Hoops

Bill played basketball in a city league this weekend. It was 3 on 3 and they blocked off most of 8th Street downtown and had over 40 half courts, one right after the other.

Bill's team played two games Friday night and then two games Saturday morning, and then they were out.

The boys and I drove down to watch the last game Saturday morning. It was already quite warm, but since we found a place in the shade, it was very pleasant.

After the last game, we walked up toward The Grove where the fountain is to cool off a bit.

Of course, no outing would be complete without a nice collection of sticks. He is such a boy!

And Daniel has learned how to do "so big"

Banks Beach

We spent a beautiful afternoon along the Boise River at Banks Beach on Saturday. We drove up with our friends, the Wilsons and splashed around in the freezing water and watching the rafters float by.

Daniel wasn't sure what to think of the sand at first, but got comfortable pretty quickly and was all over the place. Sam loved building sand castles and playing catch with Joshua and Bill.

Just before we left, Bill dunked me in the water. Sam, concerned at my screaming, started crying and still reminds us of what Daddy did to Mommy. I will get my revenge!

BBQ

The cutest family shares our back yard fence and we have loved getting to know them. Aimee and Reganza (Sam calls him Gonzo) have 5 kids from age 3 to 12. They escaped from the Congo a few years ago. We had them over for a BBQ the other night and had so much fun eating and playing.

Bill and I had planned on grilling a few hot dogs and hamburgers and had some fruit and chips to go along with it. But when the knock came on the door and we saw even more hotdogs and 8 different pots filled with other African food, we knew we were in for a feast!

Aimee even taught me how to make "foo-foo" (sp?) that made from corn flour and becomes the consistency of mashed potatoes.

Sam loved running around with all the kids

I couldn't believe all the food. It was a fun night.

Horsethief Reservoir

We spent the last four days with my family at Horsethief Reservoir. It's two hours north of Boise, just a few miles east of Cascade and absolutely beautiful!

Relaxing on the porch

Me on a zip-line

Daniel rarely took a nap, but was still his cheerful little self!

Making s'mores

Sam was never without a stick and loved running around with all of his cousins and fishing with Daddy.

The whole Ellison clan (minus my youngest brother, Dave)

Oh, Say Can You See...

We love you, America!

Watching an early fireworks show with the Mannings.

Teach a boy to fish...

Bill has been dying to take Sam fishing with him, and to go himself since it's been over a year. There is a little pond stocked with fish just a few miles from our house, so Bill took Sam in the bike trailer and Daniel and I followed in the car to take some pictures.

Sam thinks any stick is a fishing pole, so I think he'll be his daddy's best fishing buddy in no time!

Pioneer Trek

Bill spent four days this last week on Pioneer Trek with our ward. He was asked to be a "shadow leader" and help out where he was needed. It was rough not having him around and really weird to not even be able to call or text him. We all missed him so much, but he had a great time so it was worth it.

Pioneers entering "the Valley"

Bill played one of the mobsters persecuting the Saints (hence the mustache) and also Joseph Smith during a devotional. Everyone said he did an amazing job.

Sam wasn't quite sure what to think about his dad's new look.

We welcomed the "trekkers" home in a little town called Placerville, near Idaho City where they began their 36 mile journey. We had a fun picnic and music before heading home. We were so glad to have Bill back!!

Daniel having a little snack