Our Awesome Fantastic Blackfoot Trip!

These wonderful people aren't related to me.

But they are related to a favorite family of ours....

The Millington's invited our family to spend the weekend with them where they grew up; Blackfoot, and Ashton, ID. I can't even begin to explain just how wonderful it was.

I am a country girl at heart for sure. I was so happy, the whole time. The pictures (in no particular order) don't do it justice.

Tons and tons of open space for the boys to shoot guns. (I'm not a bad shot myself!)

Hannah loves Larry. :)

Up in the tree house that has been there for years and years. Built by Gayla's dad of course!

Love this lady.

The two most talented on the trampoline was Miss Aubrey...

and Miss Gayla!! Check out the form!!!

Another fun device built by Gayla's dad!

A real working outhouse in the backyard! How cool is that?!?

Lance and Gayla reminiscing...

Homemade cinnamon rolls from Gayla's mom. Simply divine!!

Aubrey had the best hiding place during flashlight tag! That night was the best!

Chip having fun with photography...

Dutch oven cooking!

Wow. Just wow!

Gayla and her mama!

I got to go ATV riding!! (Is that what it's called?!) It was awesome!

This is the front yard of the house Gayla grew up in.

Some of Grampa's old tools... why do I love that so much?!

The barn at their house. Love it!

At the fair in Blackfoot. Oh yes, we did it all!!

To me, I experienced in this weekend what I would consider to be the most wonderful way of life. The feelings, the atmosphere, the openness, the beauty, the simplicity - it's all part of what made this experience like no other for me. But I also believe that had I grown up in it, I wouldn't have the same appreciation. I enjoyed my childhood. I didn't know anything different and have great memories - It was a wonderful childhood! But now that I see places like this, and listen to all the stories about growing up here, it's what I consider to be the most... I don't know - American? Traditional? Whatever it is, I absolutely loved it. And I will always remember how I felt, and how much fun we had. Thank you to the Millington's. I will never forget it! None of us will.

"The Boys of Fall"

One of the most enjoyable things about being a parent is getting to know your children as they grow older. Their likes and dislikes......discovering their talents and gifts.


Jackson has definitely developed a passion for football!

He absolutely LOVES going to practice. The only complaint I heard from him about practice was on a Monday or a Friday, when their wasn't practice!



He shares a similar passion with his cousin, Ilai. Whenever they get together, their first choice is always to throw the football back and forth! Here they are with their "game faces!"

Jack's nickname on the team was "Missle." Once he was got that ball and busted through the defense, there was no stopping this boy!

He is FAST!

My favorite part of this season was to see a love of football develop in Chip! Who knew? I think Chip was more excited for the practices and games than Jack, if that's possible! Being able to be one of the coaches brought pure joy to him. On Saturday mornings, Chip would yell from his bed, "What day is today?!" And in a sleepy, yet strong voice, we'd hear Jack across the hall yell, "GAME DAY!!"

Chip pulled some strings and got some of the Boise State Broncos to come practice with the team!

What a highlight for these boys!!!

Jack threw a pass to the amazing Austin Pettis and will surely NEVER forget it. Either will I!