Table Rock

We hiked Table Rock here in Boise last weekend. We've lived here for 8 years and we've never done this hike! So it was time. Unfortunately, when we got out of the truck at the trail head, we realized we forgot to put the hiking backpack in the truck! So, Hal being the good sport and tough guy that he is, volunteered to carry Quinn!

Here are Quinn, Hal and Madison on our way to the top. The hike takes you to the top of that little mountain with the cross on the top. I'm not exactly sure why there's a 6 stories high cross on the top of this mountain, but there is!
Quinn did walk some of the way and gave Hal a brake. Madison was a real trooper and hiked the entire way to the top! We were so proud of her and she was pretty pleased herself! I don't remember how far the hike is or how much elevation you gain.... Hal knows all the number details. I was in charge of snacks and drinks!

A view of Boise as we hike towards the top.

Yea!!!!! We made it!!!!!

Both kids were pretty tired after the hike up, so I ended up giving Madison a piggy-back ride part of the way back down. This was a great hike and perfect for our little family.

Stars & Stripes

We had all the ingredients for a memorable 4th of July: good food, family, fireworks, home made ice cream, and perfect weather! We headed to Brigham City to celebrate with the Duce grandparents, Uncle Jonny, and the Schmelter Family (although we missed you Kevin).

We went to the fireworks in Logan and stopped by the zoo at Willow Park before the fireworks started.

Madison LOVES her cousin Ally and she is so sweet to her!


Here are the Schmelter cousins with Quinn and Madison. All little blondies!!

Jonny and I at the fireworks. Wow, we look alike!


Hal and I watching the Logan fireworks. Ohhhhh Ahhhhhh!

Madison loved the fireworks and her glow stick necklace she created.

Quinn's first sparkler. I've decided two year old boys and fire don't mix so well. Although we didn't have any mishaps.

All Aboard!

Last weekend our family went on a train ride! The train leaves from Horseshoe Bend (which is about an hour away from Boise) and it travels along the Payette River. The weather and scenery were beautiful! You can check out Thunder Mountain Line to see what other fun themed train rides they have. Hal and I would love to go on the murder mystery ride.

Hal and the kids getting ready to board the train.

Madison was so excited for her first train ride.

Quinn would have much rather skipped the photo taking! Just let the poor little boy ride his choo choo!

We opted to ride most of the time in the train car. Madison and Hal were suffering from allergies and the open train car made for some pretty itchy eyes and runny noses.

Our train ride was called the Teddy Bear Picnic. This huge bear was one of the characters on the train that entertained the kids. Sitting with Teddy is Goldie Locks. She came over to our table and told a very animated version of the Three Little Bears.

Quinn actually warmed up to Teddy (sorry, dark picture). Madison really liked Teddy, but it took her some time to warm up to him. Once we were ready to get off the train, she really wanted to give him a hug good-bye.

Quinn loved looking out the window at the Payette River.

After about an hour and a half on the train, we got off and had our picnic lunch. There was a little house there where they sold ice cream and other souvenirs... of course for an outrageous price! :)

Riding on the open train car. I know I'm biased, but we think our kids are pretty darn adorable!

Madison made a very good friend on the ride. Mother Goose and her Goose... can't remember if the goose had a name or not! Mother Goose got to know Madison very well because Madison would hardly leave her side. They sat and talked and talked and talked. It was so cute! Madison asked if she would be able to come to her birthday party in September! Then Mother Goose informed me that they do princess parties as well... I hope Madison didn't hear that!

We saw tons of rafters and kayaks on the river.

Quinn had worn out himself having fun that he crashed in Hal's arms on the ride back. I just love summer time and spending time together as a family. We hope we are creating some fun memories for our children to remember.

There... I think I'm finally caught up with our blog worthy events!