Call of the Wild

We spent Pioneer Day weekend at Payson Lakes. Although it rained for the better part of Friday evening, we had a lot of fun cooking, taking walks, riding bikes, eating, singing, laughing, and everything else that camping entails.

Steam rising off of the glassy lake

The campsite, surrounded by beautiful pines.

Shirley getting ready to dig in...or on her way to feed Bailey.

Queen of camp cooking dinner in the rain.

Elliot, looking cute as always.

Porter, Milo, and Jade watching a chipmunk.

Steve on Bailey duty.

Jade looking adorable and keeping herself protected from the rain.

Going on a nature walk down to the lake.

Cousin love.
This was candid, I promise. I didn't say anything to the effect, "Okay, now give each other a big hug!" Uh, so maybe I did but was surprised when they actually did it!

Bailey sitting comfortably as we broke camp.

Luckily by morning the rain was gone and we were able to swim at the lake. Unfortunately, by that point, my camera battery had died and I missed out on getting pictures of the water trampoline contraption, which had the whole beach in laughter ( I think Jourdan got some photos of it but I don't know if she's going to post them). The trampoline was in the middle surrounded by a big inflatable rectangle on one end and a long inflatable cylinder on the other end. Everyone was entertained as people tried to run across the cylinder and into the lake without falling off and as people were catapulted off the rectangular blow-up by each another. Great weekend!

Arcade Fire meets Johnny and June...
...that's how NPR's Stephen Thomspon describes Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero's in their debut album, Up From Below, which comes out July 14th.

Read more about this 10 member band and listen to their catchy song, Home, here.

Number of times I've listened to it today? Probably 10.
Needless to say, I HIGHLY recommend it.

They call themselves Blind Pilot, and I'm loving them...

Boynton 4th of July Bash
McCall, Idaho

Day 1: Friday
We arrived at the cabin on Friday morning after staying with Aunt Lynne in Boise Thursday night. We met Ell, Paul, and Cash who came over from Portland.

Elliot was ready to swim from the get-go.

Although we saw a fox and an elk (did we ever decide what that really was?) during our stay, the true wildlife was caught on film below! Never a dull moment with Milo and Elliot around!

We swam at the Lake within the first hour.

Enjoyed a visit from our friend, the fox.

Despite the pesky mosquitoes, we made a fire and cooked s'mores.

Day 2: FOURTH OF JULY!
We hit up the craft fair 10 miles south of McCall. Perhaps the most interesting craft was the one-man-band who played the guitar, fiddle, and drums. He had strings attached to his hands and feet allowing him to play the drums, which were strung down his back.

The wildflowers were to die for. The poppies were my favorite.

We waited over an hour at the lakefront for the fireworks to start. The spectacular sunset, however, gave the firework show a run for its money.

Elliot got cozy with a new friend.

The firework display over the lake was accompanied by many ooohs and awwhs.

Day 3: Sunday
We slept in, had a huge breakfast, and headed to the fish hatchery.

Not only did we see tons of salmon...but we got a visit from this guy...

Aunt Lynne and I fashioned our fresh daisy bracelets.

Next, we relaxed and ate lunch at the rotary park.

We stopped and ate delicious ice cream and enjoyed the scenic drive through Ponderosa Park.
The boys were all tuckered out and took a synchronized, Sunday nap.

The viewpoint at "Lover's Leap."

We took a leisurely stroll around the swamp/meadow.

We finished out the night with another delicious bbq at the cabin, followed by games and much laughter. . Monday we packed up and headed out. What a shame that it had to come to an end. If you ask me, this is what summer is all about! Is it too early to ask when the next trip will be?
Hollerin'....Aunt Lynne, oh, Aunt LYNNE?!

Be sure to check out Ell and Jourdan's blogs for their take on and pics the trip!