Violet’s last day of school at Foothills for this year was Thursday, June 9th; so our summer officially got started on Friday the 10th. We have big plans for this summer. Not big as in trans-continental – no plans to leave the state, in fact. But we know how easy it is to get caught up in the day-to-day, letting time and opportunities get away from you, and we’re determined not to do that this summer. There’s too much we want to get out and do with our girls while we’re free of school-year schedules (for Violet and for me, as the Board takes a brief summer break too) and have the sun on our side.
To get things started, Violet’s friend Casey’s family was generous enough to invite us to join them at their cabin in McCall last weekend, and we were fortunate enough to be free, so the eight of us headed up Friday evening. We had so much fun – I still can’t believe all that we managed to pack in without feeling harried. The kids, Violet and Casey, and Ruby and Tyler (who just turned two and goes to Shana’s with Ruby), had a blast together all weekend. Violet and Casey are as close as ever despite attending different schools this year, and it was awesome for them to get to spend so much time together.
We got in around bedtime Friday night, and after a late dinner we let the kids stay up a while longer. They get cozy on the couch to watch part of a movie, during which Ruby surprised Tyler by leaning over and giving him a big ol’ kiss:
The kids cuddle up for a movie before bed
The next morning, Violet and Casey enjoyed hanging out in their pjs drinking some hot chocolate. (I tried to make Violet more later that afternoon, but she told me directly that Brian is better at this than I am. She’s also not shy about telling me that her dad is a much better parallel parker than I am. At least she’s honest?)
Still in their pjs, sharing some hot chocolate
It was free fishing day in Idaho that day, so we hit a local pond, where they outfitted us with poles and worms and later on, some lunch. And Casey even caught a fish!
Gone fishing
Later that afternoon, while the dadas went kayaking, Cindy and I took all four kids to the beach. Rain aside, we swiftly concluded that 4 kids under the age of four and two adults is not a safe ratio. Next time, we’ll take the menfolk.
Brrrrrrr - the beach!
Things were slightly more relaxed around the campfire that evening. If running a zone defense to prevent fire-related injuries or runaways can be considered relaxing. But Violet and Casey had tons of fun roasting marshmallows together!
Kickin' back at the cabin
Roasting marshmallows . . . mmmmmmmmmm
We hit the pancake house for breakfast the next morning, and then Casey and family showed us around some of Ponderosa State Park. We headed down a hiking trail intending to turn around and come back, but the kids insisted we keep going and we finished out the trail a little over a mile later. It was the perfect family hike; we’re looking forward to many more like it over the next several months!
Violet and Casey, still the best of friends
Long hike in Ponderosa State Park
We couldn’t have dreamed up a better opening act for the type of summer we want to share with our kids this year. So many thanks to Cindy, Brian, Casey and Tyler for a fabulous weekend. Looking forward to hanging out with you all again soon!
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Indeed a fantastic way to start the summer! I wish we could go camping with you guys. I love the pic of Casey and V at the pancake house…they look so happy to be together. And those trees are making me drool.
What a fun weekend! Good friends and beautiful scenery. You captured some wonderful memories in your pictures!
Looks like such fun. What great memories for all of you. Makes me want to plan a camping trip soon.
I just love these pictures – how could I not? Four kids I absolutely adore all having a fabulous time. Summer through they eyes of children – I love it!
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