Monday, June 30, 2008

A Story (...and LOTS of Pictures!)

Last week we bombed out of town for a "quick" weekend trip to Idaho.

















It took us 21 hours to get there, but it was beautiful green scenery with lots of antelope scattered over the countryside.

The children were great sports, and awesome travelers - although Auntie Em is getting tired of watching The Incredibles! :-)

First things first: we breakfasted with Jon and Jana at a little roadside store.








This store is known for it's milkshakes, and it includes in its facility the post office, feed store (the wall facing the row of P.O. boxes), and movie rental store (didn't look like an extensive collection to me, but I watched someone come in a rent TWO, so it must meet the local standards!)
The Logger Omlettes there were wonderful! AJ and I split one on three different occasions we
ate there!

Here is our first tour of the property we are trying to buy.









































































































































It really is "to die" for, and couldn't be more "lush and green" per Zachary's specifications.






































































































On Sunday my childhood friend who lives in Montana met us to play.
Between us we have ten children, and six of those were new since we last met!






































































































Leaving the property that day, our van broke down.























Thankfully within walking distance of fore-said store, and even MORE thankfully our friends extended their hospitality to us until our van was able to be fixed!
Without cell reception, internet, or vehicle, we had a true vacation the week we were stuck in Montana! Here are some pictures of that time (Thank you dear dear Kell, Jon, and family!! It is a true test of friendship when eight extra people share your house for a seven days straight!)
Our children had a blast:-)
















































































We got one more day at the property since we were in the area when escrow closed, and we had to sign papers.
So..
We are now the proud owners of a new project!


































(We are pretty excited:-)) While we were there, we did a little clean-up, as the previous owners left all their vacation supplies, and the mice left poop.




































Upon leaving Montana, we met up with dear friends from Ca who were visiting their folks, and siblings - the friends we were staying with (are you following all this?) (I don't blame you. It's a little complicated!)

















As I heard one of the adults aptly point out: A school bus is much more fun to play on if you've never had to ride one to school every day!!!

















This is a hike to check out our friends 20 acre piece












































Our trip back to Co. was long, but we had lots to talk about.






















































I don't know yet what the future holds, but it's good to have dreams. I realize that I am very fortunate, and I can only thank the Lord for His gracious blessing.

Thank YOU Lord!!

8 comments:

Alterton Scottish Terriers said...

It's beautiful Analene! What a lovely hydrangea flower ... it that in your yard? They are one of my favorites. Glad you're back!

-Faith

2homeschool said...

Oh my, deary...

What a week! I am sorry I missed it, I would have loved seeing everyone!

What a blessing to have that time with kelly though.

Congrats on your new place. I am needing out of state... This is the first time we could see sky in a week. If we were not going to the ocean this week, I would for sure be heading to Idaho... As it is, it has to wait almost a month.

I recieved a hand out from our church today,... It was on the changes in the school laws. Point being it's getting more important to get out of state for sure.

Well, I need to go. I am sorry your van busted, but I am happy you servived.

Love lots,

Heather

Photo Momma said...

Your new property is beautiful and makes me a little jealous! Looks like home... My parents and siblings are only about an hour from Kelly. Next time you are in the area you should give them a call. They would love to see you! If you want their contact info, let me know.

Momma Bug said...

Hi all you gals!
Yes that is my hydrangea Faith, but it is parked next to the front porch which means that it is likely not to last long - you know... get picked, hacked, and peeled to shreds!
But I'm going to try what I can to protect it! ;-)

H. I do think you should move up there with us - it is just gorgeous (as I may have hinted).
The more the merrier!:-)

Rebekah, I would love your parents information. I did think of the, but there is plenty of project to keep us busy there for a life-time (unless we break down away from home again, and somewhere YOUR family this time!!!
If you ever came to visit them though, that might be the perfect reason to venture out!:-P

Lots of love <3

Uncle and Auntie Hightower <>< said...

Gosh that is a lot of goings on.
You should call me now and again when such big things are going on in your life.. I wouldn't mind.
Congrats by the way on the new property.

The Diane Story said...

Looks like a nice place Analene! Congrats. So what part of Idaho will you be in? When do you get to move?

Suzanne said...

Congratulations to you! It is beautiful! It was nice to see all the photos. It must feel great to have closed escrow.

And that has GOT to be the longest dandelion stem I have ever seen!

Glad you're back online. Whew- not even cell phone reception? Tell me you'll have internet!

Love you,
Suzanne

Momma Bug said...

Suzanne, First of all that dandelion tickled me to DEATH!
It wasn't even exceptional in size there. I just thought WOW! This place definitely gets more water than where we currently live!:-P
I'm glad you appreciated it:-)

Now, I will say that I am very glad to know that the particular spot we landed (or at least bought) DOES have cell service, so we can use internet...
That is, if we can figure out POWER!!!
That just may come before the indoor plumbing (albeit after the shooting range!) ;-)

Love you back <3