Sun Valley, Idaho Part 7

These are pictures of the river that runs through Margaret and Charley's property. Colby and his dad moved some rocks to build a small dam. I promise you Charley and Margaret were there, I just didn't seem to get them in pictures. I think Margaret got some pictures on her camera, so I'll have to get them from her. For those of you with kids, I'm sure you know how hard it is to get everyone in pictures. We had such a great time and are so thankful that we could go spend time with them. Traveling with kids, especially babies, is a lot of work, but worth the effort. Even though they both probably won't remember the trip, the memories Colby, my mom, Colby's parents and I have made the trip memorable.

Sun Valley, Idaho Part 6

River Run Lodge
Bridge at River Run

Raif loving a pita chip at the golf club

Bailey swimming at the golf club pool

Raif and my mom swimming

We got to swim at the golf club Charley and Margaret belong to. They had a great little pool for Bailey and a big pool that we could all enjoy. We had lunch there and Raif got his first taste of a pita chip. That night we went over to River Run Lodge to show my mom the ski slopes.

Sun Valley, Idaho Part 5

We took a hike a few miles from the house. There were tons of butterflies and wild flowers. Bailey had fun picking all of the flowers and making a bouquet for her room. There was also a beaver house that we tried to get close to, but those darn beavers were too clever for us and we couldn't quite get to it.

Sun Valley, Idaho Part 4

These pictures were taken outside of Margaret and Charley's house.

Sun Valley, Idaho Part 3

We went to a fun little lake just outside of Ketchum. It was pretty hot, so the cold water felt great on our feet, although a bit too cold to swim in.

Sun Valley, Idaho Trip

Raif's First Airplane Ride
Bailey in the plane

Colby's parents invited us to their home in Sun Valley, Idaho. My mom joined us for the trip (my dad couldn't get time off). Raif got to have his first plane ride, and it was Bailey's first time with her own seat. We had tons of fun hiking, seeing horses, playing in the river, and we even saw a deer come within about 10 feet from the dining room window. Picutes to follow on a different post.

Sun Valley, Idaho Trip Part 2

Bailey kicking the water
My mom and Bailey splashing around
Colby joined in on the fun

Raif did not like the cold water, so he chose a shady spot instead

Swans at the Sun Valley club with 6 babies

There was a beautiful little park in Ketchum that had these shooting water fountains. Bailey had tons of fun, but the water was a bit chilly for Raif. We also went to the Sun Valley club to see baby swans.

We've Got a Crawler

With your first child, you always want them to sit up, start crawling, walk, talk, etc. It kind of makes you feel like you're doing your job as a parent and they are hitting all of the milestones they are supposed to. With your second, I really wanted these "milestones" to be prolonged as possible. Not only because he is my baby and we are done having kids, but mostly because it is so much easier when they just stay put. However, he is so cute crawling around and so proud of himself. There is no stopping Raif now.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Why is it when you need them to play in the pack-n-play, they don't want to? And, when they're too big for the pack-n-play all they want to do is play in there.

Laughter is Infectious

These are basically two of the same video. Raif was hysterical about playing peek-a-boo. I couldn't decide which one was better, so I posted them both. Hopefully his laughter puts a smile on your face.

Happy 11th Birthday Lexy!

The birthday girl at my mom and dad's

Eli and Colby with Raif waiting in line

Bailey on It's a Small World
Jaymee in much better mood

Raif and Colby on It's a Small World

Kelly and Lexy and Jaymee (in not such a good mood)

We celebrated Lexy's 11th birthday with a little trip to Disneyland. It was sweltering hot, but there was not a whole lot of people there. After the trip to Disneyland, we went over to my mom and dad's for some tacos (at Lexy's request) and some ice cream cake from Trader Joe's (which by the way is delicious).

Grandpa Jim Would Have Been 80 Today!

My sister Kelly and I with our late Grandpa Jim

My Grandpa died in March of 1994, but would have been 80 today. He was such a special man to so many people, and we still miss him dearly. I write this in my blog so both my sister's and my children will know how much their Great Grandpa meant to all of us. He had one of the biggest hearts and his love for his family was unsurpassed.

One of the BEST kid's toys

Bailey's princess car (a great 1st birthday present from Aunt Beth and Uncle Ken, and still used daily) Raif's 1st Christmas present from Grandma and Grandpa, up until now Bailey has used, but Raif will probably start to fight her for it.

These little cars/trains are truly one of the best kids toys out there. They come in all shapes and sizes, and are such a great toy. Lots of buttons and the kids get exercise inside the house. Bailey has used hers since the day she got it on her 1st birthday, and it's still going strong after almost 2 1/2 years of daily use. Raif loves his train and can push and pull on many of the buttons already to make music and noise. My brother-in-law told me that there are some toys you will hear when they are long gone. He still hears this Elmo driving car thing (Jaymee is now almost 13). Mine will be the princess music from Bailey's car. I hear it in my sleep, one of the perks they don't warn you about as a parent!

Mohawk anyone?

Raif's hair is finally long enough to get into a mohawak. Okay, it's a sad attempt at a mohawak, but I just love his little curls.

Sleepless Night

Raif had a very rough night last night, he was up for who knows how long. This is a picture of him this morning at 9 a.m., which is 2 hours after he normally gets up. His sweet little face is how I know I can get through another one of those sleepless nights.

4th of July

Bailey's graham cracker designs
My attempt at star decorated cupcakes, I forgot to order Sarah's this year. Check out www.fortheloveofsugar.com for Sarah Witt's beautifully decorated cupcakes.

Sarah and Paige

Bailey with one of the many water balloons on the beach

Raif and me after his sand eating

Colby with our little sand eater

Raif chillin with his cup

The day before the 4th. Raif helped me make the cupcakes. He got to lick the spoon.

We had a wonderful 4th of July this year, Raif's first. Raif helped me the day before by making cupcakes while his sister was sleeping. She said she "didn't want to make cupcakes," but I knew she would when she woke up so we decorated frosting covered graham crackers, my Grandpa Jim's favorite, when she woke up. We celebrated the 4th of July at the bay on the peninsula with the Irelands, the Jacobs's and Sarah's friends Sarah and Travis from up north. Check out their blog for some more fun pictures of the day http://www.aaronandsarahireland.blogspot.com/ We were at the beach for many hours, then ventured over to the Hertzog's for a BBQ. We didn't last long and then came home to enjoy the fireworks from atop our roof. Bailey was so excited to see the fireworks and then immediately fell asleep upon hitting her pillow.