Bonneville 07/07

As you can see we were out in the woods again. We had a BIG family trip this time.  We had my bunch, the Smith fam., Mom & Dad, Roc & Renee, Becca & Tim, Nat, and Sadie girl.  A good time was had by all.  We left on thurs afternoon headed for Bonneville hot springs.  We enjoyed twice dailey soaks, with cool creek swims and raft rides. A day trip up to Stanley.  Bug eating by Austin and I.  Fish kissing by Austin and I. Tons of chipmunk feeding.   I did my share of fishing.  (and catching)  It was a good opportunity to just hang out with the kids.  We had some good growth time for the young ones.  They get more confident and outgoing with each trip.  I love how the lord uses the woods to teach strength and courage.   

Goose Lake.

It has been quite a time around here the past few weeks.  Hailey has learned how to ride her bike.  It was a wonderful moment I was able to share with her.  The kids are out of school for the summer.  They both did very well.  We are smack dab in the middle of the outdoor season and we are enjoying it to the fullest. 

The pic. abouve is one that we just love.  Hailey is shooting Lowmans cap gun and it is a bit loud and has a hard trigger.  She needed her brother to lend a hand.....or two.  It was neat to see.

As you may have guessed, we have a large honey bee gathering in Jackson's dog house.  We are giving them a few days to move on before we make they go.  They are nice and calm and are just hanging out.  I was able to get within a few feet of them for the pics.

All in all we are doing great.  Work is busy and the family is going strong.

First off, I would like to extend a big "THANK YOU" to all of our men and women who have, and continue to protect our fine country from enemies both foreign and domestic.  We could not do the things we do with out you.

We are back from a wonderful backpacking trip into the beautiful boulder lake area of the Payette Nat'l Forest.  Lowman and I went with Rob, Austin, and Taylor.  It was a "man" trip.  For Lowman and Taylor it was their first venture into the backpacking world.  They both did an amazing job.  They packed heavy packs for 2 miles up hills, over creeks and rocks.  They even did alittle rock climbing.  It was wonderful to see these 3 boys in the rough Idaho woods, being boys.  Taking chances, trusting, and growing with each step.  I can not tell you how proud I am to have a son, and 2 nephews that are growing up to be the young men they are.  They are going to be good at this stuff.  I believe that these experiences that they share will both bring them closer and teach them lessons that they will carry with them for all of their years.  We are so blessed. 

If you will notice in the pics. Rob and I are the ones that look worse for wear.  We will be left in the boys dust soon enough.  Teach them right and let them run.  It will be a wonderful thing for me to watch.  Again, SOOOOOOOOO proud of our boys!!!

What a ride!!

The last few weeks has been a tornado of activity.  Here we go.  We got the call a few weeks ago that Tres' grandmother wasn't expected to be with us much longer.  Cancer.  Tres' worked things out and flew down to AZ to see her.  She was down in AZ for alittle over a week.  Her grandmother passed over the weekend.  It was good for Tres to get to say what she needed to say to her grandmother.  I was home with my little tribe.  Two kids don't seem like much, but they are a chore. I was Mom & Dad.  My work gave me three days of paid so it wasn't as bad as it could have been.  Thank you lord for a wonderful family that loves to help.  The kids were a huge help.  I know everyone thinks that their offspring is tops, but you are all wrong.....Except for MY Mom and Dad, They have a son that is also tops. I think that this week was the least they have argued in years.  I had help with the house work, and animals.  I think that kids tend to know when they need to "step it up", the rest of the time they are just kids. 

 Speaking of animals.  All the prayers have paid off!! Lowman's pet has made a full recovery.  Geiko is up and running, eating like a horse.  The boy is so happy. 

I went with Rob to the speedway here while back.  If you have not taken in a short track car race, you are sooooo missing out.  Put it on your 100 things to do list. The kids and I took in Austin and Taylor's soccer games last Sat.  Was a nice start to a great family day. 

Our little artists each won 2nd place in a school dist. art contest.  We went to their ceremony last night.  I wish you could have all seen they.  Absolutely beaming!!!!  They both love art so much.  They sit in on Theresa's art class once a week, so they get some good pointers and a creative atmosphere that helps them along.  We are so proud. 

All in all it was a pretty good span of time.  I'm sure that I am leaving out about a dozen details, but who want to know everything.  Right?.