Transplanted Spuds

Shelly's new ride

2009-07-19T17:59:00.004-06:00

After enduring my former company car, a Ford Taurus, for several years, I finally let Shelly pick a car that suited her better. After months of research, she selected a sandy beach 2010 Prius. Toyota began to distribute these cars in late May but so far none of the 2010 models that arrived in Boise had the desired color or option package. The day before we left on our vacation to California, I decided to check the Reno and Sacramento markets. As luck would have it, the exact car we wanted had just arrived at a dealer in south Lake Tahoe. After a few phone calls back and forth, a deal was reached and we returned from our trip with a souvenir that should provide us with many years of satisfaction and usefulness.

Family reunion in CA & camping in Yosemite

2009-07-15T13:42:00.002-06:00

Our first vacation in 2009 was a fun filled week that started with a 3 day Denio (my mom's side) family reunion in Ripon, CA. We had been unable to attend the last few reunions, so it was special to see so many after so long. The Community Center proved to be the perfect location for the ~125+ family members that attended and there was plenty of room to play games, visit, eat, etc. Highlights included a talent show, softball games, great meals and a fellowship meeting Sunday morning with around 80 people.

So many people were taking pictures that we decided not to. So, if you were there and got some great shots, feel free to email them to Shelly or I and I will add them to this post.

Tuolumne Meadows - Yosemite

2009-07-14T14:10:00.001-06:00

After arriving at Yosemite late Sunday afternoon and setting up camp in Tuolumne Meadows, we spent our first full day on Monday exploring our nearby surroundings. First, we went to the Tuolumne lodge and the cascading waterfalls and pristine pools.

Pictures do not come close to capturing the natural beauty of this place.

Looking down stream, we could see Lembert Dome, our next destination

The girls taking a rest on the trail to Lempert Dome.

Out of the trees now at around 9,000ft and starting to climb the solid granit dome.

The final push to the summit.

We made it!

B & E on the summit! Standing on the edge of a 1,000 ft cliff and the meadows below.

Tuolumne Meadows

Playing games on the dome.

Heading back down.

After a great hike, we decided to cool off and spend the afternoon relaxing at Tenaya Lake.

Sheer granite cliffs rising from the blue water to the even bluer skies.

Yosemite Valley & Mariposa Grove

2009-07-13T16:35:00.001-06:00

Our second day in Yosemite took us from the cool air of the high elevation Tuolumne Meadows to the valley floor almost 3,000ft below. The 40 mile drive took over an hour due to the windy mtn road and countles scenic view points.

Our first view of the valley and the north side of half dome.

Yosemite Valley - El Capitan,(left), Half Dome, (center) and Bridalveil Falls, (right)

Yosemite Falls

The halfway point of hiking to the top of Vernal Falls

Hundreds of steps but each one taking us closier to our goal.

Vernal Falls

Bryce climbing through the mist.

The view from the top.

The Ahwahnee Lodge where we recovered after the great hike and celebrated Erica's birthday, (11).

The birthday girl!

Rested and refreshed, we next went to the visitor center and then another hr drive to the south entrance of the park to the Mariposa Grove, which is home to several hundred giant sequoias. Again, pictures do not give you the true prespective of these monster trees that are 18ft across and up to 300' tall.

The root ball of a fallen sequoia.

A giant in the mist of full size cedars and firs.

The base of another sequoia that had been cut out to all carriages to drive through in the early 1900's. This tree was still very much alive, towering heaven-ward and seemed unphased by man's efforts to entertain himself.

Softball Champion

2009-06-11T11:44:00.001-06:00

In April, Erica began her second year of softball and it didn't take long for all of the basic skills to start coming together. With her strong arm, she started most games at either shortstop or third. Her agressive bat was always a factor in the middle of the lineup. Her coach began working on her pitching technique and before long she was on the mound for one or two innings a game. Always a cool as ice.

Ready for the ball at shortstop.
Balance and power at the plate.

Erica quickly grew into the role of the closing pitcher. Shutting down the opposition and saving many victories.

Rounding the bases

and heading for home.

Her team finished the regular season tied for second. Both losses were early in the season and to really good teams. Following the regular season, all teams played in a single elimination tournament. Erica's team had a first round bye and then a fairly easy victory in round two. In the semifinal round, the barely beat the other second place team which put them into the final against the undefeated first place team. With a crowd of over 400 people cheering them on, Erica and her team proceeded to win the championship game and bring home the 4ft trophy. What fun!

Hoisting the hardware

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T12:19:00.000-06:00

Mother's Day is always a special day and while we wished we could spend the day celebrating our own mother's it was nice to take a least one day to say "thanks" to the one who does so much for everyone in our home.

Spring Break in Seattle

2009-03-21T13:14:00.003-06:00

One of the many advantages of living in Boise is that we are an easy 8hrs drive from Seattle. So, with the kids out of school for a week, Shelly took them to see her mom and brother and spend some time with their cousins.

Bundled up at the beach, waiting for low tide.

Claming!

Bryce with the prize!

A business for the kids...aka college funding plan b

2009-02-01T12:29:00.001-07:00

Late in 2008, Shelly and I began discussing alternative plans to help pay for the kids college education, as the stock market investments haven't exactly been growing according to the plan. After looking at many business opportunities, we decided on a candy vending machine business. Even in this economy, we figured people would have a few quarters in their pocket and would trade them for a handful of M&M's or Skittles. It seemed like a simple business model and would be a great chance to teach the kids about the basics of running a business and cash flow management without going into major debt.

In order to reach the desired monthly cash flow, we ordered 52 machines and over 1,500 pounds of candy. B & E Enterpries LLC was created and local permits and licenses were then acquired. When the truck arrived 2 weeks later, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work and within 10 days all of the machines had been placed in local businesses and the quarters were begining to roll in. Shelly and the kids are in charge of servicing and cleaning the machines every 3 weeks or so and I manage the placement of the machines. As part of the business plan, we partnered with the National Childern's Cancer Society. Kids helping kids! You gotta love it and that concept has made it very easy to place the machines in local businesses.

The goal in about 2 yrs is to hand the business off to the kids and let them work together to run what should amount to a nice little consistent operation.

Shelly and Albert double checking all of the initial shipment.
The founders of B & E Enterprises

Step 1: Machine assembly is a group effort

Opening day at the local little league ballpark. (That's Bryce under the hoodie and blanket, making change and enjoying temps in the low 40's while learning that being the boss of your own business isn't always fun.)

Christmas in San Diego

2008-12-25T15:17:00.002-07:00

After deciding to enjoy a quiet family Christmas in Boise, it was announced that our Boise State Broncos would play their bowl game in San Diego, 2 days before Christmas. What to do...roadtrip??? Why not!

The trip began with a visit and a night with Gma Florence's in Palm Desert before we continued on to San Diego. Our first day in San Diego was rainy but we enjoyed exploring several museums in Balboa Park. That evening, we warmed up our vocal cords at a USD basketball game where they just happened to be playing Boise State.

Tuesday was Game Day! The pregame activities included a tailgate party with over a hundred of mostly our ole SoCal friends who were there to cheer on Ryan Winterswyk, who plays for BSU. We all sat together and enjoyed a great game.

On Christmas eve day, we enjoyed a fabulous beachfront breakfast in La Jolla and then took a stroll along the ocean, soaking up the coastal sounds, smells and sights.

Bryce showing up his skateboard skills.
Our little girl starting to look all grown up.

On Christmas day, we all drove to my sister's house near LAX and spent the day all together enjoying an amazing brunch Rebecca prepared and then seeing what Santa put in our stockings.

Before heading back to Boise, we had to soak up a little more sun and surf.

Thanksgivng in Boise

2008-11-28T16:03:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving is always a special family time and this year it was made extra special with a house full of some our most special people. Shelly's mom and brother and his 3 daughters joined us from Seattle and my folks made the long drive from San Diego. Everyone arrived Wednesday evening and by Thursday morning the kitchen was filled with activity and wonderful smells.

Great cooks and lots of smiles!

Hard to beat a orange rosemary smoked turkey!

Hungry cousins!

A little after dinner entertainment.

and a gingerbread house building/decorating competition.

Wonderful time together!

Alaska 08 Day 12 - Inside Passage

2008-08-21T16:03:00.000-06:00

Our final day on the cruise began with a fabulous brunch with everything from eggs benidict to prime rib.

The remainder of the day was spent leisurely cruising through the inside passage to our final destination of Vancouver.

Alaska 08 - Day 11 Ketchikan

2008-08-20T17:25:00.001-06:00

The famous "Creek St" in Ketchikan.

We took a float plane excurision to a nearby salmon that was a known black bear hangout.
5 of the bears enjoying the unlimited salmon buffet.

After our float plane trip, we returned to the ship for a special vow renewal ceremony performed by the capitan.

Alaska 08 - Day 10 Icy Strait Point

2008-08-19T16:50:00.002-06:00

On day 10, we anchored off Icy Stait Point, a pristine forested setting. From our cabin, we could see several humpback whales. After a relaxing breakfast onboard, we went ashore and enjoyed a walking tour of the cannery wharf and found a trail took us through the woods and then along the beach.

In the afternoon, the kids, Rebecca and mom & dad went on a whale watching cruise on the boat in the foreground and had several up close encounters with Alaska's largest resident, the humpback whale.

Alaska 08 - Day 9 Skagway

2008-08-18T17:28:00.000-06:00

We awoke on day 9 to find our ship docked in Skagway and looking forward to two different excursions.

The kids went with nana, papa and auntie on a narrow gauge train that followed the gold miners route from the port town up to White Pass. Their pictures show incredible views of this amazing territory.

With everyone else on the train climbing Whitehorse pass, Shelly and I enjoyed a leisurely float down the Haines river seeing bald eagles and spectacular mountains.

That evening back onboard, we enjoyed a special dinner in the premer dining room. Unbeliveible food and wonderful time together.

Alaska 08 - Day 8 Juneau

2008-08-17T15:14:00.006-06:00

We enjoyed a little fellowship meeting in our stateroom before venturing out to explore the town of Juneau. Mendenhall Glacier was a few miles out of town but definetly something that had to be seen.

After seeing the sights and touching a real piece of 1,000 yr old ice, we decided to go on a little hike. Signs warned of bears in the area and they were right!

Just a dozen feet from the trail was a large black bear. Luckly he/she was more interested in the stream full of salmon than the trail full of us.

The bear's lunch!

Alaska 08 - Day 7 Glacier Bay

2008-08-16T14:29:00.000-06:00

We spent our first evening exploring the HUGE ship. It is over a thousand feet long and 13 decks tall. The kids had their own room across the hall from us and it took them about 10 minutes to figure out the room service thing and it wasn't long before a steady stream of pizza, ice cream and cookies began arriving at their door. Later in the evening they discovered the onboard kids club and that was pretty much the last we saw them for the week. ha

After spending most of our first day cruising through smooth waters, we got our first look at Glacier Bay.

Pretty soon the ship was surrounded by bits of ice as we approached the wall of ice.

Pictures do not come close to capturing the beauty of this active glacier.

We got within a 1/3 of a mile and it was at that point you realized the true size of the glacier as it towered over the 13 story ship. You could literally hear it moving and we witnessed several large pieces come crashing down.

Many of the larger ice bergs carried seals.

That night we enjoyed our first formal dinner on the ship.

Alaska 08 - Day 6 Fairbanks to Seward

2008-08-15T14:13:00.000-06:00

The final day of the land portion of our trip began with a one hour flight from Fairbanks back to Anchorage. From Anchorage, a bus then took us south to the port city of Seward where our cruise ship was waiting.

My sister met us at the airport and joined us for the cruise portion of the trip.

Ready to board!

Erica with her favorite aunt.

Not a bad way to spend a week!

Alaska 08 - Day 5 Denali to Fairbanks

2008-08-14T13:35:00.001-06:00

With the train portion of our trip over, we loaded unto a bus and headed northeast again for the 4 hour drive to Fairbanks.

Along the way the bus stopped and we got an up close look at the Alaskan pipeline.

After a lunch break in downtown Fairbanks, we boarded sternwheelers for an afternoon riverboat trip.

Along the way, we were given a float plane demonstration.

and a riverside visit to a sled dog training ranch.

The highlight of the riverboat trip was a visit to a native Alaskan village.

There were demonstrations of native dress, agriculture and even animals.

We were begining to feel a little native ourselves.

Alaska 08 - Day 4 Denali

2008-08-13T13:13:00.001-06:00

On day 4 of our Alaskan adventure, we went on a safari, traveling deep into Denali National Park, a 6 million acre preserve. It was difficult for our minds to comprehend that much open space but we appreciated the vast beauty everywhere we looked.

Along with this 3 pack of moose, we saw Grizzly, Dall sheep, Caribou, Ptarmigans, marmots and a Linx, along with numerous birds and squirrels.

Always fun to watch the young buck take on the old bull.

Alaska 08 - Day 3 Talkeetna to Denali

2008-08-12T11:52:00.008-06:00

What a way to start day 3! An amazing sunrise on the "Great One" with not a cloud in sight.

Truly a promise of a great day to come.

The entire AK mountain range bathed in the early morning pink glow. WOW!

After a morning hike, it was back on the train for a 4 hour ride to Denali.

Around every turn was beauty in nature.

The town of Denali

Bears seemed to appear everywhere and were much friendlier than we had read about. Later that evening we all attended a salmon & rib BBQ and enjoyed some down home Alaskan entertainment.

Alaska 08 - Day 2 Anchorage to Talkeetna

2008-08-11T10:52:00.001-06:00

Day 2 began early as we left downtown Anchorage and headed for the train station to begin the first leg of our Alaskan adventure, a 3 hour train ride northeast to the town of Talkeetna.

All aboard!
The view from the glass domed cars was spectacular.

Great scenery and better company.

Our first moose sighting. (It appears to be local)

We took an afternoon jet boat tour up one of the 3 rivers that meet in Talkeetna.

Beautiful country from the land and the water.

During the jet boat tour, we stopped to visit an old trappers cabin and learn how it used to be done.

We stayed at the Talkeetna Lodge and enjoyed the view of the "great one", Mt McKinley.

At over 20,000 feet it is beyond description.

The entire Alaskan mountain range! We were told the mountain range is only clear about 10% of the time and had been socked in for the last 3 weeks prior to our arrival. Timing is everything!

A midnight sunset on the mountain. What a day!

Alaska 08 - Day 1 Anchorage

2008-08-10T11:24:00.001-06:00

Our Alaskan adventure actually started Sat. afternoon with a flight from Boise to Seattle and then on to Anchorage, arriving around 8pm Alaska time. We got settled into the downtown Marriott, excited for all that lay ahead of us for the next two weeks.

Sunday morning, we met Gary, Judy & Gma Florence in the lobby and they took us to a nearby fellowship meeting. A wonderful way to start our trip. After lunch, we explored downtown Anchorage.

There were flowers everywhere.

Even the totems were smiling.

We visited a art/crafts market which included local furs and carvings on moose antlers.

and fur hats of all types.

Our first grizzly encounter! Both kids survived.

North to Alaska!

2008-07-29T21:40:00.002-06:00

The countdown has begun for our major trip this summer. On August 9th, we will be leaving for 2 weeks to Alaska. The main purpose of the trip is to celebrate my parents 40th anniversary and we will be traveling with my Grandma, parents and sister. We plan to spend the first week exploring Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks and several other parts in between. Then on week 2, we will board a cruise ship and visit numerious ports on our way to Vancouver, BC. The final weekend will include time in Seattle with Shelly's family.

I will do my best to post photos of our adventure shortly after our return on 8/24.

Bon Voyage!

Summer Camping - Part 2

2008-07-26T21:17:00.002-06:00

The only thing better than camping in Idaho is camping on back to back weekends. A couple years ago, we discovered this primative campsite a couple hours east of Boise on the middle fork of the Boise river.

Our campsite was perched above a beautiful sandy beach with the crystal clear river and 100 ft granite wall as a back drop.

Our own private beach and swimming hole.

Looking down river at the other half of the beach. We also discovered another natural hot springs directly across the river in the middle of the rocky area. Our days started with a quick paddle across the river, to enjoy a morning coffee while soaking in the hot springs on the edge of the river. Perfect in my book!

The crew afloat!

Summer Camping - Part 1

2008-07-19T20:56:00.002-06:00

After returning from San Diego, we were anxious to do some Idaho camping. My cousin invited us to join them for the weekend at Pine Flats campground, which is about 1.5 hrs from Boise and right on the S. Fork of the Payette river.

Our pull through site turned into be a big parking lot shared by four other campsites. No big deal as the site itself was large and all neighboring campers where friendly.

It was great to spend time with family and just relax. Even though we live close, life gets busy with jobs, kids, etc.

One of the highlights of this camping spot was a collection of natural hot springs located right on the river and only about .25 miles from camp.

Erica turns 10!

2008-07-14T20:25:00.002-06:00

How did that happen? It seems like our little girl just celebrated her 5th birthday and now somehow she is in double figures.

Erica actually got to celebrate her birthday a couple times this year, once in San Diego with her Nana and Papa over the July 4th weekend and then again on the actual day in our association pool.

No better way to celebrate turning 10 than a pool party with all of your friends.

A birthday isn't complete without a beautiful custom birthday cake from Mom.

Play Ball!

2008-05-28T21:32:00.008-06:00

In March, our family activities suddenly switched from skiing to baseball. Bryce began his 6th and possibly last little league season while Erica started her first. With both kids playing on the same nights of the week it quickly became a logistical nightmare for Shelly and I. On top of that both teams needed my help umpiring. Needless to say, it has been a BUSY but fun couple months.

Our "home" team!

Bryce from left field.

Erica on the mound.

Erica pitching with Dad behind the plate.

A visit from Seattle.

2008-04-02T21:38:00.001-06:00

Another Spring highlight was a "surprise" visit from Shelly's Dad and Step Mom. They decided to take a trip from Seattle to Zion and the Grand Canyon. While the one day visit was not long enough, it was nice to catch up with them and show them some of our recent home projects.

Winter Wonderland

2008-02-18T15:40:00.001-07:00

We decided to celebrate the long President's Day weekend by leaving the snowless Boise valley and driving an hour and a half north to Donnelly, ID. Our neighbors graciously offered to let us enjoy their cabin and what we found was a winter wonderland.

The snow was piled up 8ft high around the cabin and a good 4ft everywhere else. The mirrors of our truck scaped the top of the snow banks on each side of the driveway.

Albert and the kids spent most of the daylight hours outside playing in the snow, while Shelly and I enjoyed the warmth and quiet inside the cabin. We did venture outside to build a sled run and throw a few snowballs.

Bryce and Erica in their snowcave!

Wild Elk (kinda)

2008-02-16T16:02:00.002-07:00

The day after arriving at the cabin in Donnelly, we decided to go for a horse drawn sleigh ride. The company we found took us on a short sleigh ride that ended in a clearing that is a wintering home to over 120 wild elk.

The elk cautiously approched the stopped sleigh and began to feed on the bales of hay that we were sitting on. We had been instructed to be very still and quiet and reminded that these were wild animals. Hard to believe that you can barely get within a 100 yards of these animals during hunting season before they bolt.

Even a trophy buck!

Talk about up close and personal. This female adult elk, (cow), choose Erica's seat as her choice for a late lunch.

While another younger cow dined inches away from Shelly and Bryce. Both evidentally had to move as the elk continued to nudge them over to get at the warmer hay.

Hot Tubbing

2008-02-15T16:26:00.004-07:00

Before leaving the Donnelly area and heading back to Boise, we decided to visit one of our favorite natural hot springs. While Gold Fork is a little more commerical than others, the water is very clean and just the right temperature.

With a variety of pools to choose from you can always find a perfect spot!

The kids liked the sandy bottom pool.

A great place to relax and just soak it all in!

A Bad Day at Bogus

2008-01-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

After a great day of skiing and snowboarding to end 2007, Bryce's first run of 2008 didn't go as planned. After what appeared to be a normal fall in soft snow, it quickly became clear that things were beyond a sprained wrist. Bryce had managed to snap the largest bone in his left forearm. The break was displaced which meant a lot of pain for our brave guy and a trip to the operating room. They were able to reset the arm with out surgery and the Doc says he should be back on the slopes in about 4-5 weeks.

Still a little foggy in post op but back in one piece.

Back at home relaxing with Albert.

A Great Day at Bogus

2007-12-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

After returning to a valley filled with snow, we were anxious to get up to our local ski resort, Bogus Basin, and hit the powder. We were not disappointed! What a great way to end a great year!

A family shot at the summit!

Bryce carving it up!

Blue skies overhead and light powder everywhere!

Ski buddies - ready for another great run. You take the left, I'll match your turns on the right.

New Years in Boise

2007-12-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

The return trip from Seattle to Boise was just as snowy and icy as the trip out and it was nice to be welcomed back home by my folks, Gary & Judy. They arrived just before we left for Seattle and spent Christmas in Cascade with two of dad's sisters and their famlies. It was also nice to see everything covered in a nice blanket of snow. Our first morning back we went for a morning walk along the river, enjoying the sunshine and the crunch of the fresh snow.

Mom and the kids scraped up enough snow to actually make a snow man.

Bryce enjoying some 1 on 2 time with Papa and Nana. Albert is never one to miss out on attention too.

One morning we had a special quest drop by for breakfast. Marilyn is mom's cousin and was in Boise for our upcoming special meeting.

Christmas in Seattle

2007-12-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

After a special but brief visit with our special reatives visiting Idaho from Hawaii and S. Carolina, we loaded up the Avalanche and headed for Seattle. We had not spent Christmas with Shelly's family in many years and were looking forward to seeing many of her realitives during this special time of year.

Chain control, ice and snow reminded us why we usually make the 8 hr drive during warmer times but the truck proved the perfect vehicle as we continued on with no delays or incidents.

Our first stop was in snowy Snoqualmie, where Shelly's family from her Dad's side had gathered from all over the state. It was great to see so many in one spot. Some of whom we hadn't seen since our wedding reception some 16 years prior.

It was then on to Seattle, where we spent December 23 with Shelly's mom and step father, Myra and Tom. Shelly's brothers joined us in the morning and all enjoyed sourdough waffles, gifts and good times.

It was wonderful to have almost all of the cousins together.

On Christmas Eve, we spent most of the day with Shelly's dad and step mother, Larry and Nita. Keith and Troy joined us, so Shelly got to spend more time with her brothers, neices and nephew.

And the cousins had another day of fun and gift exchanges.

The day after the holiday, we met Shelly's mom in Tacoma at her work and she gave us a VIP tour. We spent the afternoon together in Tacoma exploring the Museum of Glass. Before we knew it the trip had come to an end and we were headed back to Boise.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

As the days before Christmas quickly disappear, we look forward to being with friends and family soon. Mom and Dad will be arriving in Boise on the 19th, followed by our Aunt and Uncle from Hawaii along with their son and his new bride.

We will spend a couple days with them before heading to Seattle for a week to be with Shelly's family for Christmas. It has been many years since we have been with them at Christmas time, so we are looking forward to special days.

We plan to return to Boise in time to close 2007 and celebrate New Years Eve/Day with friends and family.

We hope that you all have a safe and wonderful holiday season and that our paths may cross in '08.

Eric, Shelly Bryce & Erica

Bryce's Birthday

2007-11-03T10:56:00.000-06:00

Bryce started his 12th year in style as we were joined by Nana, Papa and Auntie Becca!

Having a birthday right around Halloween always makes for more fun. Here, Papa gives the birthday boy some carving tips.

A very scary bunch!

Fall Baseball

2007-10-01T10:36:00.000-06:00

In September, both Bryce and Erica said they wanted to play in the fall baseball league. This was Erica's first time playing organized baseball and she did GREAT!

Bryce and I behind the plate - I was one of the coaches on Bryce's team and was also the backup umpire. Bryce mentioned that he may let the high ones go past him. I suggested he catch BOTH high and low ones.

On the last game of the season, we were joined by my former coach and Bryce's Papa. Bryce had a great game, as usual. Erica's game was unfortunately canceled but hopefully she will play again in the Spring.

One more trophy for the shelf!

Oregon Coast

2007-08-13T20:34:00.000-06:00

As many of you may already know, on 7/24 Eric received and accepted a great job offer that will allow us to stay in Boise. He will continue to work from home and perform sales analysis for a National retailer that is based here in Boise. With a start date of 8/14, we decided to take a vacation and head to the west coast for a week and a half. Our first stop for 3 days was on the central coast of Oregon, where we enjoyed some big time sandy fun.

The kids drove their own odysseys while Shelly and I tried to keep up on our quads.

Shelly leads Erica across the sandy playground

After of day of blasting across the dunes, we recovered by exploring tidepools and discovering many rarely documented sea creatures.

A trip to the Oregon coast wouldn't be complete without a visit to a picturesque lighthouse. This historic monument was located at Hecta Head, just north of Florence.

Climbing to the top of the lighthouse gave us a great view of the ragged coast.

Who needs an ATV? These kids get more air with their own wheels.

Additional fun included kite flying and finding sand dollars.

Also on the list of stops was a visit to Seaside, where you have to take a spin on Tilt A Whirl.

Working our way north, we HAD to visit the Tillamook creamery and sample their latest concoction. The 3 chief judges gave approving marks.

After spending a few days exploring the northern portion of the Oregon coast, we traveled up to Olympia, Washington for 2 days of convention. From there, we visited Shelly's mom and brothers in Seattle for a couple days before heading back to Boise.

Happy Birthday Erica!

2007-07-14T16:37:00.000-06:00

It is not everyday when you get custom made pancakes for breakfast. But you also don't turn 9 everyday either. Other birthday activities included a trip to the waterpark with family and friends and a beautiful cake from mom.

Weekend Escape

2007-07-06T15:59:00.000-06:00

With the kids away at summer camp for a few days, Shelly and I decided to escape the valley heat ourselves and also head to the mountains. Our neighbors offered their "cabin" for us to enjoy, which was directly across the lake from the kids and just out of ear shot.

On Saturday, we attended the wedding of some friends, which was in a beautiful valley an hour north from our mountain hideaway.

On the way back from the wedding, we did some side road exploring and discovered this beautiful mountain lake.

A Birthday Celebration!

2007-07-04T19:23:00.000-06:00

A group of pretty ladies wait for the parade to begin.

By far, our favorite float in the parade! Awarded the "Parent's Trophy"

After the parade, it was off to the club house for a great lunch and even better fellowship.

Nana and Poppy with the birthday boy!

No lit candle was safe at this party.

Even Erica got in on the holiday/birthday action!

Enjoying her first July 4th celebration. Her other check says "Made in..."

A great birthday boy enjoying a great day!

Camping at Fir Creek

2007-06-23T19:33:00.000-06:00

Following a recommendation from some friends, we decided to visit Fir Creek Campground. Fir Creek is 3 hours away from Boise on the western edge of the Sawtooth Mtns and is one of the tributaries running into the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. On Thursday, we had the small campground to ourselves but by Saturday it had filled up with rafters and hikers.

Hiking to Bear Valley Hot Springs

2007-06-22T20:02:00.000-06:00

On Friday, we left Fir Creek Campground and hiked almost 4 miles to Bear Valley Hot Springs. The wilderness trail wound through the lodgepole pines with the river in view most of the way. After 2 hours, we arrived at our destination. The hot water cascaded down the hillside, forming pools which eventually lead to the river. While the top pools were too hot for our liking, the riverside pool was a very comfortable 95 degrees. We were the only ones there and enjoyed the solitude and beauty of this special place. After several hours of soaking and relaxing, we hit the trail that took us back to camp.

Bruneau Sand Dunes

2007-04-21T20:42:00.000-06:00

An hour south of Boise is a magical area called the Bruneau Sand Dunes. At 470ft tall, these dunes are said to be the tallest single-structure sand dunes in North American.

The view from the top is worth the struggle to get there and if you are lucky enough to have brought a sled, it is a ride to the bottom you will not soon forget.