island park, idaho

Summer vacation takes on a whole new meaning when your children begin school.

With only 2 1/2 months in the summer you really need to soak it up!

We made the long drive up to Island Park, Idaho to be with Kelly's family for the 4th of July. It is sort of an unspoken family reunion. This year though his other aunts and uncles and their families were also going to be there so we didn't want to miss out.

We stopped in St.George the first night and saw my brother and his wife the next morning because they are moving to Wyoming. We also stopped in Salt Lake to see my little sister and her husband who are moving to N. Carolina for law school. All of my siblings now live in 6 different states!!

We then stayed a night at Kelly's parents in Blackfoot and we were able to see my own Grandma and oldest sister before heading to the cabin. Kelly took Forest on his first dirt bike ride (oh boy, he's obsessed) and Grandpa Williams sang Dash to sleep (cutest thing ever!).

We were at the cabin a few days before the whole family came up. So nice. When 35 people are all there it gets crazy (but so fun) so we enjoyed soaking up the quiet with just each other.

We drove up to the top of Sawtelle. That is my favorite. We haven't been up there since we were in college. The views are break taking with the surrounding mountains and valley plus the wild flowers are so pretty. 

We stopped by Big Springs after church but sadly we saw no fish. 

All of Kelly's siblings bring four-wheelers, bikes, kayaks, whatever sounds fun. We are so glad because we have nothing to share!! Daphne went tubing for the first time (no pictures of that) and the kids loved swimming in the lake.

I'll never forget the first time Kelly took me to his family's cabin. We were only dating but I remember thinking what an absolute beautiful place it was and how I wanted to enjoy it for years to come! So glad it worked out between us so that we can enjoy it together and as a family! 

It was such a good 10 days together. The 16 hour drive can be rough but its so worth it once we are all there.

And after we got home my family made plans to rent a cabin the week before the 4th in Bear Lake next summer. We can't wait for that!!

Now we hope to enjoy the beach the rest of this summer vacation!