vacation part 6 - last day in Idaho

On our last full day in Idaho, we did a little independent exploring, from our friends.

When their little guy went down for a morning nap, we headed out to a nearby park. 

Falls Park, Post Falls, Idaho.

Post Falls.

Callan wasn't too thrilled about trying to get a family picture in front of the falls.

After the park, we headed back to Coeur d'Alene for one last wander downtown, and to walk the world's longest floating boardwalk (3,300 feet long).

The views of the lake, from the boardwalk, were pretty spectacular.

We followed the Mudgy & Millie Trail for a bit.

Callan and Mudgy & Millie at the base of Tubbs Hill (the trail head).

Callan and Mudgy & Millie at the library.

Coeur d'Alene sure is a beautiful city to visit.

Lots of shops and restaurants downtown, a beautiful lake and beach, with lots of lakeside activities, tons of parks and family friendly places to explore.

We'd love to find our way back there, one day!

This vacation was just what we needed.

Time away from Oklahoma, making memories with friends, and exploring someplace new and exciting.

We are already thinking about next year's summer vacation!

vacation part 5 - shopping & the park

Well, I guess I should get back to sharing our Idahoan vacation with you.  My parents were here visiting last week, so I didn't spend much time at the computer.  I'll share a few favorite moments from their visi,t at some point, but let's get through our vacation first.  


Picking up where I left off...


The day after the 4th of July brought us girls a treat.

Tiffany and I headed out to a few local thrift stores ALONE.

Shopping without Callan by my side is rare, but shopping with a girlfriend is like finding a diamond in a cereal box.  It just doesn't happen.  So, needless to say, I was thankful for this time.   I'm always in "mom mode", so to let go of that for just a few hours was refreshing.  We left the house around 10 am and were back by 1 pm.  It was a beautiful 3 hours spent browsing 2 fantastic antique/thrift stores.  And I couldn't have asked for better company.  

Once Tiffany and I got back to the house, Travis and Phil headed out to a local shooting range for a little guy time.  The kids went down for naps, so we enjoyed some quiet time.  After the guys got back, we had dinner, and then decided to walk down to the park at the end of the street.  

Q'emlin Park is a beautiful, little park with a beach front, playground, picnic areas, hiking trails, rock climbing, and fishing spots.  

98% sure that these are huckleberries.

I just LOVE towering pine trees.
I'd live in a little cottage nestled in a grove of them, if I could.

This dandelion was, seriously, the size of a grapefruit.

No, I didn't blow it.

But I totally should have.

Little miss being a brave explorer.

Callan, almost always with one something in one hand, and another something in the other.

He makes me smile.so.big.

We enjoyed some time on the swings before heading back up to the house for the night.

Swinging with his pinecone, of course.

His stick was in the stroller, ya know, for safety reasons.

It was an enjoyable, low-key day.

I'd love to wrap up every day exploring a park just like this one.

Good company, beautiful surroundings, a chill in the air.

Darn near perfect.

vacation part 2 - breakfast & Spokane, WA

We started off our first full day of adventures at a restaurant in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

If it's been on The Food Network (Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives), it's bound to be good, right?

Oh man.

BEST.EGGS.I'VE.EVER.HAD.

Put cream cheese and chives in your scrambled eggs next time you make 'em.  You will not be disappointed.  Cross my heart.  And that pancake...yum.  Best breakfast I've had in a long time.

After breakfast, we loaded back into our van and headed to downtown Spokane, WA.  

It was about a 40 minute drive.

We parked the car, did a little window shopping, and walked around the near-by park.

Apparently flower-sitting is an issue in the city.

According to Travis, this shaved ice stand was pretty darn close to the real deal that you get in Hawaii.  The three of us shared a "volcano" flavored ice.  It was pretty delicious.

Camdyn was so sweet to share her cotton candy flavored shaved ice with Callan.  She was even the one to ask if she could share with him!  Sweet girl.

We enjoyed a few minutes in the sun, water-side, while watching the ducks & geese.

Then we headed down a walking trail to another area of the park to discover these really big blocks...

...and the biggest Radio Flyer wagon we've ever seen!

The wagon's handle was the fastest playground slide I've ever been down.

Callan absolutely loved it.

I'm pretty sure he went down it, with either me or Travis, at least 6-10 times.

After the park, we shopped a little more, came upon an amazing oil & vinegar store, and then headed back into Post Falls, ID for some grocery shopping and dinner at the house.