Let Freedom Ring

It's no surprise that the 4th of July is my favorite holiday!

Who wouldn't love BBQ's, parades and fireworks?!

We stayed in IF for the 4th and it was perfect! 

Sam, Daniel and Sami came and enjoyed the weekend with us.

On the 4th we went to the Idaho Falls Parade.

I love parades! This parade was interesting - but still good.

The boys loved seeing everything from the firetrucks, to tractors, to horses, to lots and lots of kids walking. 

Winston loved the little flag and waved it with pride.

After the parade we came back to our home and relaxed.

Ahh, relaxation - my favorite!

We enjoyed a extra yummy bbq dinner of Shish-ka-babs with all the regular sides.

Delicious!

Once it got dark we headed to the Melaluca Firework Show.

IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!

It is claimed to be the largest firework show West of the Mississippi.

It also helped the we had the best seats available!

They shoot the fireworks off right on the Snake River, and there we were, on the river - no joke, the closest people to them. It defiantly helps when James' assistant is from IF and knows all the tips and tricks to getting good seats and where to park!

Lincoln actually liked fireworks this year! yay!

Winston pretty much slept through them all. He was tired because we had to wake him up to take him with us. No matte what, I'm happy there were no tears this 4th of July!

Pineview Weekend

James was able to spoil us with his work for a long weekend up at Pineview Reservoir.

We invited Kelli and her kiddos to come spend as afternoon on the Lake. Lincoln and Winston loved having some Mack time - and I loved having some Kelli time.

Too bad the weather was TERRIBLE!! It was cold and raining the whole day. But rain and cold never stops us from being on the lake!

We had a mix up with our condo that we had rented which ended up being fabulous for us because we were then put into a 6 bedroom condo with a personal hot tub, theater room and they ever had trains and a train table! Our kids were in heaven! Having such a nice place to stay made for a very, very relaxing weekend with my little family.

John and his family was up there as well with us. It was a fun weekend hanging with a few of the Wright's.

The highlight of the trip was Mr. Lincoln

He wanted to be in the water all day, every day.

He loved tubing with dad and going fast (maybe a little too fast for this momma to see)

AND he was able to surf with James too! It was 100% Lincoln's idea to do it - his only rule was that dad could crash and get him wet :)

Linc was a bit hesitant and sometimes his face showed he was terrified but in the end he was so proud he went.

And James didn't crash either!

Kelli boarding in a complete hail storm :)

  

Henry's Lake & Yellowstone

In June we went with our good friends to their Lake House/Cabin at Henry's Lake, which is just by Island Park.

We had such a great time with friends, eating yummy food, playing at the lake, jet skiing, sight seeing and making memories.

We also went to Yellowstone (which is only 15 minutes from their cabin). We tried to see a much Yellowstone as we could in 8 hours! I was a bit disappointed we only saw Bison and Elk. James and I were ready to see some bears - but maybe next time we will be lucky enough to spot some.

Lincoln loved playing with all the girls

Winston cried 98 % of the weekend. He. was. miserable! Poor kid just wanted is own bed to sleep in.

James and I loved getting out of IF and enjoying some real Idaho!

Thanks Petersen's for the fun long weekend!!

Until next time Yellowstone!

ps - we have a year pass to Yellowstone if anybody wants to come exploring with us :)

Yes, I really like visitors :)