Idaho: Cascade Lake

Our next stop was Cascade Lake.  We stopped at the Visitor's Center.  I loved this little log wall...it reminded me so much of my brother Jeff.

Then we headed to Kelly's Whitewater Park. 

 Our kids loved hopping between the rocks on the little island.

We watched as kayakers got into the water to practice their moves.

I think Seth has some pretty serious kayak dreams and would love to come back here some day to take kayak lessons.

Then we headed to Huckleberry Campground where Seth's family reunion was taking place.  We were the first in Seth's immediate family to arrive.  After setting up camp we headed down to the lake to let the kids play with their second cousins.

It was fun to catch up with various family members as they arrived throughout the evening.

Peek-A- Boo!

At our campfire that night Seth's cousin, Darby, had organized a game of head bands.  She had printed out pictures of each family member and we had to figure out who was on our head.  It was a fun way to mingle with everyone.

Then we had yummy s'mores for dessert.

The next morning was quite chilly.  Millie loved playing with cousins Eliza and Jaclyn. 

Phin loved trying out Uncle Jordan's slack-line.

Cousin Gavin wanted to test out his new mess kit so he heated up some Vienna sausages to share.

Then Seth and Silas headed out on a little hike with Jill, Peter, Grandad and Matt.

 

When it warmed up enough Phin and Millie headed down to play in the water again.

Silas was thrilled to get back in on the water play after the hike.

Seth and Phin were able to get out on the kayak.

Hazel Mae was turned into a mermaid.

Phin was turned into a Merman.

Phin also worked on a sandcastle with Ayrith Eden.

This is what summer is all about...four kids in a hammock.

Millie and Silas checking out Eliza's pink flamingo.

We left the reunion on Friday afternoon so that we could make it home in time for me to run my half marathon the following morning.  Our kids came home with so many fun memories with cousins and of camping.  Idaho was absolutely beautiful and we realized there are lots of spots that we have yet to explore.

Idaho: Pine Flats

On our way to our next camp spot we stopped for some ice cream at a tiny little gas station.  We totally bribed Phin with ice cream if he ate his "yucky" oatmeal breakfast.

We stayed at Pine Flats Campground and after setting up camp set off to Pine Flats Hot springs.  The first pool we came across had a couple that had just arrived and was very awkwardly trying to change into their swimsuits in the middle of the trail.  Seth climbed up the trail a little further and found a nice private pool for us.  I love the little rainbow in this first shot. 

 We had a great view of the river but were also very secluded.

Our kids loved the warm water, the waterfall and playing with the rocks and sand in the bottom of this little pool.  

Idaho: Redfish Lake

Our next stop was Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth National Forest.  We set up camp at Glacier View Campground and then set off to explore.  We walked along the lake down to the Marina.

Then we came back and cooked dinner.  Phin was not a fan of our camping food.  My favorite quote from him this trip was "I know yucky when I see it."

After dinner we went to bed.  Our kids slept great the entire trip.  We usually were in bed around 8 PM and they slept all the way to about 8 AM.

We packed up camp the next morning and then headed back to the Marina to catch a boat across the lake.

Phin loved the boat ride.

Our driver was amazing and let Phin "drive" the boat.  

The driver also opened the front window so we could feel the wind.  It felt like when I went skydiving...Silas was not a fan.

Once we reached the other side of the lake we got on the trail to Lily Pond.  There was no bridge across the river so we climbed across this huge log.

I loved this tree below...it looks like at some point it was growing in the wrong direction or had some pressure placed against it...but it managed to correct itself and grow tall.

The Lily Pond was beautiful.

We continued our hike up to a waterfall.  Somewhere along the way we lost the trail...but we still made it to our destination.  The hike back down was much better once we were on the actual trail.

We sat at the dock and waited for a return shuttle.  Silas was all smiles when he had control of the Camelbak.

Obviously the boats were Phin's jam. 

Before we left Redfish Lake we visited the Visitor's Center and then we took one last walk around their nature trail.

Idaho: Sun Valley

Our next stop was Sun Valley.  We had a picnic lunch by a little duck pond.  We rented bikes for the kids.  Phin decided after about 50 feet that he didn't want a bike so we returned it for a refund.  Then we continued our walk/bike around the resort.  

We found another little lake that the kids loved throwing rocks into.

We also found one of the Sun Valley suns.

Then we stopped at a cute little ice cream shop.

Vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries was a hit.