Monday, July 23, 2012

Red Fish Lake 2012

Riley's family goes to Redfish Lake every year. For the last 16ish years, Lorie (my MIL) and her siblings meet with their families for an entire week of camping. It's a pretty cool family tradition.
I'm not quite as hardcore about the camping scene, so we only stayed a couple of nights. But it was beautiful and relaxing nonetheless.
Hinder LOVED hanging with his cousin J.J., getting into all sorts of mischief and riding their scooters all around.

The lake and mountain there are outstanding. This is heaven for Riley.
More cousins and the scooter brigade.
Card games are a staple at these reunions. As well as Ray's infamous multicolored cap.
Cute J.J helping out with the water.
The kiddos waiting for dinner.
One of the best parts of Redfish are the meals. Uncle Carl and Aunt Shellie really outdid themselves this year.
Grandma Lorie snuggling with Vy. So sweet.
It was so bittersweet to say goodbye to these people, knowing that we will only see them a one last time before we head across the country.

I think Riley actually teared up more saying goodbye to the Sawtooths.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Fourth of July

Our final 4th of July in Rexburg was pretty spectacular. I really couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. The weather is always the wild card in eastern Idaho, but it was beautiful the entire time.
The festivities started out at the local parade. We crossed our finger and toes that display would be better than last years pathetic debacle. We were pleasantly surprised.
Our ward even represented with a little float. Rexburg 8th Ward is where it's at!
The bulk of the day was spent with some of our favorites hanging in our backyard. Lots of splashing, trampoline jumping, water balloon throwing, game playing, laughing, talking, relaxing, and eating.
Preston, Meghan and their new little one, Grant, were visiting from Washington.
We've certainly missed having them around.

Second cousin cuties. Grant was born just a month after Vy Leigh.
Watching them interact was precious.
No party is complete without the Wilsons.
Ugh...how are we going to move away from this family?!
I think Riley and I are going to go into serious Wilson with drawls in a few short weeks.

Father and son.
Matchy matchy
Ultimate croquet
(how's that for an oxymoron?)
Pre-fireworks playtime with Hinder and Ava.
Box of sparklers= $.88
Content kids for an entire hour= Priceless
Riley and I ended the day talking about how grateful we are for this perfect day, wonderful friends, our quaint patriotic town, and our free country.
And I think that's the point of the holiday, right? To feel gratitude?
We really do have so much to be thankful for.