Labor Day Weekend

Just got back from Stanley, had an amazing weekend camping with all of our neighbors.  It was our usual tradition near Knapp Creek cutting as much wood as we could for everyone's wood stoves.  Gotta prep for winter!  We brought back about 8-10 cords - that's alotta wood! 

Timothy's all mighty powerful Jeep - Ha Ha

Friday night as we were all hanging out, John looked over and swore to the group that he saw a black wolf about 15 yards away.  We weren't quite sure until the next morning when some friends down the road confirmed by telling us that they had also seen two wolves leaving our camp area early Saturday morning.  So being the curious creatures that we are...Craig, Arley and I went on a 5-7 mile hike in the forest (pistols included) to see if we could find them.  No such luck, but we did visit a beautiful alpine lake and got a very good workout in the nice weather. 

Got home Monday around three in the afternoon, just enough time to unpack the camper, shower and get the goodies out for the first Boise State game of the season.  It was an amazing start to the season, Boise State beating Virginia Tech 33-30!!!  That keeps us 3rd place in the AP Poll and brings us up to 3rd in the USA  Today Coaches Poll.  GO BRONCOS!!!

Wow, all in just one Friday

Such a fun-filled night!!! 

We finally found the boat we've been looking for.  It's a 2002 21' Sun Tracker Deck Boat. Seats 10 and gets up to 33 MPH, perfect for pulling behind.  Phil's in heaven with the trolling motor and front deck setup perfectly for fishing. Can't wait to have all of our friends & family out for a good time!

Phil inspecting at the shop, this exterior shot shows the two front deck seats

The interior, gotta love the wrap-around seating and sun tanning deck in back

After our neighbors toured the new boat, we walked down to PizzalChik for a few pitchers of beer and some delicious pizza.  Played some foosball and listened to the great house band.  Love that place!

Our favorite cook, Montana watching Bob & Phil play

Shmoozing on my honey as he was teasing me with those nasty anchovies he loves so much.

After all that, we still weren't done. Caught a cab over to Laura's house to catch her birthday party.  We told her on the way over via text, "Its too late, we're not coming" and then as we walked in sent her another, "Surprise, open the gate woman!".  She loved it and I was so glad that even so late into the night, we still made it over.  It was a great party with fabulous friends!  Phil brought her a very appropriate bottle of wine, "Sin Zin".  Ha!!

Exploring Yellowstone with Grandma July 9-11, 2010

Magic Reservoir

Camping Trip #4 and its only June ~ what a fantastic summer this is turning out to be.

This past weekend we tried a new spot, Magic Reservoir.  Surprising that I haven't been here before, being that its so close to Mtn. Home. Phil enjoyed fishing out on the boat for the most part of the trip.  He caught some rainbow trout and cooked it up for lunch, the taste was absolutely delicious!  I stayed on shore and soaked up the sun with a good book and glass of wine while soaking my feet in the cool water.  We had a spot all to ourselves with no nearby neighbors.  A peaceful weekend indeed!

Sunday evening our friend Jason drove down from Hailey for a few hours and had dinner with us.  I made Baked Chicken and Rice in the dutch oven, turned out excellent. 

Magic Reservoir (7 mi. east of Fairfield, Idaho)

Our camping setup

    

Two very content puppies

Fresh fish for lunch

Collecting wood for a nice fire

Our backyard

With all the late rain, we had to wait until mid June to put in the garden this year. Phil's nuts -  he planted a whopping 16 Tomato Plants!  He makes the best sauce, this year we're going to mostly can whole tomatoes.  Other items in the garden are cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, onions, corn, carrots, radishes and more.

The pretty view from our backyard, looks up towards Bogus Basin and Stack Rock. The neighbors have about 6 horses we enjoy watching and there are deer that come down most evenings to feed in the hay field. 

Phil surprised me in May by bringing home three hens from D&B Supply. We're really enjoying their presence in the backyard and are very much looking forward to the fresh eggs. 

Each time our 2 1/2 year old nephew Tim visits, he'll ask Grandma, "I go see Uncle Phil's chickens?"  and when its time to go, he'll call out all sweet-like, "Byeeee girlsss".

Wishing you were here

Happy Father's Day Dad, I love you.

Yellow roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, place them in my Dad’s arms and tell him they’re from me. Tell him that I love and miss him, and when he turns to smile, place a kiss upon his cheek and hold him for awhile. Remembering him is easy, I do it every day, and there is an ache in my heart that will never go away.

A photo I love that my grandmother passed on to me one Christmas morning, along with the flag from his Memorial.  

My sister Kellie and I with Dad, the only portrait we have together with him.

Happy Camp - June 10-13, 2010

Just as its titled, this must be the happiest of all camps, because I'm on a natural high for weeks afterwards.  I feel so honored to have such wonderful girlfriends.  Really and truly I am blessed to have them in my life.

This was my second time joining the girls on their yearly adventure.  There are only two rules, 1) Be happy & 2) No boys allowed.  How could you not love that, right?  :) 

The Middle Fork of the Boise river, near Atlanta, Idaho

Plenty of hotsprings, hiking, and happy adventures through and through

Heather making her FABULOUS Dutch Oven Chicken Enchiladas

Good times around the campfire

One last toast and a pose before heading home