A Quick Trip

We made a quick weekend trip up to Idaho Falls and Star Valley Wyoming.  Our great uncle Steve passed away this week and we wanted to attend his funeral.

We left after work on Friday night and made it up to the hotel in time for some video games and reading before bed.  

After a quick morning shower we got ready to head to the funeral.  Sam loves to wrap up in a towel skirt after a shower.

The funeral was really nice and as they took his casket to the hearse, some firemen/bagpipers played.  Uncle Steve was a volunteer firefighter and it was really nice of the firemen to be there.

Here we are with the bagpipers.  They were really nice to talk to.  

They even let us climb in to the firetruck.  

We had some lunch after the funeral.  Cousin Jocelyn was there and we loved visiting with her.

And cousin Josh was there too.  

There were some geese outside as we were getting ready to leave.  We fed them and then left them to nap.

Mom showed us around Idaho Falls a little bit before we headed to Wyoming. 

Here we are at the falls.  

And another picture of the falls with the IF temple in the background.

Here is the water tower that mom remembers seeing every summer.

And she took us past her grandparent's old house.  There was even a train going by down the tracks just a few blocks from the house.  

The wind blew us to Wyoming - but we did manage to stop in Swan Valley for square ice cream cones.  

And once we hit the dirt roads near the cemetery, mom turned over the keys to her car.  I got to drive - full control of both the steering wheel AND the pedals.  Of course dad was right behind me in case he was needed.  But i drove the car, completely by myself - - - and I LOVED it!  Check out the smile on my face!!!

The graveside service was very nice too.

The wind followed us to the valley but we were able to keep from blowing away.

Here are cousins Jeremy and Mike - Steve's sons.

And here is a picture of the cousins that were able to be there.  We're missing Uncle Carl, Aunt Jen Jen, and cousins Sandie and Dan.  

And a picture of the extended family.  Grandma G is now the only sibling left in her family - and she is the oldest sibling.  She managed to outlive them all.  We're missing her and Grandpa - they weren't able to make it up this time.

Here's a pic of dad and mom.  There isn't a more beautiful background than the Star Valley mountains.

On the way back down to the main highway, it was Sam's turn to drive.  His legs aren't long enough yet to reach the pedals so he had full control of the steering wheel.  Dad let him switch out at the end and control the pedals.  Can you tell this is one of our favorite activities in the valley - - the smiles on our faces tell all!  We stayed the night in the valley and then headed back home early this morning.

Sam Alert:  Hey everyone - Sam here.  I'm throwing in a couple of cute pics from the week.  

First - here I am hanging out at the family lunch this weekend.  Have you ever met such an easy going and happy kid?

And here's one of me and Mason having dinner tonight.  We have a big week of testing coming up at school so we're eating healthy and getting lots of rest.

Have a great week!  Sam Out!