7-22, Northwest Getaway, Part ONE

We've been home for almost a week now from our MT/ID vacation. We're buried under the "that's what you get when you're gone for 2 weeks" catch-up. Our vacation was WONDERFUL. Being back home with family and friends in such a beautiful place was so refreshing. We didn't want to leave and we'd go back in a heartbeat (to stay) if we could. Since we can't (not now anyway), we'll just have to relive our memories through the many (many, many, many, many) photos that I took.

Our vacation began with an 11PM arrival into Spokane on the night of July 4th (bear in mind that's 2 AM 'our time')- groggy and jet-lagged, yet happy. We spent the night at Thad's and attempted to catch up on missed sleep (as you all know, we LOVE our sleep and don't function too well without it!). The next day was so much fun. It began with mini-golf and we spent the rest of the afternoon at the river at Kelly's house. It was a gorgeous, warm day and the 'boys' enjoyed 'playing' in the water. I can't count how many time Nikolas jumped off that dock! What a little water boy. Kelly's was so sweet and made me a delicious strawberry pie for a belated birthday party for me. It was a fantastic day and the perfect way to kick-0ff our vacation.

By the way, if anyway is looking for a vacation rental home in Coeur d'Alene ID, Kelly is now renting out her house. If you want to duplicate this splashing good time, you can inquire at http://www.vrbo.com/223474 (strawberry pie not included, hee hee). As Nikolas said in exhaustion after leaving her house, "People who get to stay there are LUCKY!"

After our day in Post Falls, we headed east over the mountains into Montana: Destination Flathead Lake. I can't tell you how liberating it felt to be back home and with family. You never really forget how pretty the mountains are, but after living without them for so long their beauty strikes you in a new light.

We had all sorts of fun at the lake. Thanks to Kind Sue, we were able to go jet skiing in the bay. (Boy can those things FLY!! Nikolas didn't last long before we had to take him back to shore, and me-- I held on for my life!)

After a long day of playing, the gang gathers around for a little R&R. The 'gang' being: mom and dad, Thad (did I forget to mention that he drove out from Post Falls to spend time at the lake with us? Thanks, Thad!), Uncle Dennis and his wife Carolyn, and the three of us.

Ahhhh..... TOUGH GUYS, are ya???!

The events of the next day were unexpected. We were getting some groceries and much to my surprise, my aunt Lynda appeared before me! (Boy, that NEVER happens in MD!). We followed them to their lake lot (gorgeous!!) and spent the afternoon catching up with her and uncle Kevin. Little things like bumping into your aunt and uncle at the grocery store are quite out of the ordinary in our every day lives!

Our first good weather day, we took the boat out to Wild Horse Island for a hike, wildlife spotting and lunch. It was so much fun!! You can't beat it!

There's just something about Montana-- the beauty, the tranquility, the family. When Nikolas is there he has a different light in his eyes.

Boy, there must be so much to ponder....... =)

So, it's our last hour at the lake. We're waiting for Kevin and Lynda to boat Grandma G. over from their side of the lake. Sven and I are packing up the car, cleaning up the Bounder (thanks again, Dennis and Lynn!!) and dinner's almost ready. As I pause to look out the window....what's that I see...??? Nikolas in the water!!! No, I'm not worried for his life-- grandpa is only a few feet away and Nikolas has his life jacket on. He's splashing and laughing like the 'big one that got away'. So the story goes, he "fell" off the Water Otter. So the story goes when grandpa doesn't know we're listening, Nikolas "jumped" off the Water Otter. Out the suitcases come from the car....!

I guess that'll work, although a towel and dry clothes might be a tad bit faster!

And Grandma has arrived! (See stuff like this just never happens at 'home' - the MD one that is!)
Well, that wraps up Part ONE of our MT vacation fun. Stay tuned for Part TWO! And by the way, if you're in Polson, I know how two more retail outlets for my photo bookmarks: Page by Page Books and Touch of Montana (both on Main Street). Go in and take a look!