We're Back - Continued...

On our trip to Idaho, we took Grace camping for the first (and last time.) Shortly after Brandon flew in, we drove up to Canada to spend some time with Brett and Andrea. Our first night in Canada we stayed at the campground with them, in our own tent. We won't be doing that anytime again soon (or ever.) Grace loved camping, but we had a challenge trying to keep her out of everything, in our campsite and help her avoid tripping over the tent stakes. What a challenge. We got a reprieve from that when we would take her to the lake. She loved throwing the rocks in the lake.

After a night of camping we continued our adventure in Canada by going up to Cochrane. What a long drive... We stopped when Brett and Andrea stopped. It felt good to stretch our legs. Grace was immediately drawn to the water. She had to go stomping in it. Of course it was FREEZING cold glacial water, but that didn't stop her.

We enjoyed our time at Brett and Andrea's house and made our way back to Idaho in time for my birthday. We had a great dinner at 2nd Avenue. Grace LOVED the pizza. Before we knew it, it was time for Brandon to fly back home. We had a final get together at Bonnie and Ron's house. Grace had a great time sitting on the tractor, playing in the water and chasing Nala (la-la) around.

Our final days in Idaho were filled with playing with the kitchen, playing with the dogs and playing with the cars, both real and pedal. Grace and I loved every minute of it. I hope we get the chance to do it again next summer!

We're Back!!! (continued)

I was surprised how many toys of mine that my mom saved. I'm surprised what survived the past 30+ years. Grace really enjoyed playing with my old "Little People." I know that the vintage ones are now considered a choking hazard, but with careful parental supervision, she played with them for quite a while.

Another favorite toy of Graces was a $5.00 find at the thrift store. She was immediately drawn to an old bouncy horse. I had to drag it to the register with her on it because she wouldn't get off without a fight. She ended up calling it "Eyedye", which in Gracie lingo is "Bullseye." She spent many hours on that horse, only getting off to give Grandpa an art lesson.

Brandon flew on on the 23rd of July. Grace was so glad to see her daddy. We went to Canada the very next day to go camping with Uncle BJ and Aunt Andrea. Camping and a toddler are not necessarily a good idea. I don't recommend it. At least Grace had a great time playing with Jasper and throwing rocks in the water.

After camping we went to BJ and Andrea's house in Cochran. On the drive up we would stop to stretch our legs and let Jasper go potty. Grace was drawn to the water. Of course the water was bitterly cold glacial water. She loved it anyways! We spent a few fun days enjoying our visit with them.

We're Back!!!

Its been quite a while since I last posted anything on the blog. The reason for that is that Grace and I have been in Idaho for approximately six weeks visiting family and friends. We had a great time and enjoyed the cooler weather and lack of miserable humidity. These are photos of our trip to update you on Princess Grace.

We got to Spokane on July 2nd after a LONG day of traveling. Amazingly Grace did well, but I was still exhausted. On July 3rd, Sandpoint had their Independence Day celebrations, complete with a parade and fireworks. Grace and I were a bit jet lagged, but still made it to the parade and met up with my friend Kristi and her family. Grace was asleep at first, until the old cars with loud exhaust went by. I tried to dress her in her patriotic tutu, but she wouldn't let me. She HATED it. Reece however loved it. After we got home Grandma brought out my old trike and we tried to show Grace how to ride it, but her feet just don't quite reach far enough yet. Oh well, hopefully soon.

(Noisy Cars woke her up)

(Hates the tutu) (Loves the tutu)

We spent July 4th at my cousin Chris' house. We weren't able to stay for fireworks because Grace was getting cranky, she was still on East Coast time. The highlight of her evening was that Aunt Bonnie showed her what Snap Pops were and how to make them pop by stepping on them. What a joy!

After the holiday we started to settle in to Idaho a bit. Grace loved going for rides on the lawnmower with Grandpa. It was quite difficult for him to even start it without her wanting a ride on it.

She also loved going for walks and taking Woody, Jessie and Bullseye. She loved the vintage baby buggy that my mom got for her to play with.

(More to come later...)