Pocatello, Idaho

We spent last weekend in Idaho for cousin Kate's baptism and baby Jack's blessing! 

We've had bad luck trying to go to Lava Hot Springs several times in a row (bad weather, big crowds, Covid closures, etc). But finally we got to go on Saturday morning right when it opened.

We went back and forth in between the indoor and outdoor pool, and felt grateful for the cloudy skies and warm water.

The big boys did all the slides and high dives.

The little boys got lots braver. James even surprised us all by jumping off a diving board and going down a big slide and trying the rope swing.

Millie also got braver and went down a little slide and tried to dunk me every time.

Then we went over to the hot springs. These were so relaxing. They range from 102 to 112 degrees.

Then it started to really rain and we got out just in time and drove to the Prestons' new home.

Andrew loves babies and was happy to hold his cousin.

Sarah was back at work for the first day as a nurse. And Joe was running kids to and from birthday parties, so we offered to cuddle Jack.  JB is the baby whisperer -- he can get breastfed babies to take a bottle like a champ (he did it for all five of our babies while I was at work)

Millie also held the baby, then started acting like our baby.

But her favorite was playing with Rachel. They are two years and one day apart. I don't know why she stood this close.

On Sunday morning we went to Church with them. It was such a welcoming and nice ward. And we walked around the beautiful new Pocatello Temple, which is right across the street from Joe and Sarah's beautiful new house.

Ben and JB taking in the view from the front yard

Baby worshipping with Papa

James getting a turn.

I didn't get any photos of the cousins running around outside together for hours. Kate, Harvey, Rachel and Andrew, James and Millie and then Carver as well were up and down on a pile of dirt in the construction area, and doing science experiments, and having a great time.

Max and Ben thought we ate so well during the weekend. Pizza, lasagna, pulled pork, chips, Pauline's sweet rolls, any type of cereal they wanted....they loved it all.