Idaho on the way home

On the way home, we stopped in Idaho Falls.

Our hotel was pretty cool.

From the window, you could see the river. And you can also see our family eating dinner at the picnic in the bottom right corner.

We walked along the riverfront, in the wind, and looked at the temple.

From our hotel window

The next morning we had a campus tour at BYU-Idaho. It was so fun to be back on campus again, where Sterling and I were both students. There is a special spirit on that campus. It is unique.

We also handed out 150 Pieces of Candy!

Its harder than it sounds.

There were a surprising number of students who said "no" to our offer. But eventually, we overcame our shyness and handed out all 150 pieces. 

Out tour guide! from South Africa.

We were really excited to get home and see our baby bunnies who were much bigger after our week away.

Spring Break Day 5: Irrigation and temple

Tuesday was irrigation day on the Brown homestead. We've heard Sterling talk about it a lot but this was our first chance to participate.

Diverting the canal water.

Bryce is standing in the middle of the water, guarding the citrus pit.

After we irrigated, we cleaned up and went to the Gilbert temple to do baptisms for the dead. It was great going to 11:30 in the morning. Not busy at all! In and out in an hour!

Our completely "to-do" list!

Our final night we had dinner at Leisel's. Again, I wish I had taken more pictures. The dinner was great with a salad from their garden. Leisel showed me her latest crochet project, a blanket I plan on copying. And Peter took Syd and Park out to practice tennis.

By the end of the evening we were all tuckered out. The bottom three fell alseep pretty quickly.

Grandpa talked the older two into watching another movie with him. (50 First Dates, I think)

We were loathe to leave. Its a paradise out there on the Brown homestead. And the family is just over-the-top amazing. We love them so much! And Syd and Parker can't wait to go back for Peter's farewell. 

Spring Break Day 3: Easter Sunday

We woke up Sunday Easter morning in the hotel. And wouldn't you know it, the easter bunny found us, but instead of easter baskets, he left easter backpacks. (homemade ones that were super cute, I must admit).

The backpacks held a little bit of candy and a small book. 

In no big rush, we drove through the beautiful Arizona mountains and headed for Mesa. We parked in the Mesa temple parking lot and listened to President Nelson announce the new ministering program of the church and Elder Holland And Sister Bingham talk about the new, beautiful way to care for our spiritual brothers and sisters. And also announce new temples.

What an amazing general conference with lots of amazing revelation for the world and for the church!

We drove by old family homes. This is Cecil and Marilla Allen's cabin in Pine, AZ. (Grandma Brown's parents)

And this was their home in Mesa.

After driving around a bit, we found our way to Clark and Mitzi's in Queen Creek for family dinner. Wish I'd taken a picture of everyone. But I did snap these pictures of my kids gathered around Grandpa Brown. Priceless!

Random: March

March 4 - Rachel and Bryce were very entertaining with Sunday Night Wrestling.

And if that wasn't enough, here's a little more. They were wrestling for 40 full minutes. Going to daylight savings time gave them some extra energy in the evenings. :)

March 9 - Paul came to visit and we had dinner together.

March 9- Paul came to Utah to ski with friends and we were lucky enough to have dinner with him!

Rachel really really really wants a puppy.

But she also knows Sterling will not buy a dog unless we have a fenced yard.

One of our chickens started laying green eggs! Just in time for Easter!

St. Patrick's Day!
Emily came over and enjoyed corned beef, cheesy garlic biscuits and green mac and cheese. You can tell by HashBrown's face that I made too much and it wasn't their favorite. Ah well. 

We went to the Jordan River Temple openhouse. It has been closed for several years while it was renovated.

I found this sppon in the downstairs freezer. Looks like someone wanted ice cream and fought with it. The ice cream won!

Idaho: Day 2

We were back on the road bright and early Tuesday morning. Our travel plans took us through Oregon and Spokane Washington.

We stopped for lunch at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers. 

Spokane, WA temple

Finally we made it to Coeur d'Alene. 

While exploring, we found Mugsy the Moose and her friend, Millie the Mouse. Look closely to see Millie.