First few days of Xmas break

The first two days of vacation were fun in the snow. It snows just about every day and we've built up the snow fort in the backyard and will continue... We also made a slide in the back so the kids can take their sleds and sled in the backyard.



We've been to a few different parks sledding yesterday and today. We've all had a blast and we're supposed to get a lot of snow tonight and tomorrow... we're all so happy we're having another white christmas. The kids love playing in the snow just as much as they do running in the water during the su



Here's a few videos of the first two days of Xmas break. We'll be posting more after Christmas day.

VIDEO SECTION

Graycie sledding into someone on the hill


Girls sledding double


Girls Sliding


Mia sledding in backyard


Arriving at Community park

Going to Fall Creek for our Xmas Tree

GREAT Weather!!! We did our annual Saturday after Tgiving Tree adventure. We headed up to Fall Creek (just before Swan Valley, Idaho), our normal spot. We spend a lot of time there in the summer hiking, camping, and fishing. The good thing is it's only 40 minutes away.


We went up with Christian and Tammy...and their kids. We parked at the usual spot and hiked up the usual hill. It's getting easier every year as the kids are getting much more adventurous out in the mountains. The girls are now great hikers, climbers, and fun to be with on the trail.

Had some beautiful weather this year. No snow on the roads, just spots here and there in the grass and mountains. Last year we all were slipping on the hill due to about a 1/2 foot of snow. But, the snow is coming here this week...

VIDEO: Hiking up the hill for a tree


We cut the tree down, hiked around and let the kids explore the tree groves and canyons, then headed home. The tree is up and the cats will begin to freak out due to a tree being outside. Have a great week!





Photo SLIDESHOW


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Playing in the snow on Christmas

We had tons of snow... started falling just before Christmas and we are all relieved that we'll have a white Christmas. Last year we went to Vancouver to visit family and it rained ALL 8 days we were there... unbelievable!

The kids were so excited and couldn't wait to get into their snow suits. We had to go get Mia another one since hers was too small for her from last year. She's just about 2 inches shorter than Graycie, and two years younger. She will most likely be tall as Graycie by next year.


Pinot loved the snow and the girls chased her around the yard with snowballs. It was pure powder, not the best for making snowmen. So, we shoveled paths in the backyard and built some forts made out of snow. I thought about calling the guys to go out and toss a round of disc at Tautphaus Park, but never materialized.


The entire family and some of the neighbors were out playing in the snow too. Amber and I shoveled the driveway and sidewalk earlier, so our work was done for the day. We later took them to Freeman Park in Idaho Falls and let them slide down the hills for an hour.

That's about it, nothing but a snow day. The girls were really tired after all the playing and we still had wrapping to do before Xmas morning. We went over to Teresa and Joe's that night for Xmas eve dinner. Seth showed up a little late with a 500 lb. + Elk in his truck. He shot it earlier and was on his way to hang it up at his dads.

Fall Creek Chritmas Tree Hunting

We got home late, me and Steve. We were out bunny hunting out in the desert with a few buddies, blasting away, losing track of time. Once home, we scattered to get our things ready and get the wife and kids to go get our Christmas tree. Steve and Christi and their kids were already at the house in Idaho Falls so it took us no time to get out the door. Took about 40 minutes to get to Fall Creek.

The water behind us is the Snake River. Great place to fish during the summertime and there are tons of small inlets to kayak through! This will be on our list for next spring.



We went to the usual spot, just up the Fall Creek Road, a little past the Fall Creek waterfall that flows into the Snake River. We go camping up here quite a bit in the summer and there is TONS of great fishing all over the area. A few years ago, when I went in search of a Christmas tree, I found a nice area that had 5 or 6 nice trees.



I marked the spot on my GPS so I'd always know exactly where I need to get my tree, and there'd be one waiting for us. We took Steve and Christi up there with us, along with their kids. Our kids and there's had fun playing in the snow and the two dogs enjoyed being out in the wilderness running like wild animals. The lil ones wanted to shoot the rifles so Steve and Frank let them shoot off a clip or two.

There was plenty of snow for all. Fall Creek is just before Swan Valley Idaho when you're heading towards Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We thought about going a little farther to see if Palisades lake was frozen or not, and to eat the square ice cream cones at the Swan Valley store. But, the cold set in and we headed West towards Idaho Falls. Had a GREAT sunset to stare at the whole way home. The girls snoozed... they were worn down and a little chilly.

Got the tree though, not bad for five bucks! Thats all a permit is here in Idaho, just tell them what forest you're going to. Anyways, time to set the tree up and have fun decorating.