Top of the World

For Zac and My birthdays this year we were literally on top of the world.  We had an opportunity to visit Zac's family cabin in Island Park over Memorial Weekend and I can't tell you how much we enjoyed it.  Grandma Gerry's cabin is such a magical place for our family.  It is such a place of peace, rest, fun, and family bonding.  Charlotte was bawling as we left because she wanted to live there forever.  Sometimes, I wish we could.

This year we decided to take a drive to the top of Sawtell Mountain, one of the largest mountains in Idaho according to Zac and you can drive right up to the very top.

The kids were scared to death to even get out, they were sure that they would plunge to their death to the valley below.  Fortunately, we didn't lose even one of them!

We also had a nice drive over to Big Springs, a beautiful area where really huge fish congregate.  The weather was amazing and the kids loved throwing pebbles in and looking for fish.

The best part of the whole trip for the kids was when we found two little frogs in a little fishing hole, where we also caught a little brook trout.  The kids had so much fun with their frogs, we were devastated when they didn't live more than a day when we tried to keep them :(

On our actual birthday, my mom offered to watch the kids so that Zac and I could go to lunch and shopping.  It is seriously the best birthday gift she can ever give me and I enjoyed every minute of it.  It is always funny when we tell the restaurant that it is both of our birthdays to get our free dessert.  We have to make sure we bring in our licenses to prove it ;)

When we got home, I made Zac a raspberry cheesecake with Oreo crust and I've gotta say, it was probably one of our best birthday cakes ever.  It was yummy!

Tanner put in all the candles we had in the house and wanted to light them.  Zac always the ever patient father very carefully let each of the kids help light the candles.

We of course all had to pick candle wax out of our cheesecake, but it was well worth the joy (and burns) to see the kids so happy.

Happy Birthday Zac!

In the past year you have accomplished so much!  The biggest accomplishment being building our house from start to finish while simultaneously working your butt off at your job.  This past year you have served as a scout leader and a Ward Mission Leader.  You have traveled to Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Texas.  And you have been there to take us on scout outings, daddy daughter dates, camping and cabin trips, and sporting events.  You have played with us, built and created with us, and taught us all so many new skills.

We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next year brings!