Our Annual Vacation

Every year, no matter where else we go, we try to make a trip to Idaho.  This isn't because we love potatoes so much, and it certainly isn't because the air treats us better.  I have kids that seem to be physically allergic to Idaho, but they love going anyway because it is hard to beat cousins to play with!  This year we were sad to be missing cousin Lauren who was off helping another Aunt and Uncle, but it was a fabulous trip anyhow -- at least for me.

My niece Kelli was visiting with her husband Jamie and their little girl Meleah.  It was very fun to see them.  Derek and I were even persuaded to play a game.  Gasp!  We stayed up way too late Thursday night (the 15th of Aug.) and had fun.  The next evening Derek and I were able to spend with my brother Brian and his wife Stephanie.  We went to a movie, and to dinner, and then walked around the Rexburg Temple having excellent conversations.  The temple was closed, but we enjoyed the beauty of the grounds and the chance to visit.

Saturday evening Derek and I got to go with Tina and Chris.  They all humored me and Chris drove all the way to Idaho Falls so that I didn't have to try to pretend I was really going to enjoy something on the menu at that Thai restaurant we went to last time we were there.  I'm not exactly known for my adventuresome eating habits!  I can eat food I don't like, but I'm afraid I haven't mastered keeping a straight face while doing it.  After we ate too much we walked up and down the trail in front of the Idaho Falls temple enjoying more excellent conversation.

Sunday was church day.  All of the kids had a cousin to go to class with, and I enjoyed a rare chance to attend an adult class (I'm usually in Primary).  Later we were able to eat a nice dinner that Tina and Stephanie prepared.  We ate at Brian and Steph's house and were happy to see my parents arrive safely from Utah.

Monday was a get up early and work day.  Tina and Chris were redoing their roof.  I didn't plan on helping because I've gotten steadily more afraid of heights as time has gone by.  However, I discovered that I enjoyed being on their roof and, as long as I didn't watch anyone who was by the edge, I did very well.  I wasn't a huge help, but sweeping away the slippery grit from the shingles we were taking off might have saved at least my own life and so I felt slightly heroic, which is always good.  Connor, Derek, and Kayli were helping, as were friends and neighbors.  Tina was cooking and cooking so that everyone had good food to eat when they were hungry.  Lots got done and after lunch we packed up and left the rest of the roof work to others.

Thanks to Derek, who drove, we arrived safely back home at the end of another fun vacation.  Hooray for the terrific Idaho cousins, and for my parents who fed us on the way there, and then let us get back in their house and eat their food while they were still in Idaho working.