Minion Halloween

Halloween was super fun this year.  Marlee was the cutest minion ever!  We carved/painted pumpkins and did a trunk or treat.  

We also had black gloves as part of the costume, but Marlee vetoed them! 

Marlee's favorite treats were the Cheetos followed closely by tootsie rolls and smarties.  She does not like Reeses pieces, which is fine with mom and dad :)

Sam vs Boards Round 1

We are so proud of Sam!  He worked so hard and studied for hours for his first section of the National Board tests.  We just found out that he passed all six parts!  He is on his way to becoming Dr. Sam!  We celebrated with ice cream from Dairy Queen.  Victory tastes sweet! 

Hot Air Balloon Festival

On Oct. 4th we went to the hot air balloon festival in Moline, Ill.  

It was only a 15 minute drive, but Marlee fell asleep on the way.  She spent most of evening snoozing away with the remains of a chocolate chip cookie on her cheek.  

 It was so fun to watch the balloons fill up and take off. 

We woke Marlee up so she could see the balloons and she was NOT happy about that! 








More balloon pictures :) 

4th of July

 The 4th was pretty chill this year because we just got back from our big Idaho trip.  We did go to the parade.  We had lots of fun and Marlee was a magnet for free stuff.  She got enough new necklaces to last a while.  

 






Our friend Emily was really good at getting Marlee free stuff :)  

Idaho Trip - Cress Creek Hike

One of the nicer days of our stay we went on the Cress Creek hike.  It is just before you get to Heise hot springs. The Cress Creek "hike" is more like a nice nature walk.  It wasn't too hard for Marlee, in fact she loved it!

 






 Here is our hiking party.  A good-looking bunch. Marlee wanted to read the letters instead of pose for a picture.  

 One of these things is not like the other. One of these things does not belong.  Can you spot the difference in these two pictures?

 







 Grandpa Rod walked on the edge for a minute.  Marlee saw and decided it was the way to go.  She walked the whole way on the edge.  Grandma Kathy was super nice to walk slowly with Marlee the whole way!

Sam, my dad and Andy decided to hike to the top of the mountain so the rest of took a little break at the conveniently located picnic table. 

 Marlee had a "sucker and play in the dirt" rest stop. 



 

At the very end of the hike we cooled off our feet in the creek.  Marlee really enjoyed getting wet!  

Idaho Trip - Outside and Inside Fun

Idaho weather in June is always a gamble.  We had some really beautiful days and quite a few rainy windy days.  The Grandmas had so many fun things that Marlee had fun whether she was inside or outside. 

 Trampoline:
 



























Chalk was definitely a favorite!

I think Marlee asked everyone at some point to draw the ABC's for her!

Rigby Lake:

We weren't planning on going in the water, but Marlee had other ideas!  We should have brought the swim suits! :) 

Swimming:

Marlee's first time with play dough was a hit!  Thanks Grandma :)

 Hanging out with cousin Norah!