Idaho ** day 1

We didn't leave home until 8:30 Thursday evening.  Our plan all along was to drive through the night, so the delay wasn't too miserable.  Matt had work meetings that went longer than scheduled and that just set everything back a bit.  We packed the van to the brink of bursting!  With 5 kids (our 4 and my nephew)  in the car, Matt's fishing gear (a lot of it too), a big tent, sleeping bags, pads and all of our regular bags...we had every inch stuffed.  I'm pretty sure that all of the kids were asleep by 10:30, which made the remaining 8 hours very quiet.  It is strange to begin your drive with the sun setting and then also see the sun rise before you have arrived at the destination.  Matt drove the entire way and I enjoyed a few naps and maybe even a little bit of real sleep.  We pulled into Rexburg around 6:30 am and we were greeted by some very eager cousins.  Matt and I crashed for a few hours while the kids played. 

We headed over to Porter Park to play in the sun in the afternoon.  There is a fun little splash park which had 12 kids occupied and happy for a long time.  The adults enjoyed good conversation, comfortable chairs in the sun and then a few games of outdoor volleyball!

Drew having fun with the fountains

Brayden & my niece Haley

our sweet "B"

Drew and his cousin Keegan are best pals

Sarah, my beautiful sister-in-law and niece Emi

little miss Ella

The kids ended up walking back to Grandma & Grandpa's house while the adults continued to hang out.  Matt went fishing with his dad and brother for the afternoon...that hasn't happened for a long time! It was a great day for everyone.

After everyone was washed up...we realized that sunscreen had been regretfully neglected for several kiddos, including mine.  They have seen plenty of sun...but not without sunscreen on.  Ella had the worst of it with her fair skin.  She is pretty cute though with her bleached hair, big blue eyes and pink cheeks. 

Bedtime was LATE with so many kids but we weren't too worried about it.  Some ended up just falling asleep on the floor or in the arms of their aunties or uncles or parents.  It was a fun day!