Deadwood Lookout

October 14-15th, 2012

We've been so busy this year, there's been little time to get out and about.  So after wrapping up a 2-month long expansion project at work, I decided to plan us a little getaway.  And THIS is where we ran off to.

By far one of the neatest places I've been to in our wonderful world of Idaho.  We went for a 12 mile ride on our 4-wheeler and came back to the Lookout to snuggle in for the evening.  We danced, laughed, cozied up to the wood stove.  Marveled at my growing belly, loved up on Cody, had chili dogs for dinner, played Gin Rummy, and fell asleep watching Braveheart on my iPhone.  It was a wonderful way to get away from all the craziness that life brings. 

LIttle D on the way!

We're Expecting!!

A Baby Girl ~ Anita Grace

Expected on or around February 16th, 2013

This is our long awaited miracle in progress.  We are over the moon and can't wait for the special day when we finally hold her in our arms. 

I'm currently in the 2nd trimester and happy to report the pregnancy has been smooth moving with no issues. 

Holly & Andy's Wedding

I flew to Ohio the first week of July to attend my cousin Holly's wedding.  It was by far the most elegant wedding affair I've seen put together, which is no surprise at all if you've met Holly.  The evening couldn't have been more perfect for the happy couple.

Most of my time was spent relaxing and just catching up with the fam.  We had three busy days for wedding activites, and aside from that I mostly hung on the front porch with Grandma, Aunt Karen and Uncle Greg.  Fireflies lit up the sky at night, such a treat as we do not have them out west.  And I had stromboli ordered to reminisce from when I was a little girl, my Dad and I loved that stuff! 

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Knight!

Proud Mother and Father of the Bride.  

Andy with my beautiful Grandmother

Me with Phil's parents, who drove down to join us for the occasion.

They won the Anniversary dance, 46 years strong!

Happy Camp 2012

Happy Camp this year was north of Upper Payette Lake near Burgdorf Hot Springs.  Adria and I only went up for a quick overnighter.  We missed out on most of the fun, but had a lovely time just hanging at camp and staying warm by the camp fire. 

The weather was interesting to say the least, we arrived around 2:30 on Saturday, got setup in nice weather and right around the time we were done the skies opened up with sleet and rain.  We partied around the campfire all night complete with canopies and umbrellas, and LOTS of firewood to keep warm.  The girls made a delicious beef stew and biscuit concoction in the dutch oven that fit the weather perfectly.

All throughout the night it snowed, sliding off our tents in big, noisy chunks.  We woke up to 2-3 inches of very wet, icky snow.  Kendahl's new 10x10 canopy in the kitchen area collapsed.  Needless to say these poor ladies had been in this weather for 3-4 days and were over it completely.  We went without the usual breakfast hour, and just got straight to packing and heading out.  We stopped in Cascade on the way home and had breakfast with a few of the other girls.  Thankfully Boise was sunny, warm and perfect for setting up and drying out our camping gear. 

No matter the weather, we are HAPPY Campers!

Hot Springin'

Good Morning!

A view of Upper Payette Lake on our way home

Update on Dad

Dad's walk in support of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network on May 5th  was a huge hit!  He raised $980 - well past his goal of a mere $250.  So happy we could all band together and help him for a great cause, and one that has so suddenly affected our family.
Dad told us on the phone later that day he felt good to know he was not alone in this, he was able to talk to many of those in a similar situation.  But on the other hand it was also tough to realize that this is a long lasting affair, something that will require frequent and constant surveillance. 

Here's the crew that gathered for the walk in Troy, Michigan on May 5th.  And to include us, they sent us shirts too. 

Dad, Uncle Dave, Marie, Kristin, Jimmy, Sue, Rhonda, Paula and Mom

Here's a nice video put together of the event and our family at the 2:24 mark

Cancer strikes again

It is with dismay that I share the news of my father-in-law Jim recently being diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. We’re thankful in the fact it’s been caught early and he is scheduled in May to go in to tackle the latest tumors discovered. The initial diagnosis was found last summer when he and Mom were out here visiting us for the Fourth of July. He had had a case of diverticulitis and during a CT scan in the ER, something else had popped up on the screen. He was told at that time to enjoy the rest of his vacation, but once he got home to get in for a checkup. This is now his second time finding and addressing the tumors.
 Like Dad does, he’s staying strong and keeping a positive spirit as best he can. He, along with many members of our family, will be walking in support of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network on May 5th in Troy, Michigan. If anyone would like to donate to his walking campaign, here is the link. http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=196127

 
I know not many of you know Phil’s dad. He is the Fire Chief of his community back in Michigan of many years, a teacher, and of course the amazing family man we all love so very, very much.

Just thought I’d share in support of this wonderful cause, most importantly just asking for your positive thoughts & prayers.

Springtime Inspired

My beautiful manicure from Jen's new technique of using foils. 
English rose...