sorta think he looks like a Jolly Green giant. ha!
Waving to baby sister
Capri also got to ride her very first ride. A train ride! She was taking it all in and loved being with her daddy.
She waved at me every time she went by. haha!
My 3 bears:
We had so much fun spending the 4th of July with our family. We had a BBQ at my cousins and then all went together to watch the fireworks. Little known fact is that Idaho Falls has one of the top rated fireworks shows in the country. People come from all over to see it. Meleleuca puts a lot of money into making it great, and we really enjoyed it!
Capri and her cousin Kira on the 4th. Kira is 4.5 months younger than Capri, but since Capri is a bit of a peanut, they are about the same size. I love these two girls!
Watching the fireworks:
Grammy and her girls
Look at her curls these days!
My dad also took Brody out to the driving range. This picture makes me happy. I don't know if Brody will like golf forever, but I'm grateful he'll have the memory of golfing with Grandpa.
While we were in Idaho Falls, they held their annual Relay for Life. Ashley always participates every year as a cancer survivor. This year my mom went with her and walked as a caregiver. Even though it was a long time ago, it still makes me teary to see her do this. It caught me a little off guard, but I forget sometimes what a trooper she has been and all that my mom went through to help her. We are all very blessed!
I have wonderful parents!
haha! Twinner waves.
Somehow this got out of order, but this is my favorite picture of us with my Grandma. The boys are darling, and my grandma is just beautiful!
Last day pictures. I was so sad to leave my family. That was the longest I had been around them all together in a long time and it was just so nice and comfortable. I'm grateful I got to know my niece and nephew better also. Capri loved Aunt Ash! Look at all of these happy faces!
My mom drove with me from Idaho Falls to Reno, NV. On our way through Idaho, we went to show my mom the Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho. She has passed by them lots of times but had never stopped to see them. They were pretty low, but still beautiful! Idaho is a wonderful place.
Just a few pictures of our travel adventures. I am a mean mom who won't let my kids have electronics in the car. I'm also a little strange because I think of it like a challenge. It makes me use my brain and come up with fun ways to entertain them. Glow sticks are endless fun on a long car ride.
Parker aka Hulk Smash.
In Reno we got to visit our best Texas friends. My friend Elizabeth is from Reno, so they were there on their summer vacation. The kids really enjoyed seeing some familiar faces and I really loved spending time with my friend. It was great to see where she was from. Reno is nothing like I really thought it was!
Brody, Parker, Lauren, Spencer, and Carter.
To California we go!
