More than Potatoes in Idaho

After leaving Yellowstone, we had another day of driving.  By this time in the trip, I was figuring out some of our best strategies for being in the van.  Despite a few groans, we did manage to complete some summer workbook pages and reviewed a little school stuff.  This was best done in the morning and in small doses.  Kate LOVED sticker workbooks and would do page after page if I sat and did them with her.  Natalie and Scott were really great travelers and complained very little (as long as the flashcards stayed neatly packed away).  Kate was the only one to snooze in the van, and only did that for about three hours total during the entire trip.  

A friend had recommended books on CD prior to leaving, so I grabbed a few from the library right before our trip.  This turned out to be one of our favorite, calming activities.  We would all listen and enjoy the distraction.

We were excited to see our Idaho friends and were once again, overwhelmed by the wonderful hospitality.  They showed us around their BEAUTIFUL town, and we enjoyed our time to visit.

Who needs a John Deere museum when you can take a spin on the real deal?!

More animals!!  The kids were fascinated by the chickens. 

Four wheelin' Fun...(It took much encouraging to get me to drive one, but afterwards, I was glad that I did.)

 In case we never make it to New York...

How would you like to swing facing this incredible view?  Scott was trying to make it over the mountains!

Sweet Sarah & Natalie were trying to plan our next get together...maybe they should start saving up their pennies for plane tickets!

 We are thankful for this friendship that can continue despite the miles between us!

  

After our visit, we started a long trek back home.  

A couple of funny stories from our trip back...

 

At one hotel pool, Natalie had grabbed onto Kate and accidentally pulled her under the water just a bit (like her chin/mouth went under).  Afterwards, Kate said with a scowl, "Natalie tried to baptize me!" 

 

Restaurants stops (and restroom stops!) were always exciting.  There's nothing like sitting all day in a van to work up a good appetite!:)  Scott was "starving" one evening when we stopped at Arby's.  He looked at the spread of food in front of him and said, "This looks REALLY good!  If I was a dog, I'd wag my tail!" 

All in all, we had a fun time together as a family, and we are so thankful for the safe travel and the special memories that were created along the way.  No one is itching to go on another long road trip again any time soon (no place like home), but we are certainly grateful for this first family vacation!