The newest family member

Ryan and I made the very difficult decision to put our black lab down on November 20, 2009. I was ready to get another dog right away, not because I thought that Dodge was replaceable, but because I was thought it would be a wonderful way to commemorate his life. We decided to adopt rather than buy from a pet store or a breeder, but Ryan wasn't ready and I respected his decision. Months passed and I really started thinking about adopting another dog. We looked at German Shepherds until our vet said it wasn't a good idea, then boxers until we were told they didn't do well with non-boxers. We met a Shepherd mix that actually attacked Potter and then a Boxer that wanted to dominate him from the moment she met him. We submitted applications to numerous rescue sites and were working one on one with a woman at our local humane society to help us find the perfect match for our family. I was doing my best to be patient, but the research and seeing how many dogs were out there that had been abused, abandoned or were confused at to how life landed them at shelter was almost too much for me to bear. I was approved through the Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue and was interested in one of the labs they had on their website. His name was Zorro and I learned that he would be at an adoption event on Saturday, July 10th at a local garden center. Ryan and I headed up there, met Bodie (aka Zorro), thought it was worth it to bring Potter up to meet him and once we saw how well they interacted and what a sweet dog he was our minds were made up. So without further ado........ Bodie Zikas!

Kayaking the Salmon River

The boys decided they wanted to take the kayaks down the river so while Kyli and I headed up to Torrey's Hole with the kids on the ATV's, Ryan, Chris and my dad were getting them ready for their white water adventure. It wasn't exactly a warm day to be in the water and I am not sure the guys were aware of exactly how cold it was. Regardless, they had a blast and just kept praying that they wouldn't capsize and fall into the river. Both of them made it out unscathed and lived to tell the story!! It is a lot of fun and I am glad they got to experience it again (the last time was June 2006). My dad and Kim dropped them off and Kim was the one who took the pictures. I am glad she went because otherwise Chris and Ryan would have nothing with which to commemorate their adventure!

Four wheel, for squeal!

One morning Kyli and I decided to take the kids for a quick trip up to Torrey's Hole (an area just up the highway named after the restaurant that my grandparents owned once upon a time). We thought it would be fun to see how they reacted to the ATV's and also to share with them a place that holds many fond memories from our childhood. The kids had fun throwing rocks into the Salmon River and Kyli and I had fun trying to skip rocks (I swear I used to be pretty darn good, but you wouldn't know it based on my most recent performance). Veronica took some time to warm up to the idea of playing in the sand and water (the morning air was a bit on thebrisk side), but soon the two of them were drawing in the dirt and having a blast. I had to laugh because there is nothing like a trip to play in cold water and mud to bring out thedifferences between boys and girls. Cael had no problem getting dirty and Veronica pointed out everyspeck of dirt that found its way onto her body (it was pretty darn cute and fun to watch)!

We took Cael on a couple of trips and he seemed to love it. The first time we went up Thompson Creek with Chris and Veronica and the second time Ryan and I took him up Peach Creek. The ride up Thompson Creek was a lot of fun (although we were sad Kyli couldn't come because her back was hurting) and we stopped to take pictures as well as enjoy a beer or two (the kids had juice), not to mention all the absolute quietness that is Idaho (a much needed change from our chaotic lives back in Denver).

Kyli and Chris left on Sunday so Ryan and I decided to take Cael for another ride up Peach Creek (lots of creeks (cricks) in Idaho)! It started out great with a meandering road that would eventually lead us to the actual trail we were looking for. Cael switched back and forth between riding with Mommy and then Daddy. As we headed up Peach Creek I was a little apprehensive because it was a much different terrain than what we had just left. I wasn't comfortable driving with Cael so I handed him off to Ryan. The trail got steeper, rockier and more narrow as we climbed and I started to get nervous. Towards the end of the ascent Ryan was leaning as far to the right as he could while also keeping Cael on the ATV in order to prevent the four wheelerfrom falling down the hill immediately to our left. Finally Ryan stopped all together and told me we were going to turn around. Cael and I went and did some exploring leaving the actual maneuvering of the vehicles to Ryan. The machines are heavy and can weigh up to 800 pounds a piece so you DEFINITELY do not want one of them falling over the top of you. It got a little scary for awhile, but Ryan managed to get them both turned around and then walked them down to an area that was a little wider and more conducive to the type of riding we wanted to be doing with a 2.5 year old.

Redfish Lake - Idaho

Redfish Lake just outside of Stanley, Idaho is probably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The blue/green water combined with the snow capped mountains in the background makes for beautiful scenery.

Unfortunately the weather was a little on the chilly side and the wind made it even worse, but that didn't stop Cael and Ryan from going for a quick dip in the lake. The water was COOOOOLD, but Cael threw a fit every time we took him out to give him time to warm up. As usual his lips were blue and he had goose bumps all over his body, but regardless he wanted to stay in the water and play (kudos to Ryan for being willing to get in with him)!

We didn't stay long, but we did stay long enough to get plenty of pictures and to soak up as much of the beauty as we could! The kids (as usual) had a great time and probably could have stayed longer, but the adults were getting a little tired of the wind (not to mention it was getting close to dinner time).

Our little cowboy

Similar to the beach in Florida, I think everyone was eagerly awaiting Cael and Veronica's reaction to the horses so first thing Thursday morning we all walked down to the pasture to introduce the kids to Coco, Midas, Sampson, Pepe and Captain. From the minute we put Cael onto Coco's back he was all smiles and made sure to sit very still as Bapa walked them up and down the gravel driveway. He didn't want to get down and was even more thrilled when we (Bapa) actually put saddles on a couple of the horses (Midas and Coco) and took a quick ride up Burnt Creek. Cael had fun trotting and particularly enjoyed it when Midas tripped (he shouted 'WHOA' with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm) and wanted him to do it again and again (LOL - kids!).

A true cowboy (or cowgirl) knows the importance of taking care of their steed after a hard ride and Cael and Veronica were more than happy to ensure that Coco was a very happy horse. He got lots of oats and love from his favorite 'mini' cowboy and cowgirl!

Cael and Veronica also discovered the cowboy boots and hats and had fun putting them on and taking them off over and over again. It was a true Kodak moment and don't think for one second that Kyli, Kim and I weren't all standing around with cameras in hand trying to capture the perfect shot!!!