{Enjoying the Outdoors}

We are SO READY for SUMMER!! 

We have already taken full advantage of our gorgeous weather and spent the last few weekends outside almost 100% of the day! We can't get enough of the sunshine and are loving the beautiful area we live in. We are feeling pretty grateful to live in such a beautiful place. 

A few weeks ago we went to Island Park for a 3 day weekend with a few of my family members. We celebrated my sweet niece Millie's 1st birthday, rode our little 50 motorcycle, had a picnic by Wade Lake, visited Yellowstone, saw TONS of wild animals, fed fish, ate to much junk food, did lots of driving, and took in the beautiful mountains around us. It was perfect. 

Wade Lake is only about 45 minutes away from Island Park and is a hidden paradise. 

I have never even heard of this Lake until this day. 

When we pulled up over the mountain and saw the view of the lake it was seriously breathtaking. 

There is a campground and picnic tables for people to enjoy. 

The water is so clean and clear. 

We couldn't get over the beach and how clear the water was. 

We were all overwhelmed with the beauty and pretty much did not want to leave! 

We enjoyed it all for a few hours, finding crawdad's and throwing rocks into the lake. 

We can't wait to go back. 

The next day we drove through Yellowstone. It was super cold! But we did see a lot of animals. We had a picnic in the parking lot of Old Faithful then drove the loop back to the cabin. The kids were grumpy and had had enough driving. 

We were all pretty sad to load up and come home after such a beautiful weekend in the mountains. 

Then Memorial Day we spent the day in Howe fishing at my Brother-in-Laws family pond. 

 All the kids were catching fish like crazy! It was fun to see them get so excited and just running around the pond. We all had a pretty successful day and caught some pretty good sized trout- it was awesome! I love fishing. 

I made my Mom and Dad come with us- my parents dont fish! In fact, it was my Mom's First Time Ever! She's hooked now! My dad threw in his first cast and caught a big one right out the gate! My mom also caught one really quick! It was fun to watch them both do so well and get so excited. 

On our way  home we stopped in Arco at Pickle's Place for a cheeseburger and shake. 

We got home late and crashed! It was a windy, hot day spent in the sun! I got a serious sunburn!

By the time we got home Miss Carmen's little face was so swollen and her eyes were almost swollen shut! Poor thing has such bad allergies- and I did give her medicine before we left. She crashed on the way home and slept clear through the night. 

It was such a fun day- and felt like we were on vacation even though we were only a few miles away from home.  Even though school isn't out yet, we've made a summer bucket list and already started crossing things off!