Vacation! Part 1

I am sitting here in my house on my last official day of vacation. I am thinking back to how fun this one was. My parents came down from Washington last Saturday evening and stayed through Wednesday morning. On Sunday, my Dad, Chet, and Bennett worked on building the fence along the west side of our property. I took my mom and Brax up to the Boise National Forest. We took a scenic drive through the mountains. I am always amazed at how we go from high desert to true forest in less than 15 minutes. My mom was amazed at the views. Then we went into Horseshoe Bend and visited the White Horse Mercantile and picked up some supplies.

One of our wonderful views

Following the bend in the road to new destinations

On Monday, my mom and I took Bennett and his buddy Karson to Roaring Springs for the day. We dropped them off and then her and I had a great day, shopping, talking, having lunch and just having a wonderful day. We picked up the boys in the early evening, they were tired, hungry and smiley. They had such a great time. I am so glad we had the chance to take them before school started.  My dad worked on the fence while we were out, then Chet joined him once we did the Braxton pass off. These guys were all about the fence.

Tuesday was spent in Emmett with my mom and Brax picking up some supplies for dinner. We then stopped by the best local produce stand in our area, Volcanic Farms. If you are driving through Horseshoe Bend, stop by and pick up some fresh, hot corn on the cob or one of their glorious pies. Trust me on the pie, it is so worth it. I actually take two up to my parents house in Washington when we go there for Thanksgiving.  We had Chet’s parents up for dinner and our neighbor Dave. It was such a fun evening for everyone. Chet and I both feel so happy that our parents genuinely get along and like to hang out together. While we were eating dinner, Chet and I sat at the bar while everyone else sat at the table. It was like we were on a date in a restaurant. Then we took a drive to the top of the property, just the two of us. I saw the progress of the fence. Holy smokes, those guys worked non stop and they got the fence 85% completed.

Smoky sunset

Wednesday came too soon. They had to leave in the late morning. The boys were bummed. Braxton kept saying he wanted to go to Mema’s house. It was very cute.I am so grateful they were able to spend part of the week with us. We had the best time with my parents and look forward to doing it again, sooner than later. This was Part 1. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday had some great highlights as well. I will post those later today.

the boys with Mema and Papa

Spring into Summer type of Weekend

This past weekend was one of the best I have had in 2015. We started Friday evening at the in-laws, visiting with Dreamy Eye’s Aunt who was visiting from California. Braxton rode on the riding lawn mower and tractor with Papa, Bennett self entertained with baseball, then I pitched to him while he practiced hitting left handed and we all had a good visit.

Saturday we planted a lot of plants into our landscaping. I love gardening! I painted some more trim in Bennett’s room and started on 2 project for each of the boys rooms. Then we got ready to go to a graduation party for our friend’s daughter. The party was so much fun. Their property is amazing and I adore the view from their front yard. Bennett ended up staying the night there with his buddy. Everyone had a great time!

A gorgeous view of Dry Buck Mountain

Brax having fun on the trampoline

Warm evening, a beer and this beautiful view. I am not sure it gets any better than this

Love the shadow tractor and cloud formations

Sunday was a day of lounging and water play. Dreamy Eyes got up with Brax and let me sleep in. I love this man! We had a slow morning of music, cooking shows and coffee. Brax was missing Bennett so much. He kept asking to see pics of B on my phone. I am not sure how this munchkin will do when Bennett is gone for 3 weeks this month. Once B was home and Brax was up from his nap, it was outdoor water time. B really wanted to slip and slide so Dreamy Eyes set up up with some black plastic and sprinkler. Both boys had so much fun. Dreamy Eyes and I had fun just sitting back and watching the action.

He was slipping and sliding too. Whatever Bennett does, Brax does too.

Love this! Head first all the way to the end.

When you want to slip and slide but don’t live near a store… you improvise

Because Dad and Bennett do it, Brax needs to drink from the hose too!

Next weekend is filled with a birthday BBQ for both boys, finishing B’s room, and getting B ready for 3 weeks of fun with Mema and Papa in Washington. Thank you for stopping in to check out my latest post. Have a wonderful day and remember to pay it forward.

Spring in the foothills of Idaho

I went on a walk today with Milo to the top of our property. What a gorgeous walk. We have had quite a bit of rain and cooler temperatures this past week. This infusion of moisture and cooler temperatures have brought the meadows, hills and mountains to bright, beautiful life. Here are some pictures from our walk, though they really don’t do it justice.

green, blue and gorgeous!

Blue sky with puffy white clouds…

Scenic Views

One of my favorite views from the east side of the property

Meadows full of glorious green grasses.

From the back of the property

I may or may not have hopped the fence and walked a few hundred yards to get this shot. I am not saying either way.

My most loyal companion Milo. He will follow me wherever I go. What a wonderful dog.

The colors on these hills are magnificent right now.

A long drink out of the seasonal creek back at the house. He earned that cool refreshing drink.

Thank you for dropping to check out my pictures. Have a great day and remember to be grateful and pay forward good deeds to your fellow human.

Blue Skies, Outdoor Walks, 4 Legged Friends and Family

We have been blessed with a sunny, blue skied January day. Dreamy Eyes and I decided to take a walk up to the top of the property today. After a week of inversion fogs and clouds this day is a breath of fresh air, literally. We put our boots on, bundled up Brax, put him in the back pack carrier, I strapped him on, and we rounded up our Bumpus Hounds and Bennett. We took off and ran into our friends Joe and Pumpkin. These are our neighbors horses. Brax loves them. They came right to us to get some pets.

Our neighbor’s horse Joe. He is one pretty horse.

This is Pumpkin. She is the friendliest, sweetest horse you will meet.

Next we headed up the hill to the top of our property. At the top we saw about 10 White Tailed Deer. They were hanging out by our pond, until Brax alerted them to our location. He was squealling at them,  because they are so exciting. We watched them jog up the hill, hop the fence and jog away. I love how their white tails flop when they run and jump. Then we saw a herd of about 100 elk down in the valley between our hill and the neighboring hill. I love when the elk are back. They make late winter even better!

From the top of the property the views are wonderful. Today with no clouds or haze, it was phenomenal.

Glorious, beautiful blue sky! I have missed you so much!

What is that bright orb in the sky? Oh yes, I remember now… It is the sun!

I love the old wood fence posts. They are crooked and most are rotting, but they are rustic and original.

The Bumpus Hounds and the boys had a blast as well. The sun seems to give all us a little extra pep in our step.

Braxton loves to be out walking with mom to the top of the hill

Happy Milo!

Roxie Girl is still healing but can now be off the leash on walks. She is much happier now that she has a bit more freedom.

I was reminded this morning of the gratitude I feel daily to live out here at the base of the mountains with wildlife all around us. I said an extra prayer of gratitude for the wonderful sunshine and blue skies today. Thank you for stopping by to check out this post. I hope you are all enjoying your weekend as well. Remember to take a moment to be intentionally grateful everyday!

Snow, Sunshine and Sub-Zero Temps…

I have spent the morning surrounded by the glorious warmth of the wood stove, listening to music, sipping hot coffee, while Brax runs around finding the wrong things to get into. It is so fun to have a toddler running around the house, it can be exhausting, however the pure joy he brings is just the thing to keep me young. The dogs are inside a lot right now because of the weather, needless to say that is a whole new world of play for Brax.

We had the large snow storm on Thursday and Friday followed by clear skies and sub-zero temps overnight. I love how the snow crystals look like a layer of glitter has been spread over the crust of the snow when the temps are arctic cold and the sun is shining. It is so bright outside, it looks like a post card. I feel like I am visiting a ski resort today or staying in someone’s cabin in January.

I was taking pictures from the porches today. I did not bundle up to go into the yard or venture onto the property. Those pics will come later this weekend. Thank you for stopping by to check out our snow, blue skies and scenery. I am happy and grateful you came to see me.

Bright Blues Skies and Shimmering Snow

Snow Covered Bird House with Autumn Leaves…