4th of July Fireworks

A lot of cities in California around where we live choose to ban fireworks. We were so excited to be in Boise around the 4th of July so we could introduce Preston to a few of the milder ones. He thought it was so cool. We did Pop-Its, sparklers, snakes, and a few others. He loved the snakes. I love this video of Preston because it shows just how mischiveous he can be sometimes and how he loves to tease. It's like you can see the lightbulb go on in his head - like "Ah Ha. I have an idea!" So typical of our sweet and naughty little boy.

Boating at Lucky Peak

I forgot how pretty Lucky Peak Reservoir in Boise is. We didn't own a boat growing up so my few experiences at Lucky Peak were with our youth group or a few times with friends. Now, after having been boating several times with Nate's family I appreciate the reservoir a little more. It's bigger than I remember and a lot prettier than I remember. Wade was a champ on the boat. I think the life jacket fits him a lot better than it did Preston at the same age. Preston just had such big cheeks that they got squished. Nate loved getting out on the water to wakeboard - even if it wasn't the board he was used to. I enjoyed a nice, relaxing tube ride. It was fun to take Preston out on the tube, too. We weren't sure how much he enjoyed it because he asked to get off but then immediately asked to go again. I think he just didn't know what to think about it. All in all - it was a fun afternoon. Now occasionally when we are in the car Preston will pretend his car seat it a board and tell us to, "Hit it." It makes Nate rather proud to hear his little boy utter those words.

Bowling - Preston's 1st Time

One evening in Boise while my mom and Jenn were at Young Womens the rest of us went bowling at BSU. It was a lot of fun. It was Preston's first time ever and I think he enjoyed it.

Sun Valley

While in Idaho we took a quick trip to Sun Valley for a few days to be with Nate's family. We had a great time. We went shotgun shooting and paddle boating. We played "pooh sticks" in the creeks. We visited the chocolate store daily. We rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain and threw rocks off the side. Preston also enjoyed playing what he termed "Monsters in the Closet" with Grandma and Grandpa. It was a good time had by all.

Bruneau Sand Dunes

While visiting my parents we went to Bruneau Sand Dunes, which is about an hour southeast of Boise. I was a little skeptical about hiking with the two kids and thought for sure we wouldn't last long. Nate carried Preston most of the way on his back in our backpack carrier. I carried Wade in the Becco. Surprisingly, we made it to the top of the largest sand dune. It was beautiful and we were both so glad we made the climb. I should also mention we hiked straight up. It was tough

Preston LOVED the sand. He could not wait to get his hands in it. He crawled in it, did snow angels in it, scooted through it, threw it - everything you could imagine. I think his favorite part was the freedom too. While Nate and I were still sitting at the top Preston took off down the mountain on his own. We didn't care because we could see him for a long distance, there was no place for him to go really and we could make it down the mountain so quickly after him.

After the hike we had a small picnic by the lake you can see in the background. Preston and Nate waded in the water to cool down. For the rest of the trip Preston kept asking if we could go back to the sand dunes. I should have known he would enjoy it so much.

Trip to Boise

Recently we returned from a nearly 3 week vacation to Idaho. Nate was able to take his paternity leave through the State of California and we took advantage. We made the 12 hour trek to Boise leaving on a Friday night after work and stopping in Winnemucca, Nevada (more like crashing) for the night. The boys slept most of the way there and by the time we landed in Winnemucca and found a motel, 4 motel stops later due to full rooms, it was 2:00am. Preston was well rested and ready to play. The excitement of staying in a motel was too much for him and he kept us awake until nearly 4:00am. Holy Moly. We were tired parents the next morning. We did SO many fun things and have so many pictures that the posts will come in pieces - as I have time and blogger cooperates. Lately it seems like I have been having issues uploading pictures and video.

Preston entertained himself by putting wipes on his foot and then putting his sandal back on in the car. He sat this way forever. He can be a bit quirky sometimes.


 
Preston wasn't scared of my parent's dog this time. He would play catch and wrestle the ball directly out of Scamp's mouth.

Our first week there we were able to spend time with friends. We went to the zoo with an old high school friend and her family. Then, we were able to go swimming and to the circus with a friend from California who recently moved to Meridian, Idaho. It was fun to get together with both of them. Preston still talks about the circus. It think it may have been one of this favorite activities from the entire trip. He even rode the elephant at the circus by himself and thought it was the best thing in the world.

We also spent lots of time hanging around the house. Preston found Aunt Jenn's construction worker dress-up items and loved putting them on. He would pretend to lift heavy things and stack them.