Idaho 2009

At the end of our trip to Germany, we flew back to Salt Lake City and then headed up to Idaho Falls to stay with Grandpa, Grandma and Jessie. We got back just in time for Jessie's graduation!!!

(I still think of Jessie as being 7 years old - I don't know what to think of a school system that allows 7-year-old's to graduate high school!)

Congratulations, Jessie. We're so proud of you!

The next day, we all packed up for a camping trip to the City of Rocks with Papa, Nana, Nick, Jessica, Colton, David, Julia, Stella, and Jessie. We had a great time.

Tori and Colton got good use out of their new camp chairs.

Aunt Julia and Stella, who has a smile for everyone!

Tim, the fire master

Mom and Tori trying to wake up after a cozy night in the tent.

The whole family hiking.
The scenery was beautiful. The City of Rocks is very unique,
and I'd recommend it to anyone who's never been there.

Aunt Jessie and Tori being silly on the ride home.

The next weeks were filled with lots of fun with Grandma and Grandpa. Tori loved to play with the neighbor's dogs and look at their horses. She loves the kitty, although the kitty is scared of Tori. And one major highlight of Tori's stay in Idaho was...

... helping Grandma mow the lawn!

Tori was also fascinated with the piano. She would flip pages in the Primary song book and "play" the song on the page. She liked it when Mommy would plunk out melodies from the songbook, and then Tori would sing. Ever since her piano days in Idaho this summer, Tori has been obsessed with pianos. When she hears piano music on the radio, she happily announces to everyone: "pano!".

Tori and her "pano".

Tori celebrated her 2nd birthday while we were in Idaho. She got an airplane from Grandpa and Grandma, and a baby stroller from Mommy and Daddy. Mommy made her cakes, and although they didn't turn out like I had imagined, I still think they looked cute.





And, just like in Germany, our time with family came too swiftly to a close. But, we're so grateful for the times we can share. So, in the words of Tori...

"Love you, Gramma, Grampa, Jessie!"

The next part of our summer adventure? Moving to California! Stay tuned...