For me, it's equal parts family, friends, a nice beach, bonfires (with s'mores, of course), laughter, story-telling, and a good road trip (you know, seeing how far you can drive without having to pull over at a rest stop).
Our summer was made great with a nice long road trip to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to visit the Grant family. While it took longer to drive to Coeur d'Alene with 2 kids than it took to fly to South Africa (no, I'm not kidding), we had a great time and made some great memories.
Corey's parents have a great place just a couple blocks from the lake. We spent our fair share of afternoons playing in Lake Coeur d'Alene and enjoying the sun and the feel of sand between our toes.
Abbie wasn't quite sure about the water; she was happy when Daddy & Mommy were there to pluck her toes out of the sand.
Jayden had a blast building sand castles and splashing around with his cousins.
While Jayden was getting water-logged, Abbie was a little more content to watch from the shore, either in her stroller or sitting on Grandpa Art's lap.
After a long day of playing in the water, we would wander up to a grassy area at the park to play and relax.
Jayden & Ashley played hide-and-seek in the old trees.
And check out the look of sheer terror on Carter's face at the idea of Jayden behind the wheel. Grandma and "Auntie Nett" look a bit more composed.
The sunsets over the lake are just beautiful.
After a long day in the sun, one of my very favorite summer traditions is a good bonfire. Dennis & Annette (Corey's oldest brother & his fab wife) have a great place out in Post Falls, complete with a bonfire pit...and great bonfire chief.
Commander Dennis makes great council fires!
There just isn't much that's more relaxing than sittin' around a bonfire with friends and family, swapping stories and playing catch-up.
Awh, I love my family!
Jayden, Corey, and Corey's dad, Grandpa Art. And J with Corey's mom, Grandma Margie.
Auntie Nett and Lexi keeping warm by the fire. And big cousin Josh having fun with baby Abbie.
Uncle Dennis relaxing and enjoying the great fire he built...and Jayden wanting to be like his Uncle Dennis (imitation is the sweetest form of flattery)!
And, of course, what bonfire is a bonfire without s'mores???
No summertime trip to Coeur d'Alene would be complete without a day or two at Silverwood. Water, rides, sun, the old steam locomotive, ice cream cones as big as your head... Always a great time!
Grandma Margie kept Abbie at home one day while Corey & I took Jayden to splash around at Silverwood. We had such a great time with our boy, who is alredy growing up too fast.
Then she and the rest of the gang all came out and joined us in the late afternoon for dinner and night-time rides (and those aforementioned ice cream cones!).
He even rode some of the rides by himself! What a big boy. (Hey, he's only 2 and as a mom I'm entitled to some bragging about the "small stuff".)
While we were in the Northwest, we took a day trip up to Libby, Montana to visit Uncle Ardell and Aunt Sheryl. The drive up there is just beautiful.
We visited the Libby Sports Center, Uncle's pride and joy, to see the new addition. The Lord has greatly blessed Uncle Ardell with a great business up there and the community just loves him.
Jayden was quite taken with all the animals, and the kids loved playing with all the goods.
On the way back from Libby, we actually saw moose roadkill. I am not kidding, a big ol' dead moose on the side of the road. No sign of the car, but I'm guessing it wasn't good. I mean, where else but Montana would you see that???
Moose roadkill aside, we had a great time.
Back in Coeur d'Alene, we enjoyed lots of BBQs, being outdoors and just good ol' family togetherness.
Back in Coeur d'Alene, we enjoyed lots of BBQs, being outdoors and just good ol' family togetherness.
Grandpa Art's old friends from high school, Stan & Bev (above with cousin Becky), stopped by for dessert and coffee one night. They're celebrating their 50 year high school reunion this summer. And still friends after all these years, how cool.
As always, we had a great time in Coeur d'Alene. We are truly blessed to be part of such a great family. Thanks, everyone, for the memories.
Until next time....
