In August we packed our little family of four into the minivan and set out on a one-week vacation to Southeast Idaho that got me in touch with my Western roots. We first met my family in my old stomping grounds of Blackfoot, Idaho for a family reunion. We then drove to Driggs, Idaho, where we stayed at a fantastic cabin with my brother Phil's family and were visited by my Mom, Dad, sister Cassie, brother Daniel, and nephews Joey, Billy, and Wyatt while we were there. There was hiking, fishing, game playing, and attempted star-gazing (primarily unsuccessful due to some wild fires that were raging several hundred miles away). It was a very relaxing trip and much appreciated!
The Scarborough Clan at Jensen's Grove in Blackfoot. It's hard to believe that we've got so many now.
My family. It was the first time in years that we were all together.
My siblings. Man, we look good!
My beautiful girls on a family hike in Driggs. I love these two to pieces!
We drove over to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, during the trip. Andy just had to get his picture taken with the bear and his baby sister.
One of the four elk antler arches at Jackson Hole. No trip there is complete without this picture!
I couldn't resist an old time photo at Jackson Hole. It just had to be done.
While at Jackson Hole, both Andy and I got cowboy hats. Saddle up, pardner!
Phil and I went fishing while we were there. We had taken the kids the day before and didn't catch anything, so we got up early the next day and returned, determined to catch something. Although it had been years since either one of us went fishing, we were successful, and returned with dinner. It made me feel very pioneerish!
Phil with a rainbow trout. Our scoutmasters would be proud!
After returning to the cabin with our catch, we then proceeded to clean the eight fish we caught. The kids were surprisingly interested and wanted to be involved throughout the entire process. We'll make good Idahoans out them yet!
Cousins on another family hike, this time at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. They sure had a good time together.
The culmination of the trip was a 13 mile round-trip hike to Table Rock, a hike that Phil and I did as young Boy Scouts. We were joined for the trip by our sister Cassie, brother Daniel, and nephews Wyatt and Billy. It's a pretty steep trip, but fantastic throughout. Billy and Wyatt did amazingly well for a couple of hiking newbies. They both made it all the way to Table Rock.
Phil on the way up. You can tell by his grin that this is his idea of heaven!
A view of Table Rock at the rock field with about a mile to go. It was all uphill from here.
On the side of table rock, right before the final climb. I will admit that I was a bit short of breath here.
Phil and I at the top with the Grand Teton in the background. Given my fear of heights, I was only at the top for a few minutes, but it was a grand view!
On the way back to San Diego, we stopped in Nephi, Utah for dinner at Erin's Uncle Jen's restaurant. Good food and, best of all, trains throughout the place. Both Andy and I were in heaven!
That sums up the Idaho trip. The next big thing for us was Halloween. I've always wanted to dress up as Darth Vader, but never did for various reasons. This year, however, I was determined to rectify the error. I also have the perfect family for it with two boys and two girls. I started early, convincing Andy that he wanted to be Luke Skywalker. Then we got a Princess Leia costume for Lizzie and a Queen Amidala costume for Julie, and we were set.
My life is now complete (although I do want the official movie replica costume, but Julie won't let me spend the money yet. I'll have to save my quarters)!
Friends from both our new and old ward came over to trick-or-treat with us. We were a smash hit!
Well, that gets us through October. Next up, Julie and Andy's birthdays!
