We headed to Lava Hot Springs for the 4th. We've kind of made it a new family tradition as this was the third year in a row we have gone. We love the small, little town nestled in the mountains. The river, that runs through town, is beautiful and the Olympic size swim pool is a lot of fun. My kids love it because all they want to do in the summer is swim, swim, swim! We enjoyed staying with our little family in the camp trailer for a few nights, floating the river with friends, and meeting up with the rest of the fam for, swimming, barbecuing and fireworks on Friday. As Robert and I packed to go last week, I was feeling strange. It just seemed so surreal that we are the parents of this little family. I feel too inadequate to be the adult planning and packing and doing everything for these three, young kids. It is overwhelming sometimes the responsibility we have as parents. But as hard as it is, that responsibility has made me a better person and brought me more joy in my life than anything else.
Here's some highlights from our weekend.....
Thanks Mikkel for bringing the fire-works. THEY were the highlight of my kid's night!
Here's some highlights from our weekend.....
Thanks Mikkel for bringing the fire-works. THEY were the highlight of my kid's night!
What is it kids find so fascinating about the stink bomb?!
Mikkel in action.....
Enthusiastic spectators (Check out Payton's shoes.That girl's always wearing grandma's party pumps!)
I really wanted to steal, little Drew. It was hard for me to give him up and let Payton hold him! 
It was so great to visit with Gary, Sarah and their new little man, Drew. They are living in Boston and we hadn't seen them in years. Gary and Robert went to HS together, played football at ISU together, and both worked Pharmaceuticals at the same time. Gary was Robert's best man in our wedding. So, as you can see, they go way back! We wish there was a city big enough in Idaho to draw them closer because they are some of the coolest people we know, and we sure miss them. 
Grill Master, thanks for the good grub dad!
The river walk
Good thing they allow horses on these trails.
Here's me with Les, Heather, and Britt. We are four of the seven girls who were best friends in HS. Yes, seven girls doing everything together. No, there was no fighting. It is hard to believe, but we were all so close. There was never a dull moment. We are now all spread out over the country. Only me and Britt still live in Idaho. I miss these girls! But when we get together it is like no time has passed. I can't believe how lucky I was in HS to have such an amazing group of friends. Boy do I love and miss you guys! Wish you had been here, Trish, Megan and Molly!
We had the best time floating the river. You have to see more pics. of this in the slide show. Robert took some great ones of Alex falling out of his tube!
Harlee and Payton, bosom cousins.
There's nothing like playing in the pool with grandpa!
Yeah! It's Aunt Mikkel! The craziest girl we know.
Here's Avery doing her little, fancy jump. This pic. doesn't do it justice. Ya had to be there.
See that girl all alone on the first platform?
Yes, that's Payton. She just walked up there and jumped off that thing all by herself!
Whew! That girl is brave.
But not as brave as my brother, Stan. He walked up to the top platform and threw a gainer. There's better pics. of his frightful jump in the slide show too!
Payton can still look fabulous...
play baby dolls, and boss her brother around.
These two can ride a stick horse just about anywhere! 
Movie night in the trailer.
Nice set-up, Robert!
