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.

Target shooting with the girls

Took the girls shooting about 12 minutes West of Idaho Falls. It was Mia's first time shooting the .22 caliber rifle and Graycie's 5th time. Graycie absolutely loves shooting the rifle and after Mia saw her shoot a few times, she wanted a turn.

Graycie didn't want to give up the rifle, she really enjoys looking through the high-powered scope and lining up the X. She'll always tell me "daddy, its on the X"... and I always say... "we'll what are you wait'n for girl, shoot that thang!" She loves it. Pretty good shot too. She is just about nailing a 2 litre bottle about 60 or so yards away.

We went with our neighbors Dave and Sara. Dave brought a few nice rifles including a .17 rim fire. Graycie shot this once and seemed to like it. Was was nice... when Dave busted out his muzzle loader, what a nice weapon! My .22 is a Savage, all black stock, with a 12x9 on top. At the time I bought it, the Savage .22 caliber long rifle was the straightest shooter out there.

Here's a video of Graycie shooting away at a target about 50 yards away

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.