Sand Dunes

I meant to blog about our fun Memorial Day weekend last week, but I lost my camera! We went out to the Bruneau Sand Dunes (the tallest in North America) last Saturday. They are a little more than an hour away from our house. I had my camera in my pocket and next thing I knew, it was gone! I just about had a heart attack hiking back up and down both sides of the dunes, trying to retrace my steps. I finally found it just as we ran into some friends. I told them my lucky camera story and we shared our sleds with them. The dunes are perfect for sledding on and the kids would really get going fast. Even if they tipped, the sand was so soft and deep it didn't hurt. We picked the perfect day to go because it wasn't too hot and it was a bit overcast. The sand can really get hot if the weather is too hot and sunny. Here is a look at how steep they are. The first kid you see is Gabe, and that's Luke and Maryn behind him.

Between two of the dunes there is a pond that you can swim in or hike around. The kids had a great time exploring and throwing rocks into the water.
Ian and Gabe on the water's edge.


When we got home I realized my camera was gone. I looked everywhere! I had stuck it in the car after I lost it the first time, but it was no where to be found. Then our friends we met out there called and asked if they could borrow our sleds since they were going out again this weekend. I told them my sad camera story and they said they'd ask at the visitor's center. Well, they returned our sleds and my camera! The kids must have somehow kicked it out of the car when they were climbing in and out. Here's a picture of Ian starting to make the trek back up the dune from the car.


On Monday we went to PoJo's which is like a glorified Chuck-E-Cheese. Then we went to a nature center downtown that has lots of little trails with the plants and trees all labeled. It also goes along ponds full of fish. We then ate at a Japanese Steakhouse where they cook in front of you and light things on fire. The kids loved it! And they loved the food as well. Ian thought the chopsticks were the best. They had chopsticks for kids that are connected at the top and have a bit of a spring so it's easier to pick up food. He loved using these and ate a ton! Unfortunately I have no pictures since my camera was lost at this point. But here are some other fun pictures from a couple of weeks ago. This is Gabe and Ian playing Batman and Robin.



Here is Gabe at his preschool graduation, class of 2023! He is so excited to start kindergarten!

Ian giving Gabe a congratulatory hug after graduation.
Gabe unwittingly choking Ian.