Fall trip to Coeur D'Alene

We took an extended weekend trip to Coeur D'Alene in mid-October. Mat and a couple of friends fished for the first two days we were there, so Caulder, Kessler, and I explored the lake and surrounding area. We also took a drive out in the country to a pumpkin patch. When Mat wasn't fishing we toured around town, swam in the swimming pool at our condo, and followed the Mudgy and Millie trail around town (moose and mouse statues). Coeur D'Alene is a beautiful area, and we had a nice relaxing mini-vacation.

The Cover of the Rolling Stone

School picture

This is a cute conversation I had with Kessler the other day that I just had to share. For some reason he loves the song "The Cover of the Rolling Stone", knows all the words (which are not all appropriate), and sings it often. The other day he said: "Mommy I'm going to be a rock star when I grow up". To which I replied: "That will be fun".

Kessler: "When I'm a rock star I'm going to marry you so you can be my mommy, and I can be your rock star".

Me: "You're already mommy's rock star".

Kessler: "Then I'm going to be on the cover of the rolling stone".

Cowboys

This is my cowgirl costume given to me when I was 4 by my late grandfather. It was hillarious to see Caulder and Kessler in it. I think the chaps were a little heavy, but otherwise they loved being 'Woody'.

Last Summer Gathering

Caulder, Owen, Collin, Asher, Kessler, Keaton, and Avery

Caulder, Owen, Asher, Kessler, Keaton, Avery

We took advantage of the very warm September we've been having, and had over the Dahlbergs, Gendlers, and Morrises for Thai food and Mai Thais. It was crazy at times, but so fun to watch the eight kids run around together (OK maybe Josie wasn't quite running around yet). The six boys were all about superheros and when Avery wasn't joining in the mahem, she was quietly reading a book. I can't even imagine what that would be like. It was great to see everyone! Thanks for a great evening. We'll have to plan on another dinner party soon!

Summer Trip to Bozeman

We took a five day trip to Bozeman in September to visit the Weaver Clan. Mat's cousins Terry and Lauren were also visiting along with his brother Chad, wife shawna and 1-1/2 year old daughter Audrey. It was so nice to meet Terry, Susan and their son Jackson, and visit with Lauren who we haven't seen for five or six years.
We visited our favorite park - the dinosaur park, which now has a bench dedicated to Caulder and Kessler from their great grandmother, soaked at Bozeman Hot Springs, and toured Virginia City (a ghost town). Mat also got in an all day hike up to Blackmoore peak.

Best buddies on a brief stop to Yellowstone

Chad and Richard on the way up to Blackmoore Peak

View of the Hialite mountains

Lauren, Martha, and Audrey

Terry, Jackson, and Susan with Tim in the background

Me and the boys in Virginia City

Virginia City

A historical re-enactment of a fugitive cpture and hanging in Virginia City.

Coming out with guns blazing

Fishing in the Weaver pond

20 Year HS Reunion....Yiiikees!

Last weekend was my 20 year High School reunion in Portland (Grant High School). So crazy. I had a great time reconnecting with old friends. Everyone really just looked the same, just older. Friday night was for Grant High School students only, and Saturday night students and spouses. Both events were at Mcminemans establishments, which was fun as always. We stayed downtown at the Crystal Ballroom on Saturday night (sans kiddos) and had a fun night out on the town.

Our First Bakcpakcing Trip!

Hiking down to the lake

Bridger guarding the campsite

Blue Lake

The family on a hike around the lake

The boys

The lake

Heading back out

Caulder, Collin, Owen, Kessler

The whole group... Bridger, Mat, Kessler, Owen, Caulder, Danielle, Robyn, Ryan, and Collin

We took the boys on their first backpacking trip this July. Our good friends the Morris's joined us with their two young sons. We started the boys out with an easy backpack, and hiked just one mile down to a beautiful little Alpine lake near Cascade, Idaho called Blue Lake. All of the boys had their own packs, and really enjoyed themselves. We hiked through the snow around the lake, and fished for trout. Although it was 100 degrees in Boise, the lake was at about 7500' so it was still pretty cool up there. We stayed just one night, and had a huge full moon to enjoy.