The Finished Product!

Kitchen Makeover

While on our vacation, we had our kitchen redone. I have always hated the green countertops (and there are a lot of them!) The backsplash was also very boring. We had wanted to do concrete countertops, but after a reality check of the price, we went with less expensive laminate. It wasn't my first choice, but it turned out absolutely gorgeous. It made the rest of my house look really dated. Needless to say, the rest of our house will follow shortly. I already have big plans for the tile in the entryway and fireplace. I can't get my memory card to download the "after" pictures, so for now you get to see the "before."

There are pictures of the "before" and after Chris busted out the old tile. That even looked better than that ugly white tile!! Hopefully, I will get the memory card to work tomorrow and get the finished kitchen. All I can say, it's worth the wait (and all the money it took!)

The Rest of the Trip

After we left Yellowstone, we headed to Red Fish Lake. Chris has never been there before and wanted to check it out. The lake was beautiful, but it was really rainy there. We want to go back and try out the activities on the lake.

Next, was just a short drive to Grand Jean. Chris used to go there as a kid and wanted to see if it was still the same. Many things had changed, especially the shorter drive back to the camp. The best thing there was the empty pool, we were the only ones at the campground that night. It was nice and warm.

After our one day visit at Grand Jean we headed to HorseThief Resovoir. We stayed there for two nights and had fun fishing and riding 4-wheelers. It was still a little rainy, but it kept the trails nice and dry. Chris caught the biggest one of the day, but I was already back at the trailer and didn't even get a picture. The picture is of the one Zach reeled in. The first day we were there, Christian decided to wreck his bike. Beware of the pictures, they are pretty graphic. We had planned on staying another day, but the rain got the better of us.

On to Silver Creek Plunge. We figured that if it was going to rain, we may as well have a warm pool to swim in. Chris, Zach, and me spent many hours in the pool while Christian sat on the sidelines playing the GameBoy. I felt so bad for him, but he asured us he was fine. The pool was great, the 4-wheeler trails were muddy. It wasn't the best place to be that day.

Our last visit was Crouch, Idaho. I really wanted to go to Starlight Mountain Theater, so we drove in to stay closer. I was so excited until it started to rain and rain and rain. I was so sure we were going to be there and not even get to see the play. I waited until the last minute to buy the tickets and it was well worth it. It drizzled on us a little throughout the whole play, but not enough to really bother us. We saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I would highly recommend it and Chris and I plan to go see the other plays. Enjoy the slideshow!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Yellowstone

For our second anniversary, Chris and I planned a 10 day camping trip. We started in Island Park and went in one big loop around, finishing in Crouch. This slideshow has just pictures up until we left Yellowstone. We didn't see many animals, unless you count buffalo. When we went for our honeymoon, there were elk too, but only one this year and I didn't even get a picture. The weather was a little rainy, but nice. It didn't stop us from doing what we wanted to do. We took Zach and his friend, Christian. They enjoyed the bike trails around Yellowstone, no 4-wheelers there!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thunder Mountain Line

The weekend of Memorial Day, Chris's family went camping. Since, we were leaving the next week, we stayed home, but we headed up there for a day. They were going to ride the Thunder Mountain Line to Banks and back. It was the same one we went on at Christmas. This time was even more fun though, because we were able to ride on the outside car. That was my favorite part. It was also fun to talk with and hang out with Chris's family.

The outside car

Idaho potato, Jazmin, Aleeah, Nicole

Aleeah and me

Aleeah waiting for the train

Quinn's Graduation

The Tuesday following Braden's graduation, Quinn graduated from Kindergarten. He saw what a big deal it was for Braden's graduation and expected nothing less. He made sure we knew that money came in all those graduation cards. (He is too smart for his own good!) He sent out numerous invitations and had quite the turn out at his graduation. We also had a party for him afterwards. I forgot to get pictures of the cake, but there are a few of his gifts!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Braden's Graduation

Braden graduated from Melba High School on Friday, May 22. It was a great day, but boy do I feel old. I guess that is how every mother feels when her kids graduate! I was always like a second mother to him growing up and it is great to see what a great kid he has turned into. He has always been so willing to help me with anything and is the best dog sitter I have (except, of course, maybe Zach! It's a toss up!) Anyway, Melba graduations are always a lot of fun and it was fun to see Braden with all of his friends. They have a slide show of all the graduates as babies and now, it's crazy to see how some look just the same and others look so very different! After graduation, we had a party to celebrate Braden and his accomplishments. By the way, he received 3 scholarships and has most of his first year of school paid for. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, BRADEN!

Mother's Day

I know, I know, it's way over due! The week before Mother's Day, grandma Black had a brunch at her place. She was a part of the fashion show. Grandma was the fashionista that she always is... and struted her stuff. The food was good and it was great to be with everyone to celebrate a wonderful woman.

Jeanne and Natalie

Jeanne, Grandma, Mom

Me, Mom, Grandma, Jenna, Beth

Jeanne, Grandma, NatalieGrandma struting her stuff

Stay Tuned....

I know it has been far too long since I blogged. I have so many pictures to post, please be patient. Over the next couple days keep checking back, hopefully there will be many new posts!