Sun Valley - part 1

We took a little family trip last weekend to Sun Valley, where my brother lives and where the there are lots of wide open spaces and clean crisp air. We enjoyed a very lovely few days together. Some pictures were taken with the camera, some with Ben's phone. Favorites from the camera are in this post, favorites from the phone will follow.

Here's my brother's back yard.
There is a single ski lift on that mountain in the back.
I think it's a privately run deal, but my brother's family can use it.
I think we'll visit again this winter and do some ski lessons!
James, Robert and Ben hiked to the top on Friday morning.
(Those picture on on the phone.)

We went on a hike with my sister-in-law and her kids Saturday morning in the mountains near Sun Valley ski resort. Colors were beautiful and it was so fun to be out playing in nature. Our city kids loved the space and change of scenery. And, they were all excellent hikers!

Isaac, more of a spectator than a hiker, was happy to be along for the ride and enjoyed being outside as much as any of us.

As usual, Robert found several sticks (or roots) along the way. We kept several with us until it was time to leave.

Kate and Nohea were joined at the hip most of the weekend. Cousins are so much fun!

We picked up the kids from FrightMares at Lagoon as we headed out of town. Natalie wore them out for the afternoon drive up to Idaho. Too bad FrightMares passes out loads of candy as part of the fun. We wouldn't let the kids eat the giant pixysticks in the car. James used his like a morphine drip all along this hike. Nothing like a sugar rush to keep the energy up during a hike.

These two really enjoyed each others company during the trip.
Love this picture!

Love this and the one below, too!

Logan, Sawyer, Nohea, Ceisha (and Sierra hiding behind her mom).
We loved hanging out with them. The boys were especially good with James and Robert. So good of them to play so well with the younger guys!

Robert saw his first play while on this trip. 55-minutes seemed to be the perfect length for our 3-year-old. The play was The Velveteen Rabbit. Cute story and great acting. All the kids - and grown-ups - enjoyed it. Ben volunteered to stay home with Isaac. "A win-win," he said.