Oneida Narrows

Saturday night after Jim & Seth had chased cows all day & I had been at work, we took off to see Monica & Russell (Jim's sister & hubby) new property. We took the camper & 4-wheeler. They have bought 7 1/2 acres up on a mountain above the Oneida narrows, just north of Preston, ID. They are up there with all the other folks from Utah wanting a place to get away. I think they are just remembering that they are really just "Idaho hicks" at heart. It is a beautiful spot clear up high - this picture shows the spot that they have just carved out of the mountain to eventually put in their cabin. Check out that view:

We are all checking out the new spot & hearing about their plans - it will be a few years - one project at a time:

This is the view from where the cabin will be:

I'm just scouting out the steep hillside - it reminds me a whole lot of where my parents live.

The boys headed out for a ride:

Monica & her good friend Karen - Karen & Bill were up for the day too - they were really fun to visit with:

Shelby likes driving:

Check out Monica's new PINK fishing vest - I think I might have to learn how to fish!

Seth - his new phone keeps him entertained - I don't know about all the girls texting him - LOL

Megan deep in thought - had to get that on film - just kidding Megi!

The fall colors were just beautiful:

We headed north through the narrows on our way home - lots of pix:

Wild Turkeys!!!

The sun was setting just as we were driving into the valley:

It was nice to have a little get away - They have a neat little spot up in the hills. I told Jim that I thought it was neat, but we don't need a cabin in the woods - we just need more time at home to enjoy the quiet where we get to live!

Sports Video Player - KPVI News 6 - Pocatello, ID

Hey look at the cheerleaders - Homecoming night - look fast, Megan is on the front row!

Old Faithful Inn

This is one of my favorite places in the world:

Isn't it just beautiful - I'm not sure why I feel such a connection with this building. Jim thinks I had some great love affair while he was on his mission - sorry to disappoint, but I didn't. I did work in this awesome building from May to August of 1987. I mostly cleaned toilets - real glamorous right. I was the night maid for the last month - that just means I cleaned up messes and delivered pillows & cribs. It just amazes me that they built this incredible building so many year ago. I mean look at it:

This a close up of the crow's nest sign: I did get lucky enough to go up on top once with the bellhops to put the flags up - awesome sight, but scary height.

My girls wandered around with me and saw a few of the sights.

This shot is off the second floor mezzanine - the building is just amazing!

The cool old clock on the fireplace - I thought they had it working again, but I guess not. Jim bought me a book about the inn - now I just need more time to read up on all this.

This is one of the cool carriage doors at the front entrance - love the red dooor.

My girls checking out the view from the outdoor mezzanine - they had a front row view, but we left and went to watch Old Faithful with all the other thousands of people on the boardwalk.

I need to sit and read the book we bought. I don't know all the histories or stories that go along with the building, but I just love walking in that door and looking up. They say you can always tell a first time visitor because they strain their necks, but I do it everytime. I just love walking in those doors and seeing the sun shine in the rafters!

My brother - the Ladies man!

Back in 2002, Andy was solo at the reunion. The girls( and for some reason Kyle) decided they should be in Andy's family picture. These girls seem to have a soft spot in their heart for their Uncle Andy. We have loved this picture of Uncle Andy and the girls, so this year they did it again - Andy hasn't changed much, but the girls sure have!

2002

2010

The boys ended up posing with Aunt Lois - it might be tough to get another one in 8 years, but I think it is worth sharing:

Can they really all be this big? I'm still trying to figure out how to freeze time!

Get Ready!

Get Ready - Get Set - Post! I'm so far behind, but while the salsa was on the stove last night I downloaded a boatload of pictures, so get ready for lots of blogs coming your way - I'm so far behind!

Harriman State Park

The annual family reunion was at Harriman State Park in August this year. I'll have some other posts, but these are some of the prettiest pictures off the camera this year. What a beautiful spot. Enjoy!!

Family Pix time - Reunion 2010

It has become an annual tradition to take family pictures in our reunion shirts. It used to be quite a feat, but the kids have gotten a little older and cooperate a little better - or they have just learned how to get it over with! So here goes:

Todd & Radene - the boys had to work:

My Gang - Jim & Mara also had to work - bummer!:

Craig & Laura - they had the whole family:

Blake & Jodie - with the newly returned missionary!:

Andy !:

Aunt Lois:

Dad & Mom:

Sibling shot:

and of course - the whole gang!:

Ed & Sharee came the next day - so of course we lined them up too!:

We just gotta do it every year - sometimes I'm not sure the kids appreciate it, but it is fun to see how we all change. Logan & Jake have been missing from the past few reunions - it was great to spend some time with them and see how the missions have changed their lives. I really with Mara and Jim could have come - as Mara said on her blog "Sometimes being a responsible

"grown-up" is not exactly what I would like to be doing!" I feel like that most days. I'm hoping heaven is a little like the family reunions and I get to have all these wonderful people around all the time, but for now I will settle for once a year at the family reunion. I love this bunch of people - they are the greatest!

Rasberry bars

I can't even remember where I saw these now - someday (after harvest) I will have time to cook again. If any of you have time to try these out - let me know - I thought they looked yummy.

Raspberry Bars

Combine:
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup butter, chilled
1 egg, slightly beaten

Mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Reserve 2 cups flour mixture. Press remaining mixture into ungreased 9x13 pan. Bake 8 minutes at 350.

While the crust is baking, combine:
1 - 12oz. pkg. frozen raspberries
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
3 T. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Heat in saucepan until thickened (sort of like making jam). I let them come to a boil and slow boil them for about 1 minute. Spread over crust, and sprinkle remaining flour mixture over top. Bake 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool slightly, and top with glaze.

Glaze:

Mix about 1 cup of powdered sugar with some lemon juice until you get a good drizzling consistency. Drizzle over top. (The original recipe also calls for 1 Tbsp. of melted butter in the glaze - I usually do not add this, but I did for the fair). Cool completely, and cut into bars. Then quickly take them to a party before the urge to eat the whole pan completely overtakes you! :

Cheering @ 1st Football game

I told you a while ago - Megan is a SSHS cheerleader. They've had lots of practicing and the games have begun. Here is a shot of the girls just before the first football game. She can't possibly be in high shcool, right? Please tell me no!! The looked pretty sharp out their under the lights!!!