Monday, June 25, 2012

Camping in Challis

We got back Saturday night from a great camping trip in Challis, Idaho.  It was technically a "work trip" for Josh.  The area Marine Corps recruiting stations all get together for a week in Challis for some training and also some good family time.  The training was really just one morning and a couple of hours one afternoon.  The rest of the time we were free to do whatever we wanted.

This was the first time we have taken the girls camping and Uncle Jim was nice enough to let us borrow his trailer for the trip.  We were a little worried about how the girls would sleep in the big trailer and sharing a bed (they just recently got the hang of sleeping in their toddler beds).  The first night, we made up their little shared bed, and they fell to sleep holding hands.  Too cute!  There were some rough nights and the girls each took some turns in our bed, but overall they thought it was pretty cool.

Camping girls
 All three of our little ones splashing around in the Salmon River. 
 We went "hiking" which was basically a little walk.  The girls thought riding in those backpacks was the equivalent of riding rides at Disneyland. 



 Stopping to give daddy some hugs

 We hunted for rocks (and threw them in the river)
 And we got REALLY sticky roasting marshmallows over the fire. 
We all came back tired and dirty on Saturday.  The girls slept from 8 pm to 9:15 am the next morning and then took a three-hour nap! 

We hope to have more camping trips soon.

Golfing, Hiking and Firetrucks

We are having a fun (and busy) summer so far in Utah.  Most of our weekends are jam packed and I have a hard time remembering to take pictures and blog about everything.  So, here's a recap of some things we've done lately.

Father's day: We went out to a local cafe for breakfast and ran into an old friend from high school (and junior high, elementary, etc).  Robert was one of Josh's first friends and is now a fire fighter with one of the local stations.  He showed the girls around the firetruck and made them some balloon chickens.  It was fun to catch up.  Later that day, we also went up to my parent's and had a delicious lunch with my family, but I forgot to take pictures. :(

A week or so ago, I took Blue boy out for a quick hike in Ferguson Canyon on my lunch break.  The trail head is just about a mile from our house and there are some incredible views from up there.  Blue had fun being off his leash and running after all the other doggies.  And I am so happy to be home in this lovely little valley.
Golfing!  The girls have been mini golfing with grandpa twice now.  The first time Uncle Scotty came, and the second time Bubba came.  Now whenever we pass a golf course they say "I golfing with grandpa!". 
Last time they played golf, they got their first cart ride around the golf course.  I have many memories of riding around the golf course with my grandma at Mick Riley where my grandpa was the pro.  As we would pull away from the clubhouse, he would yell after her not to let me drive the cart.  As soon as we were out of eyesight, it was game on.  I took the wheel and tore around anywhere I wanted - up on the greens, down into ditches, way off the cart paths.  Maybe the girls will get to drive soon. 

Sunday, June 03, 2012

Wheeler Farm Farmer's Market

It's officially summertime here, which means its time for the farmer's market!  We decided to try the one at Wheeler Farm today and it was a fun way to spend the morning. The highlight was definitely the pony ride for the girls.  Piper got right on (her pony was named Gil) and looked mildly amused the whole time.  Josie was either laughing or crying hysterically unless daddy stayed right by her side (her pony was Midnight).  Sometimes I wonder how these girls are even sisters! 

 Checking out some lambs and "easter bunnies" and enjoying a pancake breakfast.  




Grandpa Turns 60

One of the best things about being back in Utah is that we don't have to miss out on big important family events anymore.  We got here just in time to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday last weekend.  It was a very fun evening with family at Brynn and Nate's house.  The girls had a blast and tried to steal the show from grandpa.  And they got to eat more birthday cake, which is always a hit.

The girlies love their grandpa!
 Josie being cute and Piper waiting patiently for her cake. 
 The Wathen family. 
 One with just the original kids
 With Uncle Jeff and Uncle Scotty
 Blowing out candles on the cake that Hanky tested out for us. :) 
 Steve, Bubba, Aunt Leslie and Uncle Jeff
 Steve and Bubba with the Johnson family
 A couple more cute ones of the girlies. 
 I sure do love my dad and I'm so glad he can spend more time with Josie and Piper.