ULTIMATE WATER PARTY

Ucon, Idaho StakeYoung Men/Young Women Annual Water Party

Our Stake knows how to throw a water party.  I couldn't believe it the first time I saw it!  They flood the field; and by flood I mean a couple of feet of water.

Alexia

They bring out a tank from Rain for Rent, a dunking booth, tubes, volleyball nets, almost anything you can think of doing in the water.

Tyler

Don't think for a second you don't want to get wet.  You will, whether or not you want to.  They even get inside the car wet if you aren't careful!

Under Construction

Old road next to new road--see that huge gap!

Blue Angels come to Idaho Falls

All six Blue Angels flying together

We finished off our week long vacation with the ultimate show---
THE BLUE ANGELS!!  The stealth bomber was supposed to fly over at 11:00, but made an early appearance at around 10:15.  We were able to see it as we were driving, but couldn't get any really good photos of it.  It was amazing!  You can hardly hear it and it is soooo thin.
We drove out along one of the county roads in Osgood that Kelly knew from growing up out there and parked to watch the show.  It was free--we didn't have to pay the $20 per person entry.  We had an awesome view, as we were just at the end of the runway.  The couples next to us were retired military personnel and they had someone that was directly at the airport relaying information to them.  The best part was that we didn't have to stand in line for hours and deal with the crowds.  It was estimated that there was over 38,000 people at the show.  We weren't prepared however with food and sunscreen.  I fried even though I tried to stay in the shade and covered up my bare arms with another shirt; and our bladders were pushed to the limits.  The kids really enjoyed it....and so did Kelly...he took over 200 photos.  No, I won't post them all.

Fat Albert

The stealth bomber

I found it fitting that the show was on July 24th--Pioneer Day.  I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate our heritage and our freedom that our ancestors and military personnel have made so many sacrifices for.  THANK YOU IS NOT ENOUGH!  I love our country and especially living in the State of Idaho.  We are truly blessed.  

Roaring Springs

Summer Vacation Part 2

Alexia with Emma in the Little Splash Mountain kiddie pool.

Waiting in line for the Mammoth Canyon family ride.

While on vacation in Boise we took the kids to what has become their favorite water park--Roaring Springs.  We went there for the first time last year and they absolutely loved it.  I had wished then that I had a camera to take pictures.  This year I made sure I took a camera.  Not wanting to get our good camera ruined (there is a lot of water flying around there) I opted for a one time use camera.  Although the pictures aren't the greatest quality, I was able to capture a little bit of the fun.  We were able to have Andy, Kayla, Emma and Quinten go with us this time.  Emma didn't quite like the water unless she was splashing it on Alexia and Lacey.  Quinten on the other had loved the water!  I think this is quickly becoming a yearly tradition.

In Lane 1 is Lacey, she got a good head start.  In Lane 2 is Andy, and in Lane 3, coming down fast to win the race is Kelly.

Lacey in the White Water Bay wave pool.

Do you see anyone you recognize?  That's Kelly right in the center.

The end of Mammoth Canyon--They  got some major waves, almost rolled the tube. Wish I could have gotten pictures inside the ride.

The END

Alexia and Lacey had so much fun floating down Birch Creek. We would take them upstream on the 4-wheeler, drop them off, and down they went. The only thing that would stop them was a fisherman here and there. It was fast moving, but not too deep.

Alexia and Lacey floating down Birch Creek.  Don't they look like happy, sweet sisters! (Why can't they act this way at home?)

Why does she always think she needs to shake as soon as she comes out of the water?

Susy--her swimming has improved so much!

Susy just laying around.

Susy thoroghly enjoyed herself too. She spent her time either laying around sleeping or swimming in the water.  What a dog's life!

At the entrance to the old copper mine up past Skull Canyon.

You can't beat Grandpa Carpenter at Blonco!  He's the champ...

Grandpa Carpenter was a great host! He was always up for a game of blonco, fishing the streams, and was our guide up to the abandoned cave. For 87 years old, he is in excellent shape!

Summer Vacation--Part 1--Camping at Birch Creek

Alexia showing Tyler how it's done at Meadow Lake.

Lacey jumping the creek with her fish in hand.

We spent the first three days of our vacation camping out at Birch Creek with Great Grandpa Carpenter. We spent our days fishing the creeks, exploring old abandoned mines, playing in the creek and playing blongo. It was a lot of fun and a time I'm sure the kids will always remember (especially since it was spent with Great Grandpa Carpenter!) The drive on the four wheelers up to the abandoned mine was a little scary at times, but Tyler and Alexia did awesome navigating the trails. NO INJURIES!
We also had the chance to fish at Meadow Lake. I couldn't believe how many people were camping WAY UP THERE; but I can see why they were; it was beautiful. Still had snow in July. We packed up Monday morning, drove home, unloaded and re-loaded for Part 2 of our Vacation; to Boise.