The Visit

Our niece, Becca, told her parents that what she wanted for her 10th birthday was to spend a week....with another family.

Our family.

We were tickled to think that we were 'exciting' enough to elicit the interest of a 10-year old girl...and for an entire week at that! The arrangements were made and we spent last week galavanting around Boise with our niece; Brock adored every second with his cousin.

One Saturday afternoon was spent on the Payette River, the beach at Banks. The four of us, plus two dogs crowded into Clarke's little pick-up and rattled on up highway 55 for an afternoon in the water, and under the sun.

Don't be decieved by this precious little face! He was luring in the fish with Smarties.

The water just sparkled and was very calm (where we were).

Max and Meli LOVED the water and spent the entire time swimming and fetching tennis balls.

Brock spent more time climbing rocks than in the water.

Becca was really good with Brock and they pal'd around all the time.

Looking for fish....

We also went to the Boise Train Depot. Normally, its a place I loathe b/c

I've photographed so many people there and I'm TOO familiar with it. But

its exciting and beautiful for someone who sees it for the first time. Brock and Becca had a blast!

Why can't Brock just smile???

The Boise Train Depot is for tourists and events and has been renovated inside to accomodate and educate visitors. The old ticket/concession stand now showcases knick knacks and information pertaining to the Depot's history...

...such as this amazing, aged newspaper.

The departures/arrivals board was fun for Becca b/c she found her hometown.

Brock just pointed b/c Becca pointed. Silly boy.

After day 2 I stopped taking pictures.

We watched about a dozen movies and I introduced Becca to Doris Day. She's hooked. Becca taught me how to properly make scrambled eggs (milk instead of butter, people!) and I taught her how to make cupcakes, brownies, and salsa; the latter was an absolute train wreck. My first and last time attempt at making salsa. We went to Wahooz, grandma's house to swim, Jo-Ann Fabrics (Becca's got great taste...she LOVES that store), and visited Settler's Park twice.

Brock, my early bird would wake up and run to sit next to Becca's door. He didn't realize that night owls generally sleep in and was often a bit disappointed she didn't wake up to play as early as he did. Nevertheless, the two of them spent plenty of time playing games, building puzzles, and helping in the garden.

We hope Becca enjoyed her visit with us as much as we loved having her here. In fact Brock woke up this morning and asked if Becca was coming back today. Its been less than 24 hours since she left and already he misses her.

See you at Christmas, Becca! Thanks for visiting!!!