Fourth of July

I say it every year, but I mean it every year. Fourth of July in Idaho Falls and Island Park can't be beat! It was another awesome year with our families. We always celebrating with fireworks the night before at my parents' house. We went to the parade for what might be the last time in awhile this year because my aunt and uncle sold their house that was conveniently located right on the parade route. Yes, we could just go sit somewhere else, but we decided to go this year in case it was our last time in awhile. My dad took the grandkids down the parade route in his Model T before it started so they could throw candy. They always love this-- even the years grandpa gets in trouble for doing it! haha

After the parade it was on to Island Park! We all love this part of the trip. Lots of four-wheeling, cousin time, junk food, and beautiful scenery. The cabin just doesn't get old and we really love this tradition. We missed Thomas, Megan, and Miles!

We took a trip up to Virginia City and Nevada City. The kids love the music room and touring the old buildings.

We stopped for ice cream and let the kids look for garnets, which just happen to be all over in the gravel there. When our family came for a trip the year before, the owner of the rock shop next to the ice cream shop showed us how to find them. Everyone got their own little tube and filled them up. They were so excited and this was a highlight of the trip for our kids. We also drove up to the graves of the outlaws who were hung and buried on the hill overlooking the city. 

We tried out a new hike to Axolotl Lake, which ended up being beautiful. The kids found frogs and we managed to escape a storm rolling in near the end.

View of Hebgen Lake on our way back to the cabin. One of my favorite views in the world.

AF Canyon Half

I wasn't sure I would be able to do my favorite race this year with my hip still giving me trouble, but I decided to train for it anyway and hope for the best. Thankfully my hip didn't seem any worse when I added in longer runs, so I decided to do it. The AF Canyon Half is by far my favorite race and I run it every year. It just feels like home-- probably because it sort of is. At the end of the course I can see our backyard in the distance! It's just a beautiful run that is for a good cause and it is always a good time. 

Group shot at the start!

And at the finish!

I had a great race overall. It wasn't a PR or anything, but I ran it in 1:46, which I was really proud of considering my very laid-back training. My favorite part of any race is always seeing my family at the finish line.

I even ran into an old friend from EFY a million years ago at the finish!

The kids had fun with the face paint and the photo ops :)