Anne Turned 3 in Idaho

Anne turned three while we were in Idaho (Edwin was back in Iowa by this time).  Edwin gave Anne a Nerf Blasting gun for a gift.  She opened it when her daddy called in the morning so everyone was shot all day long.  Even Grandpa Dave joined the action outside on the trampoline.

While we waited for the party to begin, we went to see the favorite swimming hole while I was growing up.  This is a irrigation canal with a concrete slab that made for a great waterslide that sent you through the rapids, under the bridge, and then spit you out on the opposite side of the road.  Jessica and Kaylee enjoyed seeing places from their daddy's high school stories.

Kaylee Joe 5 years old

Jessica Marie 10 years old

Anne was glad to have cousins to play with at the party.

Kaylee and Jessica taught us to sing a new birthday song.

"Happy Birthday to you. You're a hundred and three.  You still go to preschool, and you miss your mommy."

Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner and birthday celebrations.

Anne tried to break open the flower pinata, but alas, she was "not strong enough."

Candles on the birthday cake is the best part about birthdays.

Grandpa Dave made sure Anne got plenty of birthday spankings.

Anne said, "Birfday spankings don't hurt.  Dey  are dunny."

Fishing At Birch Creek

A trip to Idaho isn't complete without a visit to Birch Creek for some fishing.  This year we happened to make it for Free Fishing Day so everyone grabbed a pole and headed out the door.  Yes, it was June and we were still wearing our much needed winter coats.  Some people wondered why I was unpacking the winter clothes to put in the suitcase, but the mother's intuition, or maybe my Idaho Bones knew we were going to need a few more things than shorts and flip-flops.

I hooked my first fish.  It was thrilling to catch a fish and I now understand the fishing addiction.  I will be signing up for more fishing trips with my own pole in the future.  Edwin offered to kill and clean it for me, but my catch, my job.  Grandpa fried it up and Grace and Anne ate most of it.

Outdoor activities are much more enjoyable as the kids get older and when there are other "big people" to help with the babies.  James loves sticks and fishing poles...every morning he clamours into our closet to test out Edwin's fishing pole.

Grace enjoyed casting.  Not much of a fisherman, but boy can she cast!

Mid-June and snow on the mountains.  It snowed while were were there.  June and July were meant to be enjoyed playing outside, eating Popsicles, watermelon, and ice cream.  We are back home catching fireflies, jumping in the pool, and playing in the fountains.  Happy to be home...still missing Idaho.  Even the cold.

Hairstylists In Training

Every girl loves to comb hair. 

Grandma Peggy let Anne and Kaylee style her hair several times while we were visiting.

Three Step A Mile

Watch Out World Here He Comes

While we were in Idaho, James was beginning to stand on his own as long as he had something in his hands.

He is now walking and Grace will tell you, "He walks three steps a mile." 

9 Months Old and Walking

Sledding In June

Although it snowed in June while we were in Idaho, Edwin showed us a new way to ride a sled inside. One needs slippery sleeping bags, a set of long stairs, and a bunch of kids ready to laugh.  I took James down the stairs once and he had a great time too! 

Kaylee Joe (age 5)

Jessica Marie (age 10)

Grace (age 4)

Anne (age 3)

Kaylee and Jessica are my nieces and they were staying at my mom's house for a few weeks with me. 

We enjoyed playing together.