We've Been to Gilmore Twice this Summer

Our friends from the ward Becca and Travis Allen invited us to go with them on an RZR ride in Leadore.  Here are the highlights:

I couldn't believe how snowy it still was at the end of June.  We were high up there!

We loved the ride so much we called Dustin and my parents to go with us again but camp this time.  We met up and made the same trip we'd done with our friends, but this time we drove out to Gilmore and camped too.  The kids had a great time with their cousins, and we loved getting away and relaxing.  This world of ours is pretty beautiful.

This is Meadow Lake.  One of my favorite mountain lakes.  It's crystal clear and surrounded by beauty.

On Saturday, Jake and Bonny Shumway, our friends, came and showed us another ride with a mine you can walk around in.  We didn't go far, and we all felt a bit uneasy in that mine.  It made me think about those who came before us and spent the day in and day out mining in those dark, moist tunnels.  I can't imagine what that life was like.  All I know is that it would have been hard.  We were able to see some old cabins, and one spot had a whole bunch of cans thrown in a pile, which was pretty neat and made it more real that others did live there at one point.  It was so beautiful out there. 

 After looking through the ghost town there, we stopped at another spot with a small creek.  We hiked along the stream for a little while, and I felt like I was in a little fairyland.  It was so pretty by the creek.

We Bought an RV and used it First on the 4th of July

Bo has wanted an RV for years.  I've been indifferent and really wanting to spend the money on the house.  But, we decided it would be fun and good for family memories so, we jumped on the RV bandwagon.  I have no regrets.  It's been enjoyable and makes camping much easier (and comfortable).

Here's our setup for the 4th.  We just had to sit down and watch right where we were.  No fighting crowds.

Idaho Falls has some of the biggest fireworks in the western US, and we haven't ever taken the kids.  This year they had RV parking, so we decided to go early in the morning and drop it off, go to Menan Days, and then head back later in the day and spend the night in IF.  It was such fun and worked out perfectly.  We didn't deal with traffic and played a bunch of games waiting that night for the fireworks.

Waiting for the parade

They had planes fly over before the parade started!

Proof we were there.  But, this was nothing like it really was.

Tear Drop and Warm River

For our first camping trip in years, we headed to our old favorite, Tear Drop near Warm River.  It's a small lake that is usually secluded.  But, we haven't been up there for years, and it was pretty full up there the weekend we went.  So, we assume our little gem has been found out.  We still found a spot and had a blast.  My favorite part was the bike ride.  We also brought the dog.  I think she might just like camping better than anybody else. :)

We roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, fished, rode bikes and floated Warm River.  This was an enjoyable weekend, and we made some fun memories.

Baseball, Baseball, and more Baseball

We are just beginning our life of baseball with all four boys.  I can only imagine how crazy hectic spring and summer will be in the next few years.  We had an enjoyable time watching these boys play.  I love watching their confidence and skills grow.  Conrad played Minors, Jackson Majors, Brayden Machine Pitch, and Caleb was Coach/Tball.

Conrad had a great team this year and played with his closest friends.  These boys couldn't get enough baseball.  Conrad loves playing first, shortstop, third base, and of course, hitting the ball.  After an intense championship game, his team won first with a comeback of 6 runs.

Jackson also got to play with some friends.  They had an outstanding team and just about made it to the championship.  He really likes to pitch, and this year he has gotten much stronger and more accurate.  He also won first.

Brayden did awesome this year.  He's pretty big for his age, so he looked pretty big out there with his team.  He got quite a few great hits.  His age group doesn't do a lot with outfield positions yet, so he just got to try a lot of positions and see what he liked.

This was Caleb's first year playing.  He was so fun to watch and slid into every base whether he needed to or not.  Bo said that's what he did when he was little too.  Funny.  He could hit the ball pretty well, and if he missed, then he got to hit it off the tee.

Who would have thought I'd be a part of a baseball family.  My family wasn't really into that sort of thing.  But, I've learned to love it too and can't wait to watch these boys improve and grow.  Great season and effort boys.  Can't wait for what next season brings.