Last Sunday, I went to visit my friend Chenoa and her amazing family in Swan Valley. She let me take pictures of her kids. Chenoa and Mike just finished the two and a half year pain-staking process of adopting Djeulisa and Chrisnaider. They are siblings from Haiti and they sure are cute. I'm excited to see their progress over the next few months and years. Rowan is almost 2; Djeulis is 5; and Chrisnaider is almost 9.

Spud Day

September 19, 2009,

If you live near Shelley, Idaho and have never been to Spud Day, you are definitely missing out. I think they have the best parade around and who can't resist a free baked potato with all the trimmings. The weather was a little on the hot side, but at least it didn't rain or snow.

The kids loved the parade. Gabe was excited about the big farm equipment and big trucks. Madi liked the cheerleaders and Miss Russet. The 007 demolition car you see in the picture was Madi's version of a 'brand new car'.

Horsey Rides

"Can I give you a horsey ride?" she asks Gabe. Yep, she volunteers to give her brother horsey rides. These rides crack me up. In reality Gabe wobbles from one side to the other and does some kind of crazy walk along the way.

Oops... a flat tire.

Peaches

Did I tell you I canned peaches? Of course I didn't, I'm a bad blogger. Well I canned peaches and I did it by myself. I'll tell you what, if it wasn't for the great flavor and deliciousness of home canned peaches, it wouldn't be worth it. It is so time consuming. Half way through the process, I thought to myself, this is a waste of time. I switched to peach jam, but then I had more peaches. So I did another batch of canned peaches. I would say I'm through, but every time a pass a street vendor selling those delicious peaches; I want to buy them, take them home and can them for a tasty treat this winter.

Island Park

Years ago I remember a trip to Island Park with my grandparents. Curtis and I rode in the truck pulling the trailer with my grandpa. As we approached the Island Park exit, the rest of the family passed us and my brothers and sister held up their root beer cans as they drove by. I think they were trying to make us jealous and envious of their trip in the old standby van. It worked, we were jealous, but not for long. Grandpa pulled the truck to the side of the road immediately. We had just pulled onto highway 20, grandpa told us to wait in the truck as he climbed inside the trailer. He brought back two ice cold pops. To top it off, grandpa stopped at Elk Creek station and Curtis and I got to pick up an extra treat. Whistle pops. Grandpa said we had to share and so we purchased one for everyone. My mother inherited the lot in Island Park YEARS ago. She has dreamed about having a cabin in the woods for as long as I can remember, but this lot has sat and has been lonely for years. Of course, once or twice a year my parents have driven by to check on its existence, but nobody has used it. Well last year, my mother decided it was time.... She borrowed her sister's motor home and we ventured to Island Park for the weekend. She doesn't have her cabin in the woods, but it's close. Three trailers later....she now can spend her summers there. (no joke, my dad has purchased THREE camp trailers; and I failed to mention my dad does not like camping) My sister and grandma were here from Kentucky at the end of August, so to Island Park they went. The kids and I joined them on Saturday morning. The kids were so excited to get to sleep on the bunk beds, they settled for just the mattress. On Saturday night we went to the Playmill Theater to see the Secret Garden. It was an amazing production. 110 degrees inside, but the show was great. I think they don't have air conditioning so the playhouse can sell more refreshments at intermission. Madi loved the production. She was so attentive, but man she likes to ask a lot of questions. Here's a few pictures:

Madi loved the screen door on the trailer, it was easy for her to open and close. I think she did just that about 101 times.

Grandma is not afraid of much and she's willing to try ANYTHING (oh the stories). She's 88 and yes she has complete control of the 4-wheeler. Two years ago she was making a trail on a snow machine.

Gabe's always looking for a good sword fight. He had an ample supply of stakes which made great fighters.

The kids love their aunt Jennifer.

and Rusty TOO...

Who doesn't love baby bubbles.

This picture cracks me up. My little princess and her night in play clothes.

It was fun and I hope Madi and Gabe have fond memories of Island Park with their grandparents.

September

It's September and I haven't posted about a single thing. It isn't that we aren't doing anything, I just haven't adapted to back to school changes and a busy football schedule. It's work everyday, cook dinner, and put the kids to bed. Of course that is nothing new. What is new? Tuesday nights, Madi has dance; Thursday nights are freshman and JV football games; and Friday nights are Varsity football games. (Yes, WE do go to all the games.) I promise in the coming week there will be plenty of posts.