Day Trip Stop #2: Malad Gorge

Our second stop was Malad Gorge.  Read a review of it here.
When you're traveling on I-84 just before Twin Falls, you cross over a short bridge.  It's very difficult to see over, so you might think that it's nothing.  If you take the time, however, to take the next exit and visit Malad Gorge State Park, you'll see an example of just how powerful (and amazing!) nature can be.

My dear son does not like heights...at all!  He'd rather do a roll in an airplane, than walk over this bridge.  But, he did it...twice!

The drop, the force it would have taken to cut this narrow canyon, the evidence of years of continual pressure from the water...this place just amazes me!  (And makes me hope that the builders of this bridge paid very good attention to detail!)

Day Trip Stop #1: Three Island Crossing

For Mother's Day this year, I asked Bob and the kids not to get me anything.  Instead, I asked that we take a day trip to see Shoshone Falls.  I haven't been since I was 18, Bob and the kids have never been, and the run off is near record levels.  We had to delay our trip due to Emma's stomach bug, but we were finally able to go this past weekend.  It was a perfect day.
Our first stop was Three Island Crossing.  Read more about it here.  Briefly, it was a location used on the Oregon Trail to (usually) cross the Snake River safely.  The fourth graders in Idaho spend the entire year learning about Idaho history.  Waaaaaay back when I was a kid, we did the same thing.  Twenty five years ago, when I was almost ten, is the last time I was here.  Back then, there was just a grassy area with a small concrete eating area.  They've redone the park, and it's beautiful.  There's a large overnight camping area, a gorgeous day area and 5-6 cabins, set under the trees, with air conditioning and wooden hanging porch swings.  I wish I had one in my backyard!

They also have a really nice interpretive center.  The kids enjoyed seeing the scenes depicting life for both those on the trail and the Native Americans that lived in the area.

I just have to say that I've very glad we no longer have to travel in one of these!



After touring the interpretive center, we had a picnic on the grass.
It was a beautiful day, and it was nice to be able to enjoy it!

After lunch, we did a bit of hiking.  The Snake River is very high right now, thanks to our very wet (and long) winter.  We saw lizards, cranes, and lots of fish jumping.

Emma hopped onto this rock, posed, and asked me to take a picture.  Little nut!

...and one with a smile.

This is my favorite picture from the entire day!
It's so sweet!

It was a bit hard to get a good picture of the islands, but there's one of them.

Field Trips and Music Programs

Blogger is finally cooperating with me when I try to post pictures, so now we'll play a bit of catchup.  Recently, Ryan's class visited the Bown House.  It was built in 1879 and is one of the oldest houses in Idaho.  It's been restored and is used for educational fieldtrips.  Each room is full of items that would have been used when the Bown's lived in the house.  The classes break up into small groups and move from room to room.  It is staffed with volunteers who teach a lesson in each room.  The kids have been learning about Idaho history all year, so they all really enjoyed it.

The volunteer had Ryan and a classmate hold up the irons that were used in the 1800s and then proceeded to talk and talk and talk.  It was quite entertaining to see the irons go lower and lower as they got heavier.

When you see things like this that have survived for so long, you can imagine how the women spent the long winter evenings.  This is made entirely of hexies and, of course, entirely by hand.  Amazing!



This was the parlor.  This volunteer had some stories to tell, but she wouldn't allow the kids
to sit and be idle, so they each got a quilt block to work on while she spoke. 



Just one word...OUCH!!

Emma had her Kindergarten music program last week.  There's just something about that first music program that is SO sweet!  Here she is singing to Mr. Sun and asking him to please shine down on her. 

After the program, she got to eat hot lunch at the school for the first time.  She chose the yogurt parfait and, after taking her first bite, said "Mom. you gotta pick up your spoon, dip it in here and taste it.  It's delicious!"

Come on over!!

For the past several years, I've enjoyed sharing our daily life and my crafts on this
little blog.  I'm so glad for all of you that stop in and take a look...and for those of you that leave comments.  It's always so nice to see who's been checking in with us.  It is, however, time for a change.  Just a small one!  I'm busy working on a new endeavor for this next Fall once Emma is in full-day first grade (how can it be that my baby is almost done with Kindergarten?!).  My first step is starting a new blog where I'll post most of the things I make.  You might still see the occasional craft here if it happens to be for the kids, but most of them will be found at
Crafted by KatieB
 The new blog is listed under my "friends" on this blog, so you can easily tell when there's a new post.  If you become a "follower," it's even easier to see the new posts.  The first follower that pops  up on the new blog might just receive a little treat from me.
Come on over!!

Crafty Kids

Ryan is doing a report on the American Badger.  He has discovered that he LOVES
to do research.  One night, I had to force him to stop at 10 so he could go to bed.  His diorama needed an American Badger, so he made one out of clay.  I think he did a pretty good job!

I was making cards last night, and Emma wanted to also.
I had a pile of embossed papers on the table, and she asked if she could have one.
She then proceeded to color in the whole thing.  It made a really pretty
(and colorful) card!

A sweet little girl turns four!

This sweet little girl turns four this week.
We traveled out to the country to help celebrate.
Her momma made a beautiful Barbie cake (and a delicious poppy
seed cake).  I'm thinking that the time spent was worth it...look at that
sweet little face!

These two...they are so special to each other.

Not just another trip to the mailbox

So I headed to the mailbox yesterday afternoon, expecting the normal bills and junk mail.
When I opened the box, I saw a yellow envelope inside.  I haven't ordered anything...wasn't sure what it could be.  Then I saw the return address and knew it was going to be something beautiful from a very talented friend.

I'm hoping that this beautiful mini-quilt was meant for Emma
because she's claimed it as her own!  :)

Someday.  I will have perfect stitches like these.  Someday.

This is a hotpad in my favorite color.  But I think
it might just be too pretty to use!  I can't imagine getting it dirty!
~~~
Lisa, thank you so much for being so kind.
We've never met, but I'm blessed to call you friend.