Backpacking Alpine and Sawtooth Lakes

This month we had the opportunity to make two backpacking trips in the Sawtooth Mountains and the first one was up to Alpine and Sawtooth Lakes. We camped four miles in at Alpine Lake and then did a short day hike one mile farther to Sawtooth Lake for fishing and swimming. The girls stayed overnight with Donna and Tony and got to go to Dierkes Lake for a few hours of swimming and playing in the sun. We were very grateful for their generous offer to babysit, especially because the girls feel so much at home with them. 

View of Stanley off in the far right corner

Still lots of snow when you get up above 8000 feet

First view of Sawtooth Lake behind me

Can you spot the crazy, fearless squirrel? 

While Ryan was fishing he looked over at me and informed me that the crazy squirrel was right behind my head so I snapped a picture hoping to catch it in the frame.

Ahhh...

I was not as brave as Ryan to jump in to a lake with snow melting directly into it

love this guy :)

The mosquitoes were so persistent that we had to break out our "really, really good looking" bug nets. 

typical fishing moment for Ryan...going to all lengths to retrieve a lure. He did catch one fish that day.

two things I am always fascinated by when backpacking: water droplets and twisty fallen trees

Ice cream! at Red Fish Lake Lodge

Porcupine Springs camp-out

July 22nd-23rd was our camp-out at Porcupine Springs near Magic Mountain. We had a great time visiting with friends and the girls loved exploring. I think the reason I have more pictures of Lyra is because Lisa took full advantage of the freedom to roam around the huge camp site and surrounding area. Although it was a bit hot, we were still able to enjoy relaxing together and getting to know one another a little better. 

Lyra's sincere efforts to work that pump

Daddy to the rescue

sunrise

Must blow bubbles

let the singing commence

Don, Ella and Lyra hangin' out

Art project

Music time with Donna and Jack

Hiking to Hidden Lakes at Dierke's

A few weeks ago we hiked past Dierkes Lake to find the "Hidden Lakes". It turned out to be a nice, short hike with fun things for the girls to see. And it was definitely a bonus being only ten minutes from our apartment. Lisa is getting to where she really likes to do things on her own, including climbing up rocks and wading through the tall, tall grass. It is awesome to see her so thoroughly enjoying the great outdoors.We love our family hikes. 

You may notice Lyra is missing one shoe...she just threw it over the edge of the rock right before I took the picture. Luckily it wasn't too difficult for me to climb down and retrieve it. 

Fishing at Gavers Lagoon

There is a neat little pond near Bellevue that is a great place for kids to go fishing. It's called Gavers Lagoon and they keep it very well stocked. Almost every cast Lisa was pulling in another fish. She is learning to cast all by herself and doing a pretty good job. I also got a little fly-fishing in on this day and it felt good to be out there. Lyra had fun throwing rocks and dirt into the water and just getting really dirty. She picks up so many new words every day and it was cute to hear her yell out "Fish!" when we caught one.  

Kids Art in the Park, July 9th

Last Saturday Lisa took part in her very first play! We signed her up for a theatre games class at the annual Twin Falls Kids Art in the Park day, as well as two other art classes. She was a little nervous to be in front of the group in her role as "Rindercella", but she looked like she had a good time. At one point the teacher read a part about them dancing and Lisa looked ready to go, but the other little guy wasn't so sure about that part. It was a great day, complete with picnic lunch and a variety show to enjoy afterward.

The Pransome Hince trying on Rindercella's dripper that she slopped.

Lyra singing her little heart out at the variety show

What summers are made for

Camping at Pine, Idaho

For the 4th of July weekend this year we went camping with the Graybill-Roberts family to a little place in the mountains near Anderson Ranch Reservoir. We played in the hot springs, swam in the reservoir, hiked a bit, and relaxed by the campfire. 

This picture doesn't really do justice to the view you get of the valley as you come over the mountain

Lisa and Taura got to sleep in the back of Tony's truck. Taura was a really good sport being buddies with Lisa and not letting their age difference get in the way of having fun. 

I love singing harmony while Donna plays the guitar 

Lyra seems to have no fear of animals. Of course, this doggy was very docile

The hot springs were really too hot for spending much time sitting in them, so we ventured out into the chilly river

Glad Donna found this little spot for the kids to swim in

After we got back from camping we let Lisa stay up late and watch the fireworks with us. The Twin Falls show is set off at the junior college a few blocks from our apartment so we just took some camp chairs out to the street and watched from there. Lisa almost seemed more excited about being up late than watching the fireworks. We had to keep reminding her to look at the sky. It was a fun weekend.

Hiking Eagle Trail

This summer we are going to try and do a family hike once a week. Our first one on Friday was in the Magic Mountain area about 45 minutes from Twin. Eagle loop is a fairly simple, kid-friendly hike. The beginning and end take you through a wooded area, while the center section covers a more dry sage brush area on the top of the hill. The weather was perfect with sunshine and a slight breeze. The girls loved the scenery. Lisa walked the entire 2 1/2 miles on her own and was excited to point out the many wonders she encountered. We would definitely repeat this hike and maybe even make it a camping trip.