at home in the mountains

One of the things we miss the most about home are the mountains. Just a few minutes drive and you are treated to the sweet smell of fresh air, views as far as you can imagine, aspen leaves dancing in the sun, cooler temperatures, and the peace of nature. I want to go back just writing about it. We took 3 "big" trips to the mountains. We took a picnic lunch up to a little stream where we ate and played. We took a rather long 4-wheeler ride up to Oxford Peak. And most important we went camping!

Camping

It worked out that we could only spend 1 night camping with Brock. It was still enough to get dirty, stinky, and see some amazing sights. Rhone was instantly entertained by pretending to hammer in the tent stakes with rocks, watching for wildlife and throwing sticks and pine cones into the fire.

Roasting our hot dog over the fireA little stroll with Brock


Sitting by the fire with Papa Gotta love a dirty face Idaho sunset Getting ready for bed. I love the boots, PJ's, and "Ace" what a fun mix.

The long trek to Oxford

We didn't actually make it clear to the peak. We had been on the trail a while and it was getting a little too techincal to have Rhone along. So we skipped the last bit and the hike across the ridge to the top. My traffic driving skills have improved on the east coast, but unfortunately my 4-wheeling skills haven't. I lost my momentum going up a rocky hill and had to do the walk of shame to the top, while my oh so kind brother rode the 4-wheeler up. It was still absolutely beautiful. Rhone was smiles the whole way even though he was restrained in the backpack the whole time.

On the trail. The ridge in the middle is the peak. You can see clear into the Cache Valley from up there. If you look closely you can see the trail up ahead.

Safely tucked away on Papa's back

Aren't those farm fields a LONG way down?

The view from part way down the trail

The family shot for the trip

There was some serious dust on the trail. Check out my uni-brow.

Still all smiles after the ride. He was waving bye bye like he was ready to go again.

Picnic Trip

This beautiful little canyon is only a few miles from my parents house. I absolutely love that in a matter of minutes we can be in such a beautiful place. Rhone loved throwing rocks in the stream, snacking on fresh peas, and spotting cows and wildlife. It was one delightful lunch.

Rhone and his Pop pop.
Watch out for that rock, it's coming right at ya!

at home with family

When we go home to Idaho we are always busy-busy spending time with our family. It feels like we try to cram in all the things we missed in the months apart. We are so blessed to have such a great family.

Rhone enjoying one of his 1st rootbeer floats with his Great Gramps.

Granny the Great and her two great grandsons

We love cooking over a fire and spending time together. I wish those Aspen trees were in my backyard.

Brock with Olin and Rhone.
Sleeping cousins
Tossing rocks in the ditch with "Pop pop"

Getting ready for fireworks with Nana
Still giving kisses to mom.

Getting to Idaho

Getting to Idaho feels like a lot of work. This trip Ben was able to take us up to the airport. We did the trip without a stroller so a little extra help getting checked in was nice. Since Ben came with us, we decided to hit up the Philadelphia Please Touch Children's museum and get some cheesesteaks before our flight. We thought this would be a great way to wear Rhone out before the 5+ hour flight. It was rainy so the museum was a little crowded, but Rhone had a great time anyway. Our plan didn't work out though. Rhone didn't even close his eyes for the entire flight. He was really good, just really busy the whole time. My mom picked us up at the airport and then we spent the night so we could see Ben's mom and 2 sisters in Salt Lake. Rhone stayed up until 10:30 pm (that's 12:30 our time!) putting on a show for everyone. Grandmommy was even sweet enough to bring Rhone some toy pots and pans from Ikea. They are a big hit. It is nice to finally be enjoying life in Idaho!

Goodbye to the city!

Art with Dad

Shopping up a storm

Driving the real bus

Waiting in line with mom

Riding the carousel with Dad. Check out the cool goat that he's on.

Operating heavy machinery

We colored, stamped, read, painted, snacked, magnified, stickered, suctioned, and played until we made it to Salt Lake City.

We only managed to take one picture with Ben's family. Here we are with Grandmommy, Aunt Gabi, and Aunt Livi. We are so glad we got a chance to catch up.


Hello to the country! It feels nice to be home.

Dad's day and stuff

This post should get me caught up before Rhone and I head to Idaho. Our schedule has been crazy the last little bit. This is how it goes: 10 days Ben gone, 12 days Ben home, 18 days Ben gone, 13 days Ben home, 17 days Meag and Rhone gone to Idaho. So when we are together we try to spend time doing fun things as a family. We celebrated Father's Day when Ben got home. We've done a little kayaking, hit some beaches, played in the pool, and worked on a few projects. Rhone turned 18 months too!

Rhone and Ben opening gifts on Dad's day. Rhone made Ben a really cute card and a luggage tag, we wanted to go useful. Ben got a flag for our house, a new watch and some other random stuff.

Rhone helping Ben put up the flag. He LOVED the drill.

Dad's day meal. Fresh tomatoes and green beans from our garden!

We kayaked on Silver Lake, which goes right through town.

We also took the kayak out on the bay. Rhone could play in sand forever.

We picked the 1st tomato from our garden.

Playing at the beach. This is the first time Rhone has ever been burried. It was pretty cute.



Can you tell what's different about these 2 pictures. My nice sunglass broke, so I picked up some cheap replacements. Yep, I agree they are pretty terrible. (Notice Rhone just wandering away in the background).

There is a little pool on base that we visit with our friends. These pictures were taken on Rhone's half birthday. He's our 18 month little guy now (that's a year and half for those of you who don't speak mommy).

Rhone usually wears a swim shirt, so this picture cracks me up. He's only in the 65% for weight now, so he's not that chubby any more.

Look at those cute little booties. Ben thinks it's funny I took this picture. I think it's cute.

I made this hooded towel for a baby shower. It wasn't much sewing and went pretty quick. I love projects like that.

Independence Day Together!

We were excited that Ben made it home just in time for the long weekend! We did all the essential 4th of July events. We had a barbecue, went to the parade, and watched the fireworks. The best part was we got it spend it with Ben (even if he came back from the desert sick). We are so grateful for our Independence and those who make it possible.

SATURDAY BBQ
We had some friends from church over for a get together. Rhone made "fireworks" that we hung on the deck and I made a patriotic cake. It was a 5 layer cake. It was pretty tasty and worth the work for a holiday. It was fun to have so many little ones running around and splashing in the water. The food was delicious and the company was great.

The artist showing off his work and dirty hands.

Rhone's finished fireworks and my finished cake.

The inside surprise. It's a flag!

Our usual splash pool got too crowded so we set this little one up too, but then the boys (and a shovel) all got in anyway.

The slip and slide was the highlight of the night- so much entertainment for the kiddos and the adults. Check out this little guy's form- he was good.

Nice try Rhone!

PARADE AND FIREWORKS

The parade was at night. I've never heard of that before, but it was a little cooler and closer to the fireworks show. So I thought it worked out nicely. DE does not allow any personal fireworks, not even a sparkler. So if you want to see fireworks you have to go to the big show. Rhone was getting tired by show time. But he had a great time running around and playing with his friend while we were waiting for it to get dark. He was unsure about all the noise, but still kept an eye on the show as long as he was being snuggled.

Waiting for the parade to start.

Watching the action. Notice the candy in every possible holding spot.



Watching the fireworks safe in Dad's arms.


Isn't this a great shot of Ben's plane. The lighting is perfect.