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

Megan and Kevin in the Boise Temple

Megan and Kevin drove out to Idaho from Oklahoma in time to arrive for G'ma and G'pa Hansen's 50th anniversary party. Surprise! The Monday after the party Megan got her wisdom teeth taken out (all three) and spent a couple days recovering. Saturday, June 20th, they invited friends and family to their temple sealing. It was a nice ceremony and we had luncheon at the house afterwards to celebrate. They left this morning to go back to Oklahoma City (I think they were ready to go home after two weeks of vacation). We will miss them!

Parents 50th Anniversary

Linda, Dave, Bryson, Ben and I drove over to Idaho Falls on Thursday to get ready for the Big Day on Saturday. We washed windows, dusted, vacuumed and bought groceries and ordered cakes. On Friday Dave, Kevin, Bryson and Ben headed for Jackson Hole and went on a hiking adventure. Kevin was a little shocked at the adventure part of the hike. Dave, Ben and Bryson stripped down to skivvies and jumped into an ice-encrusted lake. Why? Because someone dared them to. Kevin was smart and stayed on the sidelines to video the whole thing.

Sat a.m. Linda and I washed and cut mounds of fruit and the men arranged tables and chairs and stayed out of the way. Saturday afternoon was an open house from 1-5 pm. The guests started arriving: my parent's friends, neighbors, former co-workers and relatives all came and visited for a while. It was very festive!

The grandchildren's favorite part was posing for a picture in G'pas HATS. My favorite part was displaying mom's wedding dress and looking at their wedding album.

Drive Home from Idaho Falls

Dave, Bryson and I drove to Twin Falls Friday night and I stayed with my parents at my Aunt Connie's house. They were having a garage/estate sale for all my grandfather's "stuff" and they needed some help. We stayed up late pricing and got up early to get everything ready. Dave and Bryson drove on to Idaho Falls so they could go motorcycle riding Saturday. (They said it was too crowded and more ATV trails than single track. I think they will stick to SW Idaho for riding).

Saturday afternoon my parents and I drove on to IF and Bryson and Dave had dinner ready for us. Sunday morning we drove to Shelley to hear Jacob's talk (he is going to the Roseville, CA mission). We had a great time seeing everyone and then left about noon for Boise. We drove through Arco and saw Craters of the Moon and the Camas Lilies in bloom around Fairfield. Good weekend, good to be home.

Ben Graduates from ASU

Bryson and I flew to AZ on Weds night (Dave was already there) and as we arrived at Sky Harbor airport we could see all the lights and traffic on campus where Pres. Obama was speaking. Friday we went to the graduation for the Liberal Arts majors where Hugh Downs spoke. It was a great ceremony and Ben was awarded his degree in communications. We are proud of Ben and his accomplishments! Chantal and Ben were great fun to visit. We saw the new Star Trek movie, went on base to tour an airplane that Ben works on, attended the shower while the guys went to the shooting range and ate lots of fresh fruit.