On a recent sweltering day, we decided to introduce Evan to the world of canoeing at Dierke's Lake. I think his first impression was something like...Do I have to wear this?

Once we got on the water Evan thought the canoe (and the water) was pretty cool!

This last week, we were blessed with a visit from Evan's aunt Jana, (uncle) Matt, and (cousin) Brenden. We took them to Shoshone Falls on the first evening (it wasn't as dark as the pictures appear).

We all spent the next 3 days in Stanley Basin where we camped at Sunny Gulch campground.

The beautiful summer flowers included lots of bear grass and sulfur buckwheat.

A real big hit with all of us was the well pump for water. The adults appreciated the close proximity of the pump and taste of the water (albeit off color). The squeak of the pump always brought Evan running (as fast as Evan can run) so that he could watch the water gush out.


Mother and child

Aunt Jana

Playing cards and looking for the stars.

Mother and child

Sisters and Evan

We took the time to visit Sunbeam hotsprings which is along side the main Salmon River.

Because of the fluctuating level of the river (the cold water source), the hotsprings pool needed some expert geologic and hydrologic engineering.

Our hard work certainly paid off.

We spent a beautiful afternoon at the always beautiful Redfish Lake. The water was so comfortable and enjoyable, Brenden spent nearly the whole afternoon submerged.

We all took turns taking the canoe for a spin.

Evan had some lessons in how to trust dad (and a pfd).

And was rewarded with comfort from Mom.

Can you find Brenden in the picture below?

Crystal clear water combined with crystal clear air is hard to beat for the afternoon.

Evan couldn't get enough of the canoe, water or no water.

Sons and Dads

Jana and Matt

Brenden getting ready for marshmellow roasting.

Sisters

Hello! As the temporary fill-in for blog duty, I will attempt to narrate this post. Lately we've been avoiding heat of the valley by getting up to the mountains and near water. This including attending a beautiful wedding at Redfish Lake.

...and spending the day with friends on the Big Wood River.

A picnic potluck at a local hot springs park.

And with some birding friends at Harrington Fork park.

We'll take any chance we can get to visit the grandmas and grandpas!

But, we can't ignore the house projects like building a post-n-pole fence... (notice how the wise-thinking dad has the safety glasses on him, not the child)

And hard work exploring the garden mud pits.