Idaho Summer Holiday

July 2012:  We took our big family vacation for the year and made the big trek back to Moscow. We drove through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Of course we had to stop in Butte to visit the Berkeley Pit. We  stayed in style in Billings for the night at a C'mon Inn, we had a room with a balcony that overlooked the hot tubs. Fancy. 

After a long 12+ hour drive over two days we made it to the lovely, green Moscow! As always my mother's gardens were amazing and we were so excited to see everyone. We spent a whole week drinking coffee at our favorite pub Bucer's, eating fresh goods from the Co-op, spent many an afternoon walking downtown and playing at the park.  Even went to the farmers Market on Saturday morning! Our 4th of July was full starting off with a dog show downtown ....(thought it was suppose to be a downtown parade). then our friend's hosted a 4th of July party at their lovely country home, and to end the day we had a fantastic 4th of July dinner with our dearest friends and family. 

William was able to spend a little while with Grandpa on the job site one day. This was a much anticipated part of our trip. William had been talking about Grandpa's backhoe for weeks and finally he was able to ride it.

One of the main reasons for this trip was to get our little Duncan baptized. Sunday morning he was welcomed into communion with us as we promised to raise him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord  (and thanks be to God with God' overwhelming grace we will strive to.)

We were blessed with beautiful days. Most evenings we spend picnicking on my parent's beautiful back patio, while the kids enjoyed grandma's new swing set. Also during our visit my Grandpa and Grandma Rawson drove over to say hello. It was a lovely surprise and we loved seeing them!

Walking downtown Moscow with Grandpa and Nanna

Before we left Moscow we were able to visit my Grandma Grace. Next we traveled down to Wallowa County to visit some more friends and meet up with Jamie and Sam( my sister and her husband.), but not before we stopped to visit my Great Grandma Ellison and to have her meet her Duncan (her great great grandson) It would be the last time we saw her. She passed away a few months later.

 Wallowa County. I love. It's beautiful. Full of good food, good music and good people. What more do you need?

We enjoyed some good food and beer and the local TG with Barley, who also hosted our little family..he even put a mattress on floor of his spare room for us. We felt very spoiled.

 The lake was cold and clean. We did some swimming. The Brann family hosted another fantastic potluck with singing, fireworks and a little dancing even. So much wonderful fellowship! The Hostetters opened up their amazing home to the rest of my family that followed us down there. We enjoyed the privacy of the ranch and also a little horseback riding with Auntie Laura.  It was party after party. The Tollefson's, as always, had a huge feast that the farm. We loved every minute of our stay. So many friends and family, it was hard to say goodbye.