Hike to Lena Lake

We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, exploring the wonders of the Northwest's mountain forests.  We hiked 2 hours to Lena lake and enjoyed unseasonably nice weather and the company of some of our favorite friends. 

We each carried our own backpacks with the necessities: 
water, sweatshirt, hotdogs, s'mores...

and this Little Sister had 5 BOOKS packed into her pack before I checked it and
convinced her to only pack her bird identification book!

"...the Pacific Northwest, as you can see, they’re gonna have some very, very tall trees.”
If you can identify the movie that quote comes from I'll send you some blood sausage!

Part of our group made the hike in only an hour and a half,
so I have lots of pictures of the "slow group".
 We stopped to explore and rest.

Little sister was thrilled with the waterfalls, can you tell?

It's great to get away and hang out with Dad.
(Notice he is now carrying Little Sister's pack!)

Our first view of Lena Lake.
We lightened our backpacks of all chips at this stop!

We found a secluded campground by this fast-flowing stream.

Group shot!
Iron Man works the timer on the camera with skill.

Bear and Anne with an 'E' enjoying the campfire with friends.

Finally, even the s'mores were perfect.

This has started out as an adventurous summer.

To be continued...

Our Spring Vacation - Part 1

I have been so busy the last 3 weeks living life-- 

I haven't had time to blog about it!

I'm certainly not complaining. 

We have had a wonderful time thanks to our generous friends in Challis Idaho,

 our beautiful grandchildren, helpful children,

 terrific weather and the blessing of safety as we travelled the long distances.

I did take oodles of photographs as we lived these adventures,

it was difficult to choose only a few to post, 

so I didn't.

First of all we met our newest Grandbaby!

We played pat-a cake,

...and hugged her,

and kissed her...

...and declared she was wonderful,

And then we took a nap!

 We also played with the 2 older Grandchildren,

and they declared we were wonderful.

Now that we had that established, we set out for adventure.
We went hiking at Bayhorse Mine.

Our friends took us 4- wheeling! --Three times!

The views were awe inspiring. 

We rode for hours and never saw anyone. 

But we did see fascinating rock formations...

Pronghorn antelope,

cacti,

and an abandoned dwelling.

We only tipped over a couple times...

But that is easily remedied
with a little help from a friend and Dad.

The younger kids went on a bit of a shorter ride.

We also enjoyed three trips to the Challis natural hot springs pool, 

At 100-102 degrees, I was in heaven!

The kids, however,
preferred to hang out around the cold water pipe.

All three times we had to pool to ourselves!

 I would like to thank Uncle Paul and Aunt Dottie for a wonderful week

of reminiscing and ruminating as well!

So now I conclude part 1 of my vacation with the

 "Best Photo of the Week".

(Disclaimer:  No Grandpas were hurt during the making of this photo.)

Over zealous attempt at skipping rocks?
He is sure never to be outdone!

And Now a Word From the Farrm

Blaaaaaahh!

Grandma (finally) sees newest Grandbaby!

 She is a cutie!
She really likes me too!

Grandma had to teach her patty-cake already.

Three of my beautiful girls.

A bow as big as her head!

We played a candy game and oldest Grandbaby WON!

Grandbaby boy LOVES anything with wheels!