So Long, Farewell

We said goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa in Canada...

and hit the open road. (Meanwhile every insect in the state of Montana seemed intent on hitting our window.)

Somewhere in the middle of Montana, Curtis decided he wanted to share his lunch with all of us. Unfortunately, it was the lunch he had eaten an hour or so earlier. Up it came. Horrified, I dove into the back to try to...I don't know...do something. There was nothing to be done. Driving through a teeny town we spied a hose on the ground next to cafe. The owners graciously let us soak down our son, his clothes, and his carseat and sympathized with us...while a perfectly healthy boy ran around gleefully, like this sort of thing happened every day. (Heaven forbid!)

We finally made it to Blackfoot. Though we were tired, we figured we would stop at the local hot spot and snap a photo.

We spent the evening and next morning with Grandma. She became quite a hero by letting the kids have some spiffy cowboy hats and sheriff badges.

Grandpa showed up for breakfast and also earned his own little fan club by letting them all take turns riding on his new motorbike.

Then it was time to go. Another family picture on Grandma's steps (one of these days we'll have to count how many we have there) and we were off. 

Headed for home, sweet sweltering home.

Parades, Fairs, and Rides, Oh My!

We have roots in Idaho. His and hers. It seems logical, then, that we attempt a yearly trek back to those roots in order to participate in something that true Idahoans seem to feel a rather deep kinship with. I'm speaking of the Eastern Idaho State Fair. It's a spectacle of life that I don't exactly understand...resplendent with tractors, farm animals, cowboys, and carnies. And we thoroughly enjoy ourselves every time we go.

This year was no exception. It started with a parade. And who enjoys a parade more than kids? Mine were in absolute heaven. What could be better than a stream of horses, clowns, cheerleaders, and people throwing CANDY? Nothing, I tell you.

The next highlight was a trip to the petting zoo. 50 cents buys you a little cup of "animal food" and happiness for two little girls.

Curtis ran around from one animal to the next practically squealing with excitement. At one point he even tried to climb on top of a goat.

Lindy begged us to let her go on a ride, an aspect of the fair we have ignored up to this point. We let her choose one ride. She chose the Ferris wheel...and regretted her decision as soon as we started moving. She white-knuckled her way through the entire ride. I asked her to smile and this is as good as it got.

So here's to the Fair. We're glad we went but we're glad it's only once a year. It was exhausting.