Sam's First Art Project

We made this special picture for my Dad's birthday last week. Sammy had so much fun making it, but the best part was my dad really loved it:) Sammy loves his Pop!

Visit to Grammy & Poppy's House

A couple of weeks ago, we went to Boise to visit with Brandon's family...

Sam just LOVES to see his cousins. They are so sweet to him! Piper was so helpful and good to him and little Gagey had a shadow everywhere he went. It was so cute:)

Trip To The Boise Fair

Weeeee!

Oink

Sammy loved seeing all the different animals!

So precious!!! Look... even little Ramsey is smiling!

Moooo Cow!

I think Sam really enjoyed seeing the cows. It's funny... I thought he would really like the rides at the fair, but really, it's the little things. He was so cute: he leaned down and gave the cow a kiss!

(little) Mooo Cow!

Smooch Moo Cow!

Shelly's Little Angels:)

Here we are with Shelly's kids Piper, Gage and Ramsey. We had so much fun visiting with them. They are such a great family. Thanks guys!

We've got an egg!

One of our hens layed her first egg yesterday. It was so cool! The yolk was bright orange and the shell was brown. The other 6 chickens aren't laying as of yet, but I'm sure it won't be long. I love having chickens... it's really fun:)

 I think I'll name this chicken "Rosey."

8 More Weeks To Go!

I feel like I'm about ready to lay an egg too...ha ha.

Today I am 8 months pregnant with exactly 8 more weeks until my due date. Wow! This preganancy has really gone by fast so far. I guess Sammy really keeps me on my toes.

So, for all of you that say that I don't look too pregnant... you are all so sweet, but boy do I feel big!!!

We Love You Nana

Today is the service for Madge Donchess, my Nana who passed away this week. We love you and will always remember you Nana!

On our way to "Mountain Mama's"

Two weekends ago, on Friday July 16th, we headed up north for our first camping trip of the year. We went to "mountain Mama's" which is this awesome craft fair in Stanley, Idaho. We weren't really going for the crafts- more for the scenery, fun, and food. Also, this was Sammy's first time camping since he walks on two feet. Here's Sam riding in the car on Friday evening.

We had to drive around for a while to find a camp site. Next time we will reserve a site... it will be much easier! These shots were taken at Stanley Lake at dusk. Isn't it beautiful!

At the Festival

Just chillin' at Mountain Mama's... yeah!

The next morning (after an interesting, but successful night of camping with Sammy) we drove into the small town of Stanley and headed over to Mountain Mama's. It was SO MUCH FUN! We ate all sorts of good food, listened to music, and hug out all day. It was great! I really needed some relaxing time with my family, and on this day, I got it!

Mountain Mama's

There's Sammy in the middle listening to a band in his stroller.

Sunbeam Hot Springs

After the festival, we took a drive up north to Sunbeam Hot springs, and Sammy and I had the most relaxing time hanging out in the pools. I was surprised at how calm he was wit me there. He just sat in my lap and we looked at the different colored rocks from the pool. It was a beautiful memory. Brandon came down with the camera at the perfect time too! So, here we are, hanging in the pool. I am 7 months pregnant.

Another reason that this visit to Sunbeam was so special was because I had visited this hot springs, just me and my dog, when I first drove through this area about 4 years ago. I sat in this hot spring, all alone and decided that I really liked Idaho, and thought I would try to find a place to settle here. Then I drove down to Ketchum, and the rest is history. Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined that I would have this amazing family and be as happy as I am now. Life is beautiful and mysterious and I love it!

Pictures of the Sawtooths

Here are some shots as we drove through Stanley. I took this one from the car, and it wasn't my best shot, so I dug up some shots I took 3 years ago... here they are...

...and this is why they're called "The Sawtooth" Mountain Range...

Isn't Stanley amazing! This is how I first fell in love with Idaho... can you blame me!?

Our Last Night Camping

After a long and wonderful day in the mountains, we went back to our campsite to make dinner and camp for a second night with Sammy. Long story short, tent camping with an 18-month old proved to be quite the challenge. Sammy's favorite activity was to throw dust and run off into the forest. My allergies were killing me, Brandon was getting eaten by some tiny gnats (of all things), and we still had quite a while until the sun went down and Sam went to bed. Brandon and I looked at each other and decided to head home. It was the best decision ever. He was right... one night camping is plenty, especially with a toddler! So we packed up and headed home, but what a GREAT trip. Happy memories!