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! 

Idaho Trip - Zoo & 1st Hair cut

Sam gets a three week summer break, so this year we decided to drive home and see all our family.  We had so much fun!  It's always great to be with family.   We did so many fun things that I'm going to try and post by events.  Hopefully then there will be some order to all these pictures.  

Zoo:

 



Auntie Millie helped Marlee watch the penguin feeding.  Mommy helped Marlee get eye level with this cute little monkey.

The good-lookin' Croft clan.  We are only missing Uncle Benj. I love that Marlee is digging for gold!  

Mom and Camille were able to join us, too!  I loved spending time with them and miss hanging out and enjoying girl time with them :) 

I think this was Marlee's favorite part of the Zoo!

 
This was rare.  A Zebille in her natural habitat! 





Marlee's first hair cut:

We have trimmed Marlee's hair before, but this is the first time to the hair stylist for an actual cut.  We visited Laken at work and I think Marlee liked the whole experience.  

Marlee's Hair was sooo long! 

After the hair cut, Dad and Marz sat in the pedicure chairs while waiting for Mom to get a cut.  It was just too comfy for both of them! 

All done! 

Easter 2014

This year we took Marlee to an Easter egg hunt.  This one turned out to be extra interesting because a local biker group puts it on.  It was very well done.  There were some subtle reminders that the bikers were in charge.  For example the Easter Bunny: 

He's wearing a leather Harley vest  :) 

It was really hard to keep Marlee out of the field until it was officially time to start. 

At first Marlee just had fun running in the open field.  With a little help from Daddy, Marlee got the idea of picking up the eggs and putting them in the basket.  After that she had tons of fun!

 

Marlee ended up with a basket full of eggs.  After the egg hunt we showed her there was candy inside.  Once she knew that, she wasn't interested in much else.