Idahome, the detailed picture extravaganza!

Does it make you want to read this post more if I call it an extravaganza? It was. I mean, Deej and I were there for a week and a half, and a lot happened! Shall we begin?

Event 1: Lindsey and Nick get married!

I love my family, and especially my sisters, but I may make enemies here: Lindsey is hands down the prettiest bride of the 3 of us girls. 

They are so cute. And so very happy together. Nick is the best guy and we are blessed to have him join our crazy family. 

Grandbabies!

Event 2: Idaho Falls Zoo!

DJ and Harper, checking out the chimpanzees.

Faster than a Golden Eagle!

More fearsome than a sloth bear!

  

DJ got to feed, pet, and brush the goats in the petting zoo. All his 3 year old dreams came true!

Who doesn't like to ride a lion in his/her spare time?

Luckily for DJ, Uncle Danny is super tall, so seeing the actual lion was a reality rather than a pipe dream.

Did you really go to the IF zoo if you didn't drink out of the lion head drinking fountain?

Bat face paint. Because obviously!

Event 3: Hanging out with Grandpa!

The neighbors across the creek have horses. We bribed them with apples for a little toddler ride. Again, dreams come true.

Grandma insisted on getting some grandkid toys in the backyard. DJ, Grandpa, and Jet the dog thoroughly enjoyed them.

DJ's favorite swing game: have the person swinging next to you spin your swing and yell, "What is happening?" 

Big plus to visiting Grandma and Grandpa - the garden. DJ insists on visiting it every day. We picked zucchini, peas, beans, tomatoes, peppers, and a few tiny carrots. And yes, he ate that whole pepper.

Shelling peas. 

That boy was dedicated to gardening. He even found his very own garden bucket and knew where it was at all times.

Event 4: Boating!

I am not a surfer. But I am definitely willing to try anything. And if everyone else is doing it, you bet I will join in. Peer pressure is my bff.

Deg, on the other hand, is apparently a surfing pro. Got up first try and let go of the rope to ride the wave in no time. He has found his calling!

This picture is super cute. And yes, DJ is wearing a "girl" life jacket. He'll live.

He wanted to waterskii. So Grandpa helped him. Granted, they didn't go anywhere, but ask DJ and he'll tell you his Grandpa taught him to waterskii.

Event 5: Hanging with family!

We got to meet Miss Harper Maree, and DJ loves her. 

Like, really loves her.

"Mom, she thinks I'm funny!"

"Mom, she told me I'm her best friend!"

Uncle Danny needed to get a workout in, so DJ helped him with the bench press.

Only my kid would strip down to his undies randomly with the in-picture caption as his response as to why. Work it!

Sometimes, when you go to Grandma's ward, which is at 1, you fall asleep across 3 people.

Idaho, the place where you can run free and barefoot in July without turning your feet into bacon.

My mom's gym has an outdoor pool, so we got passes and went. DJ swam and jumped and frolicked for an hour and a half. And when I say swam, I mean, swam without a life jacket. He needs me for breaths, but he swims all on his own now. And he did, for an hour and a half.

Grandma was in a tennis tournament, so we went to watch her. DJ was her biggest fan.

Harper didn't really care about the tennis so much. But she was there!

I like him.

Event 6: Great Grandparents!

My Grandma Bowen turned 80, so we went to a birthday party in her honor. There were only 4 of her grandkids missing, which is amazing with a family our size. It was so great that everyone came out to support her.

I love this pic of her as a teenager. Who knew she had such sass?

We also visited my dad's parents, who the great grandkids affectionately call Grandma and Grandpa Candy. If you leave with your pockets or your heart empty, it's your own fault!

Look at that. That little boy knows he is loved.

If there's anyone in this life who has taught me about loving others and laughing as a necessary daily practice, it's my grandma Maurine.

Event 7: Funland!

Yes, we went to the rinky dink amusement park in Idaho Falls. We needed something to do, and when you're 3, this is right up your alley.

Airplane captain

For some reason, he was terrified of the merry go round and would only ride it if I went with him and held his hand. Did I mention that we were the only patrons? It was awesome.

 

The octopus. It looks way more fun that it actually is. We both hated it!

The Ferris wheel was probably the favorite though. I've never really liked them before, but a small one with my babe? Loved it. I kind of like hanging out with him.