Summer Road Trip Part 1: In Idaho...(there aint no place I'd rather be...)

In the beginning of August we took a long road trip to Telluride, Colorado. The basic reason for the trip was to see Phish play for two nights in one of the most beautiful venues in the country, but ultimately it was all about being on the road, checking out amazing parts of the west and spending time as a family. Our first night we camped near the Grande Ronde River, in Eastern Oregon. The campground was practically empty, and just beautiful. It was a good start.

The second night we went off course and camped out right next to the most incredible hot springs I have ever been to in my entire life. It was a hot springs creek through this little valley, and we basically had it to ourselves. Marc and I both feel very drawn to Southern Idaho every time we go there. There is something about the sky, the hills, the sagebrush, and the way we feel when we are there. We love it. It is a very active geothermal area with a high concentration of natural hot springs. Lucy was so cute in her first hot springs experience. :) In the above photos, if you look closely you can see steam rising from the creek, and the water in the creek is gloriously warm. There were many, many pools for soaking, and the spot couldn't have been nicer.

At night, we were able to soak in the springs and still hear Lucy in the tent if she woke up. The stars were out in full force, and there was a lightning storm way off in the distance. Sitting in the hot water, watching shooting stars and spending time with Marc is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

Grandpa and Grandma Karr time!

My parents traveled up for a visit in late July and Lucy had so much fun with them. She loves them so much! We went camping with a bunch of friends at Timothy Lake, near Mt Hood. Lucy loved playing in the dirt, let me tell you. The dirtier the better! She enjoyed seeing Baby Evan, playing in the hammock with Sophia, and digging with Samantha. Best of all was quality time with Grandma Pam and Grandpa Dave. My parents helped out with some projects around the house, and camping was fun. Thanks, Mom for giving it a shot! We are so lucky to have such good friends and family!

Summer Fun in the Sun

Marc, Lucy and I were able to spend a nice weekend at home in July. The weather was hot and it was very relaxing to hang out at our home. We set up the pool in the front yard, which Lucy loved. She sure does enjoy being outside. When the weather is nice we spend all day out there playing and exploring. She helps me in the garden, colors with sidewalk chalk, laughs at the dog, and checks out insects. One favorite activity was blueberry picking!

Northwest String Summit

In July we went out to North Plains, Oregon to attend the 9th Annual Northwest String Summit. Marc and I have gone since the first year. It is kind of like summer camp for adults (and their kids!) This year was Lucy's second. It is always such a great time, with music, camping and hanging out with good friends. Yonder Mountain String Band plays each night, and several other bands play. This year Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart were there. They were the drummers for the Grateful Dead. During Yonder's set they came out and played New Speedway Boogie into Franklin's Tower which was awesome! We were able to spend lots of good time with some good friends. Lucy seemed to enjoy herself, and she is so much fun to take out!

Summer's Here!

Although summer has been long in coming this year, we are finally getting a taste of warmth. Today it was in the high 80s, and it felt so nice to be so warm. Lucy is doing great! She is learning more and more every day, and she amazes me all the time. Today she said "bubbles" for the first time, and she is using sign language more and more. She is getting some molars, and has been fussy at times from it. I also think that she is fussy at times because she is a toddler! She sure does have an opinion, and can throw a fit at the drop of a hat. We are getting through it, and teaching her what is OK and what is not. :)

We went on a nice trip to East Lake for our anniversary and had a great time. It was pretty cold out, but we were still able to spend time playing outside, then go inside of our cabin to warm up! It is beautiful there and Lucy enjoyed the campfire and playing on the boat. The following weekend Marc went rafting with the guys and I went with Rose and her cousin Amber up to Northern/Central Washington to Lake Chelan. It was a fun road trip, with the adults and 3 kids in the vehicle! The weather was AWESOME! Lucy loved her floaty, and playing in the sand at the water's edge. Baby Evan learned how to roll over, which was exciting to see. It was a trip to remember!

Thanks for checking in! Lucy is rapidly becoming a toddler, and it is so fun to be with her as she grows!

Spring fun!

We traveled up to North Idaho over Memorial Day to visit with family. Lucy, Marc and I had a great time. We went out to the North fork of the Couer d'alene river (I think that is right!) for a night and had so much fun hanging out. Lucy loves her cousin Mason, and her Auntie Stephanie and Uncle Matt. She also enjoyed playing with her GrandPappy Bob, and her Grandma Linda spoiled her with love and presents! One of the gifts Linda gave her was a stroller with a baby. She loves her baby doll! She spends a lot of time taking care of her. Today we headed out to Hideaway Lake with Rose, Robin and Baby Evan. When we were almost to the lake, we ran into snow on the ground, in some places about 3 feet deep! We tromped in through the snow and had fun. The boys went fishing and Rose and I and the kids hiked around the lake, which was a bit of a challenge with the snow and water, but we made it! After our hike, I started to eat an apple, but Lucy grabbed it from me and chowed down. Happy weekend! :)