Our trip to Wallowa Lake

 Our good family friend Marvel lives right on Wallowa Lake near Joseph, Oregon.  We've been invited to come and visit for a few years now, and finally took her up on the offer.  It was a beautiful location and we loved spending the weekend there! 

 This picture is taken from the deck looking out across the lake

 We took this picture of the Patterson home from the other side of the Lake.  You have to admit the house sits in the most beautiful location! 

 We loved the look of the three tiered mountain.  

 Seriously large chair we found at the camp site.  The boys thought it was great! 

 Nick, Landon, Spencer, Marvel and Bosley at the site of Old Chief Josephs's resting ground.  He was originally buried somewhere different, but after a couple grave robberies he was reburied at this location in Joseph right next to Wallowa Lake!  Old Joseph was the Chief of the Nez Perce Indians that lived in Oregon and Idaho.  Their sacred territory was that of the Wallowa Valley, which the American Government took from them, and forced them to move onto small reservations some as far away as Oklahoma where many of the tribe died of diseases.  Old Chief Joseph's son, Chief Joseph, was actually the one that led his people during this trying time and eventually died of a broken heart on a reservation in Washington.  You can all thank my 4th grade Idaho History for that little spill!

  

 Breathtaking views...

 Marvel and Spencer fishing off the dock! 

 We didn't catch any fish, but we sure had a great time!

 Spencer was convinced he was catching a fish each time his line was cast.  He was so cute to watch as he'd reel in the line announcing "I know I have a fish," and then say, "I'm going to try again cus' now it's going to bite!" 

 Nick and Landon

 Spencer the first time 'Expert' fisherman! 

 The Patterson's home!  

 Landon in the hammock.

 Enjoying the Great Outdoors!

 Getting ready for our paddle on the Lake!

We had a super fun time on the paddle boat.  We paddled all over and enjoyed the peaceful ride.  

Nick and Landon 

 One last cast to catch a fish before dinner.  No luck, but lots of fun trying!

Happy 4th of July

We enjoyed being in Idaho Falls for the fireworks this year.  We sat right on the bank of the Snake River and watched a spectacular show... I have always wanted Nick to see these fireworks.  He agreed - they were awesome! 

 The camera does not do justice for these shots!!

Spinning in Grandma and Grandpa's lawn chair... simple pleasures of little kids.

Get in Line... Seriously so Fun!

Jackson leading the way to our party dinner at Rustler's Rooste!

Now entering... welcome to a good time!

Stephanie and Nathan Tobler

Jackson, Spencer and Caroline at dinner

Kristi and Derek joining in on all the fun and excitement. We're so glad to see so much family in Arizona!

Steph, Nate, Lorin and Janet enjoying all the entertainment.

Maren and Kevin

Nick and Jen

THE SLIDE!!! So while the kiddos are waiting for dinner they can slide! Great concept... even Grandpa got into it! Nothing like a slide to make you feel like a kid again!

Maren

Spencer and Lorin

Jackson

Charlotte

Kristi and Landon

Derek and Landon

Caroline

Jackson and Bridgette

Happy Birthday Spencer! I think every day of this vacation had something to do with Spencer's birthday. I'm sure he felt like he was the super star of this vacation.

Karen and Marc enjoying a dance!

The live band made for great dancing...

Landon and Spencer - Thanks for a great time!

Derek and Kristi after eating way too much - ha ha!

The Arizona Grand Water Park!

We spent the night at the Arizona Grand Hotel on Friday. That night they played a movie on their big screen so everyone could watch while just lounging on the side or floating in the pool.

The next morning we got up bright and early for breakfast and then headed straight for the lazy river! Nothing better!

Nick, Landon and Spencer

Nick, Spencer, Marc, Landon, Karen and Charlotte by the pool!

Jen with the boys in the lazy river... Nick actually went down the water slides, and Spencer really wanted to try them out, but he wasn't tall enough! Maybe in a couple of years bud!

Ellison, Caroline and Jackson