Sun Valley, Idaho

Look-out Sun Valley - here we come!

Jason had traveled to Sun Valley for business and came back raving how the kids would love it there. Of course Daddy booked a trip for this August. I had never been there but had heard it was great. We pulled in and it wasn't quite "Sun Valley" - there was a fire nearby and you couldn't even see the mountains and ash was flying in the air. I was quite concerned because I did not pack any inhalers or meds for asthma. Luckily by the next morning it was completely clear and beautiful. Our condo was actually bigger than expected which is always nice and Jaiden loved having her own loft.

We rented bikes and rode all over the valley. We could not believe the stamina of the kids especially Carter. He loved his bike because it looked like a "dirt bike." At one point we wanted to get apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and I was going to take the car. Carter wanted to ride bikes. I explained it was 4 miles to the city and he still wanted to ride. He loved his bike - on the hills he would say, "just keep pedaling, I can do it." Considering all the riding we did our stats were pretty good - one crash on grass thankfully (Carter missed the pedal) and one "serious biker" mad (Jaiden crossing the trail divide). We really enjoyed biking.

Look at cute Madison asleep - this was before she decided to get into my wallet and unload. I was riding behind Jason and the trailer and suddenly papers, cards, etc. started flying. Luckily we only lost a few non-essential things. Again sooo cute asleep!!!!

We ate lunch and feed the ducks in the "mall".

We took bets on how long Madison would stay dry.

Streams and creeks were throughout the Sun Valley property - it was nice to let the kids play.

We stopped to watch the Olympic skaters practicing on the ice.

Playing on the playground. Our kids pouted because they could not go play on the blow-up toys that were at the school for "back to school night". Wow! What bratz. We had to leave the area before they had full break downs.

Mom and Madison pleasantly waiting outside the bookstore (Madison is not allowed in bookstores)

Snow in the summer???

We knew the kids would think the outside ice rink in the middle summer was awesome. Of course Jaiden was sad because she couldn't spin or turn fast like the other girls (others were taking lessons and you could tell they lived there) I tried to explain that she is really good at dance because she practices so much and the same is for the girls taking ice skating lessons. Of course now she want to take ice skating lessons - can you say "personal high expectations."

We headed into town (Ketchum)and ate dinner at a fun restaurant "Cowboy Saloon" The kids found these art displays and thought they were pretty cool. Even Madison got in on the action.

On the way back to the condo we saw deer and had to stop the car for Carter to see them. On one of our bike rides we actually saw a fox and it ran across the rode right in front of us, but I wasn't quick enough to get a picture.

Jaiden's highlight of the trip was going to the ice skating show. It was excellent and being it was such a small venue we couldn't have had a better view. Every summer they bring in Olympic Champions to perform. They performed amazing stunts including the one where the guy holds onto the girls feet and swings her. I just kept thinking, "please don't let her head hit the ice." The show was great!!! Unfortunately my camera couldn't catch all the action.

Jaiden got her picture with Benjamin Agosto & Tanith Belbin (Current Olympic Silver Medalists, 2008 United States Champions, 2x World Bronze Medalists)

Dino Park

Nathan, Madison, Conner, Carter, Mariko, Jaiden, Kaia - This picture makes me laugh because Mariko was sitting on the bar and then just flipped over backwards still hanging onto the bar. I started laughing because I thought she was doing a trick. Kamie didn't think it was very funny when Mariko started crying. I still can't believe she did a full flip without letting go of the bar.
"The Girlz" Jenn, Mel, Madison, Jaiden, Mariko, Kaia, Kamie
Jaiden and Austin. They actual get along really well. She thinks he rocks and he is always nice to her. THANKS Aust.

The kids always love to play on the playground.

All the cousins.

Uncle "Muk" is loved by all the ladies.

Carter loves the "twins"

We Love Teletubbies???

I wish I could be this excited about watching

Teletubbies 20 times a day.

Ding, Ding, Dong

Ok, Madison has learned to open the pantry door. I came into the kitchen and found Madison had opened the box of Ding-Dongs and took a bite of each through the the tinfoil. I wasn't pleased but thought she deserved to have one for all her efforts. I sat her down and gave her one thinking I was so nice. However she looked straight at me and just destroyed the ding-dong. I don't even think she took a bite - what a stinker. Can you say "naughty".