Fourth Of July 2011

We were lucky enough to have guests in town, staying at Mom's house, for the last few weeks. Yet another California recruit to Boise! Sheila and Wayne decided to "live" in Boise for a few weeks to see if they might want to retire here in a few years (or sooner!). At first convinced they wanted to live in the North End, after spending some time in Hidden Springs walking the trails, eating at the Merc, and enjoying the scenery, I think they may now be leaning toward becoming our neighbors! It was so much fun having them down the street from us. The kids all loved "Funky Wayne" (named, much to Wayne's embarrassment, by Tanner when he was just starting to talk) and Auntie Sheila. I am pretty sure Sheila and Wayne haven't had that many hugs per day for a long time! We had lots of fun, including watching a Giants game at our houseone night, having a babysitter and going out with the adults to a great dinner and Allison Krauss concert, spending a day at Lucky Peak on the boat, and attending a Hawks baseball game and fireworks.

The kids did the neighborhood parade in the morning of the 4th. Tanner and Faith got to ride in the fire truck and throw candy out to all the parade watchers. This was thanks to the family of one of Tanner's best friends who works for the fire department. Jake rode his bike on his own and collected bags of the above mentioned candy. We only hung out for a little while at the concert/bouncy house/BBQ extravaganza because we had to do naps in order to be ready for the Hawks game. It was a busy 4th of July weekend but the Hawks game-ending in a walk-off home run in the 10th followed by an absolutely amazing and almonst-too-close-for-comfort fireworks display that went on forever- was worth it!

There was no time to be sad at Sheila and Wayne's departure, however, as four hours after they left for CA Brian's sister and her husband and five kids arrived to spend a few days with us. This is a huge treat for all of us, as the last time we saw them all was two years ago at Clear Lake. It is a short visit- just Tuesday-Thursday- and we have no plans, just a lot of hanging out together and enjoying each others company. I am sure there will be plenty of pool time tomorrow and then they are taking us all to dinner at Donnie Mac's Trailer Park Cuisine tomorrow night. They all get along so well together and seeing them together makes me wish once more that the Crebar's lived closer to us so the cousins could grow up together.

We love having visitors and even though our summer is a little chaotic and crazy I am enjoying every second of it and hoping it doesn't slip away too fast!