Rayne's new husband, Dom, is a planner. He came with all sorts of ideas for ways to spend our long weekend. Add to that Layne's ideas and our time together rushed by. We took Audrey and family to Idaho City on Friday. It was once the largest city in Idaho and the center of the Idaho Gold Rush. That was in the 1860s. There isn't much of Idaho City left, but remnants of western life make it a fun place to visit. We ended it with lunch at Trudy's, a local cafe with excellent food. Here we all are outside of Trudy's, with full lunch bellies. Dom, having the longest arms among us, took a selfie of us. Here is Dom, Rayne, me, Allegra, Audrey and Layne.
It turned cool on Saturday. So Dom and Rayne's water plans were dashed. We headed to Horseshoe Bend to treat the kids to lunch at a nearby restaurant; one of Layne's favorites because of their steaks. For the non-steak eaters however, it was only OK. Or in Rayne's case, a great disappointment. As it turns out, the Triangle Restaurant does a very poor job of toasted cheese sandwiches.
Jessica and kids arrived Saturday evening. One of the activities Dom hoped for was roasting smores over a fire in the back yard. Trouble was, we didn't have a fire pit. We covered our old one over with flagstone and built a gazebo over it. I tried talking Layne into buying a portable one but he resisted. Until Dom came. Once he knew what Dom wanted, he went right down and bought one. So Saturday night, we had roasted hot dogs and smores!
Here's Miles, Dom, Allegra, Seth and Gemma, gathered around the fire.
I was really looking forward to taking the family to a nearby park on Sunday, to see the display of flags meant to honor our local military. I find it so inspiring. It was at this park that I bought flags for Layne and Dad a couple of years ago. We walked among the flags for awhile, feeling the spirit of the soldiers that the flags represented.
Here we all are. Back: Gemma, Audrey, Miles, Seth, Dom, Layne, Jessica. Front: Angelica, Rayne, Peyton and me.
Here are my lovely girls, Jessica and Audrey.
Sunday night we talked the kids into cooking us dinner, Chinese style. Angelica directed with the girls following orders and the boys mostly looking on.
Audrey and gang left early Monday morning. We spent that day taking Jessica and family to Idaho City...again. We toured the town and showed them the oldest home, once owned by a Galbraith family. And, just like last time, we ended with lunch at Trudy's. It was just as good! Here we are in front of the Galbraith House: Jessica, Peyton, Miles, Gemma, Angelica and Seth. Layne and I were there too, somewhere out of sight.
Miles is fascinated with panning for gold. He decided that, since gold was once found near Idaho City, it would be fun to pan for some in the river that kept us company on the drive back home. So here he is panning, while Seth observes.
I truly love this family of ours. I like every single person! Everyone gets along. The kids are all bright and beautiful. Oh, do I sound a bit biased? Well, I guess that is my happy privilege!
Jessica and family left Tuesday morning. Then we were left with lots of last minute activities to finish up school for Seth and Angelica and get them ready to return home. School ended on Friday and they flew home on Saturday. Last night. Happily, they arrived safely today. They will spend the summer at home in Taiwan and return to us in August, in time for school to start again.
So we are empty nesters once again...for a few weeks. Here is Seth and Angelica at the airport, just before leaving for home.
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