Happy 4th of July!

We had so much fun at Red Fish Lake that we turned around and went out the next week for the 4th of July!  Deer Creek had one spot left for a trailer and we snagged it up.  Packing this time went fast, mostly because we had done it before, and the food was easy.

Within 20 minutes of arriving, the kids were playing "Cover Your Assets" and Dave and I were enjoying a walk around the campground.  Dinner was brats, guitar music by the fire, and s'mores rounded out our evening together.

The next morning, cousins Doug and Ron and their families, met us at the reservoir for some paddle boarding.  It was so much fun!  Later that evening, we went over to Connie's for a family gathering and learned that Cheri has a new baby, Lily.  What a fun celebration of our nation!

Taylor's FIRST Job: KOHL'S

When Taylor started looking for a job and applied at Kohl's, we didn't know what to expect.  She went in to her interview, nailed it, and found a place that is paying her well for her first job!  She is working a ton this summer, putting away money toward a car, choir trip, and Europe, and ready to learn from this experience.  We are so proud of our girl!

Back Then.....and NOW!

 

I came across this 2005 picture of our little family at a family reunion at Red Fish Lake.  On the way home, Taylor and Jaxson acted soooo badly that Dave stuffed his ear with cotton.  We were so negatively affected by the drive home that Dave said he was through having kids.  Three days later at my annual physical, I learned I was unexpectedly pregnant which resulted in the birth of our sweet Austin!

Thirteen years later, we took a picture of our family in the exact same spot on the beach of Red Fish Lake, including both Austin and Alyssa.  Dave and I were filled with such love and gratitude for the path in which our life together has been directed and the way the good Lord has abundantly blessed our marriage and family.  This is such a special moment for us as a family.  Here's to many more pictures at Red Fish Lake in the same spot!

Summer Fun with this Love Bug: Alyssa!

 I enjoy spending this with Alyssa so much!  She is fun and a joy!  I finally bought her scriptures since it has been over a year from her 8th birthday. Hahaha!  I also had fun taking her and Maddie to a Real Soccer game for women.  

Our chunky, new nephew: Teage!

 Congrats to Brantly and Mel: we are smitten!

Red Fish Lake and Sawtooth Mountains Vacation- Day 4

 We decided we wanted to leave with plenty of time so we arose by 7:30am for our last breakfast in the trailer and clean up time.  It took a little while to get all of our things packed and tied down in the RV.  By 9:30, we were on the road!  Driving back down was way faster since it was almost entirely downhill.  As we neared Shoshone, I told Dave and I wanted to take a short detour to show our kids Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls.  Some complained, but Dave agreed that we should see it. 

And the entire family was  glad we stopped!  Shoshone Falls is quite impressive!  We passed the Twin Falls Temple on our way and then winded down a narrow road with the rig behind us.  The waterfalls were incredible!  We could feel the mist on our faces as well.  It was simply magical!

We made it home in the early evening and spent hours unpacking, doing laundry, and putting away things.  It was a wonderful trip for our first time in our RV.  We loved spending time together too.  Love my family more than anything!