We started our Idaho fun with a trip up to the Grand Tetons.
These mountains are amazing! They kind of pop out of nowhere and are jagged, rugged and majestic. I loved camping at the base of them with our dear Frandsen fam for a few days.
Funniest moment, Justin, Jeff and Paul doing the fireman's carry.
I didn't even recognize Zander when I first saw him - all that long hair and he's way too big. He was a tiny toddler when I met this family. Ian and Isaac adore the dude.
When Demi and I discovered that we had both packed the same outfit, we couldn't help but where them on the same day. Sorry husbands for any confusion and almost-hugs.
I couldn't get enough of all these little Frandsen's that I miss always.
Family nature hike to the waterfalls!
Caddisfly cases in the river :)
I always seem to accidentally interrupt this type of Frandsen sibling picture and I don't know what it means so I just go along.
Justin and Paul have this thing with pictures together acting like weird models.
I loved discovering Amari the rock-hoarder with her pants falling down from the weight of her treasures.
We finished off our Teton experience with some ice cream at the Teton Valley Creamery. Root beer float for me!
Then I begged Paul and Donna to pull over so I could get a few last shots of those Tetons.
Sunday was such a special day! We got to be there for Sawyer's baby blessing.
Backyard fun after church included giant bubbles and delicious food.
Then, after the crowds departed, we played some ladder ball and ate homemade popcorn. Soon after, the best game of backyard soccer was born and Paul and I are still licking our wounds having lost after being up 5-1 at halftime.
The rest of the week I was working, but I often got to have nice company with this little dude. (Sawyer picture overload, coming right up!!! Sometimes getting out my real camera is NOT a good idea because I just can't stop.)
I have to admit, I really love his crazy wispy Yoda hair.
Plus, cutest thumb sucker in the world. He put himself right to sleep!
We also had evening fun with the Justin Frandsen family. I truely don't think there is anything better in the world than twins, and this family has TWO SETS. Plus another cutest kid who we lovingly call Frodo.
Jane and I felt great about our match time.
Paul often does really embarrassing things when he is home, like sort through old clothes to try to find ridiculous outfits to wear for badminton time.
There were many trips to get snowcones (I go through withdrawls in the East).
A little birthday-eve cake time for Meghan, thanks to Donna for making my favorite Frandsen cake - Bavarian torte!
Donna also took us to see the guitar exhbit at the museum. It was really great and how about the world's largest guitar? It was fun to play.
This empty case cracked me up.
More snowconessssss!
I gave Demi a little tutorial on crownbraiding on one's self and gosh, this girl has hair color and thickness I can only dream about.
Babely mom.
Oh Pauly, that dude had to work so hard even in the midst of family time. He often had to have his computer out, working working working, while still trying to be a part of everything.
I loved when Amari showed me her kindergarten class shirt (above) and finding selfies taken on my phone by Mindy and Irelynd (below).
The fourth of July started out with some fun hair time for Amari.
Then parade time!
Then friends-in-the-park time. Just look at all those matchy boys. And how about getting to see Kurty O and his family!? Lucky lucky.
This next 4th of July tradition just blew my mind and I thought it was so great that I took a million pictures.
Jeff and Justin set up this mini battlefield using plastic army men. They divvy up fireworks between themselves, then have a little war. One by one trying to take down the other's ranks.
It was amazing.
Justin wins with the last man standing!
Then came the strange award ceremony.
Then the kids set up their own mini-battle.
I just found this picture on my phone and I have no idea how it happened or why but I don't think I could look any worse.
I believe Mindy took this little lovers pose shot.
I happen to love this little lady.
Jeff joined the weird brother modeling fun...
The night before, us ladies tried our hand at a DIY ombre tee. The results weren't perfect, but it was a good time (unless you ask Demi, just wanted to go to bed so bad, poor thing).
All I wanted was for Paul to take a picture of our waists up (because wow - doesn't that boxy skirt look great?) Half of the pictures are of me talking to him and it was basically a picture failure for me. These other three ladies though? Babes.
I really like this new little family. Jeff just come to a med school in the East, dang it.
And now, another series of picture troubles.
Smooch attacks.
Toosh grabs.
There we go.
Donna built this cute little fairy garden for our Open House (5 years ago this very day!)
Goodbye time came way too soon.
Then a beautiful drive back to Salt Lake in time to catch the fireworks there.
And to have a little more Carruth family time. Chelsey, Celeste, Brandon and Ezra all ditched their former firework plans last minute to come and see us one last time before we flew out. I was so happy about this. How about this cute kid?
The next morning we discovered tragedy on the porch before heading to the airport. Darn wind!
And then a goodbye to my sweet parents and my favorite state.
I can't wait to be back (I'm dreaming of a Carruth Christmas with my favorite snow-capped mountains!)
What a great trip. :)
