Museums in June

I'm behind on the blog.  When I'm finally caught up you will understand why I'm so far behind.  Summer has been full of adventures yet to be documented and now we are gearing up to hunker down for the winter. 
The following pictures were taken in June while the kids and I were in Idaho with my two neices, Jessica and Kaylee.

Anne (3) Grace (4) Jessica (10)  James (9 months) Kaylee (5)

Idaho Potato Museum, Blackfoot, Idaho

The Sorter

James is driving a potato harvester

Jessica and Kaylee drove it too.

Tools and Machines from the past.

Anyone want to ride on some metal wheels?!

James and Grandma Peggy had a great time together.

We also stopped in Fort Hall to visit the Bannock Tribal Museum.

I purchased a copy of my favorite childhood book, Naya Nuki, Shoshoni Girl who Ran by Kenneth Thomasa.  It is a true story about a 10 year old girl who is captured by an enemy tribe and her brave journey back to her family. Jessica and I enjoyed reading after the little ones were asleep.

The day was topped off with ice cream and the playground.

What a deliciously, delightful day.

Splash Parks

Fancy

A tribute to Idaho-by Edwin

My little brother recently posted a blog about a recent hike up to the top of two of the Grand Teton mountains in Grand Teton National Park. It reminded me how much I miss Idaho. So here is my picture tribute to home. Maybe you've been to some of these places.

Trinity Lakes.

It's quite a drive to get here. We took the mini van up to about 1/2 a mile from the lake shore. I was too chicken after that. A 4x4 truck would have no problem. There are many small or large hikes within just a short distance from this campground.

My parent's front yard.

Many adventures started here.

Shoshone Falls. A hidden gem in Southern Idaho, 212 feet high-that's 36 feet higher than Niagara Falls. South Fork of the Payette River. On a drive to go salmon fishing to catch the run up from the ocean, we stopped to get some energy out. We could have stopped just about anywhere and found it just as beautiful. Birch Creek. My favorite fishing hole. This stream is fed mostly by springs and is crystal clear year round.

So there you go. Don't forget to enjoy where you are by getting off your duff and experiencing it.

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."