Throttle Thumb ~ It's been a good day!

We finally got out Monday morning for our first ride of the season, happy to report that Idaho is getting hit with a ton of fresh powder!  Smith's Ferry and Sagehen were absolutely beautiful.  Sleds ran great and we enjoyed making fresh tracks the whole way in.

Overlooking the Payette River near Smith's Ferry

Phil cutting up Little Sagehen Basin

There is hope!

“I don’t have AUTISM anymore”?   

Watch this and hear it from the families themselves. 

"AUTISM YESTERDAY" Autism is Reversible from JB Handley on Vimeo.

Graduation

Brown Mackie College - Boise

Associate of Applied Science, Accounting Technology

Honors Graduate



Relieved and happy to finally be able to say "I did it"

Anna and Leann, two dear friends I made along the way.

My wonderful Accounting Professor, Chris. 

Couldn't have done it without him!



Cirque du Soleil's Alegria in Boise

We went to see Alegria with our friends Jason & Courtney last night, and it was absolutely one of the most enchanting shows I've ever seen. 
Next year they are doing a Michael Jackson tribute tour, and I am most definitely going to try to round up a group of friends to go see it in Portland.

Precinct 70 Poll Girls

And a new tradition is born!  I was invited this year to join my girlfriends for Election Day as Ada County Poll Workers.  We had so much fun and thankfully the day stayed busy and pretty much flew by. Voter turnout for our precinct was over 56% - very impressive!

Precinct 70 Poll Girls: 

Sarah, Brandy, Amy, Tena, Amber & Laura

Laura, our delightful and well prepared Chief Judge keeping us in line

Our Potluck:  Potato/sausage breakfast casserole, fruits and veggies, sandwiches, white lightning chicken chili, and an amazing homemade apple dessert.  

Laura, Am and Amy checking ID's and taking signatures

Tena and Sarah distributing and receiving ballots

Halloween

The Stenquist's did it again with they're amazing, over-the-top halloween party.  Some photos I borrowed from Facebook...











Tinker

Our sweet little bean left us on Monday, October 18th.  She brought so much joy to us each and every day for well over 8 years.  I'll forever miss her genuine smile, big dog demeanor, and amazing spirit.  So many people adored her, and it pleases me to look back and realize what an amazing life we all gave her.
 
We've been walking around quiet and a bit lost since her passing.  Feels so odd that she's not there to greet us at the door, cuddle on the couch, or to even hear her nails click around all over.  We'll especially miss her on the camping and outdoor adventures that she loved so much.  She sure saw a lot of Idaho with us and her big sister Cody.  I'm thankful I was holding her in my arms before she became the tiniest 4-legged angel in heaven. 

Fly high sweet girl, we'll love and miss you always!

In her younger years with her first family, The Fetty's

Bittersweet - Our last night of snuggles on the couch