I Lava You! (A recent "HIGH" for me)

Dad and I enjoyed a wonderful weekend away.  For the last few weeks, actually most of the summer, we've felt some of the strain of the busy farm work and felt the need for renewal.  It had been over a month since I'd been to the temple, and even longer than that for Dad.  He left work early and we went to Rexburg.  There was enough time before the 3:45 p.m. session for us to each do a family name in initiatory that we could then take for the endowment session. (FYI- Dad has several family names that need work if anyone wants to help.)


We had a quick stop at Tillerys and played a little with kids there.  Zayne is pretty amazing with his flips on the trampoline. Even Ruby is pretty good with her bouncing and flips.  I wish I had a video to share. Chrystal offered to feed and house us, but we left to Pocatello.  Our plan had been to go to Costco for some shopping, especially some batteries for the pick-up, but by the time we got there, it was a little late.  So we just ate at a Pizza Pie Cafe, a place we haven't tried before.  Then we headed to Lava Hot Springs where Dad had made a reservation.  We relaxed in our room, watching BYU Women's volleyball.  The next morning we went to the hot springs.  What a wonderful morning it was.  Kind of chilly, perfect for soaking and floating in the hot mineral water.  The location we went to had 5 pools.  The top pool was at a temperature of 112, the lowest pool was 102.  Two pools were jetted.
I think the mineral water is good for your health.  My muscles felt so calm and clear the rest of the day.  I don't think it was only the heat.  If I lived within 30 minutes of the pools I would probably buy a year pass and go a couple of times each week.

After checking out of our room, we went back to Pocatello to shop.  First we had breakfast at 5th Street Bagelry which is close to campus.  Very Delicious Bagels.

We finished up our shopping and traveled back home.  We missed the turnoff that would take us through Freedom to pick up the suburban at Dad's office.  So we added another 30 minutes to our return trip, but we were able to pick up some tomatoes at a roadside stand in Afton.

Every moment was enjoyable.  I enjoyed feeling so carefree.  Now my new visual for stressful moments is imagining floating on my back in the hot mineral pool looking up at the beautiful clear blue sky of a crisp morning.

Pioneer Weekend Fun

We planned to have a "mini" reunion of sorts with those who were able to come around the 24th of July.  The Tillerys had a Tillery reunion that weekend, but we did get John and Jared who were just finished with their spring semester.  Joshua and Briana came also a little later.

Jared and James re-connecting with the nintendo.

Friday night we borrowed an old washer bin from Grandpa to have a fire in the  forest bordering our land.  We didn't get started until about 7:30, after some of the farm work was done.

Kenyan and Derek were up at Grandma's working.  They came too.  Also, Sydney, Esther's friend.

Buddy came along too.

Brotherly/Sisterly Bonding

On Saturday, James was responsible to plant flags throughout the community for Pioneer Day.  Then we attended a ward breakfast.  Joshua and Briana showed up about 10:30.  Esther came home early from her job about noon, and finally about 3 all the farmhands were able to get away for our hike up Strawberry.

Walking along the pipe was easier for some than others.

Jared's styling hair :)

I couldn't balance for very long.  Dad beside me giving extra reassurance.

More balancing on the pipe.  In some spots there was quite a drop.

We got to the reservoir and enjoyed skipping some rocks.

Dashing Stance!

Took this photo for Briana's dad - ingenuous four wheeler chair.

An energetic fight of this type of weed/flower. 

Joshua and Briana had some Brazilian hammocks they brought along.  We all enjoyed some relaxing.

Sunday afternoon after dinner, Joshua showed us some photos from Brazil.  We also spent some time relaxing.  We took some time to visit our property.  We played Banangrams and Grandpa's game.

This is the entrance to the back 76 acres.

This is near where our "dream spot" for a home would be.

Joshua and Briana were the official dishwashers.

The results of Grandpa's game.  We all thought Briana would be the winner with beginner's luck, but no surprise, Dad won.

It was nice to be able to host Joshua and  Briana and get to know her better.  It was good to have some time with John and Jared before they left for Virginia.  There was also some berry picking that happened as well as pipe changing and other farm work. 

 One of the things that has helped James feel a little more energized to run up to help on the farm is the motorbike we bought about 2 months ago.