Another tooth

Sydnee lost her first tooth on Wednesday. I think the tooth fairy is going to go broke. She was visited by a green fairy. Thanks to Addy, Sydnee had to write the tooth fairy a note too. Let's hope neither one becomes a handwriting expert ;)

Fall Break 2010

here is the geyser

Addy in front of the geyser

Sydnee in front of the geyser

Me and Maren in front of the geyser

everyone except Ben in front of the geyser

We saw this cool cut out behind a bar

we usually don't hang around bars

but this was right by the geyser parking lot

totally cool swing

the dinkey engine

machine gun from a boat used in WWII

mural on the side of Eastman drug

Hooper Spring

getting some yummy water

cauldrons at Monsanto

Idle Isle cafe

Since we are a totally exciting family, we went somewhere totally exciting for fall break. My sister wanted to go to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. I said sure, let's do it. We left on Thursday morning for our big adventure. Because it is not a true adventure without a stop at the cemetery, we stopped at Ogden cemetery on our way out of town. After a quick stop(s), we headed north to potato country. We made it to our motel which was a cute little dive. We rented their "apartment" which had 2 separate rooms and a bathroom. We put Maren down for a nap and left Ben with her while the rest of us explored the town. It only took us a few minutes to walk from one end of town to the next. Lava is a tiny little town. We checked out the Lava sunken gardens and the city park. The kids thought it was great. We took a trip to the hot springs which were totally overpriced, but nice. Then it was off to dinner at Johnny's, which is hardly worth mentioning. Maren came down with a stomach bug and so we had a bit of a rough night. I'll spare the details, but it was not a fun night. The next morning we headed further into Idaho to explore Soda Springs. My parents lived in Soda Springs for a few years, while my dad worked for Monsanto. This was the highlight of the trip. We stopped to see the geyser and explored the old drugstore and city park. We drove to Hooper springs which is a natural spring that is carbonated. It still tastes exactly like I remember. Maren and I napped in the car while the rest of the family played in the park. The kids loved the big tires that came from the big trucks at the mine. We explored for a little longer and then stopped to have lunch at the old Enders hotel. It's an old hotel that has been restored to its original beauty. The food was great and after we ate we checked out the museum on the upper floor. We drove past the homes that my parents had lived in. I'm grateful that they moved to Utah. Soda Springs is a nice little place, but I love Utah. Ben took Addy and Sydnee to the hot springs for one last dip and then it was off to bed for the night. Saturday morning we headed back home. We stopped in Mcammon for gas and a man told me we should get some spuds before heading home. I love fresh Idaho potatoes, you know the ones in the big huge bags with dirt all over them. We bought two 50 pound bags and stuffed them into our already overstuffed van. It was quite the sight. Ben and Sydnee had to climb over the potatoes to get in and out of the car. On the way home, we stopped at the Idle Isle cafe in Brigham city. I love that place. My dad's relatives were the original owners and I remember stopping there as a kid. The food was great and so was the atmosphere. There was a player piano close to our table and all sorts of local paintings to look at. We then had to cross the street to the Idle Isle chocolate store. They have the best chocolates! My mouth is watering just thinking about them. I've been trying to think of reasons to head back that direction just so I can get more chocolate. After a refreshing stop in Brigham city, we made the final leg of our journey. It was a fun little trip, but I am always grateful to come home again.