Chantal's Visit

Ben and Chantal were supposed to be able to come to Idaho around the 4th of July. Since that didn't work out, Chantal got to come by herself about a week ago. It was a fun visit: canning apricot jam, sewing baby crib sheets and a nursing cape. We all (Dave, Bryson, Chantal and I) went to Harry Potter HBP one night. Other than that the highlight for me was feeling the baby have hiccups. Can't wait til the little guy arrives.

Eagles' Nest Lookout

Two weeks ago, Bob and Dave took an exploratory motorcycle ride in the Cascade area. They found the Eagles Nest trail which led to the Eagles Nest Lookout. Being the adventurous types they are, they rigged up the missing rungs on the ladder and Bob went first. When Dave got halfway up he said, "I'm not sure about this" and Bob (at the top) said, "quit looking down and just climb!" The view from the top was spectacular and worth the life-risking ascent.

It was so great, that Dave took Bryson and Ron Despain back up the next week. Ron and Dave declined climbing up, but Bryson was game. They rode 50 miles and had a wonderful time. Bryson saw a badger up close and personal, but they both survived.

Fireworks in the Foothills

4th of July:
1) bike ride on the greenbelt at 7:00 am
2) nap and watch Signs
3) pick zucchini and lettuce from garden
4) head to sister's house for dinner: fish, steak, asparagus, zucchini, green salad, pasta salad and delicious "just-right" watermelon
5) play hand and foot with parents and John and Linda
6) hike up to Shane's Loop in the foothills
7) watch beautiful view of fireworks over the city lights, full moon to the east, lightning to the west
8) hike down with flashlights
9) get to car - realize Dave's cell phone is on the top of the hill
10) realize Michelle is not willing to sit in the car and wait 20 minutes in the dark canyon while Dave hikes back up the hill
11) decide to come back in the morning to find cell phone
12) say prayer of gratitude for the free country we all enjoy and the lives that have been given so we have that right.

HURRAY FOR THE RED WHITE AND BLUE