The Long Drive - Lincoln to Boise and Home Again - Summer 2008 Continued...

Part 3: Idaho - Gibbs Family Reunion

August 6-7, 2008 -- Boise, Idaho - Aunt Kerilyn's New House

We left Portage in the afternoon on the 6th and headed to Boise. We were greatful to arrive at Aunt Kerilyn's and be done travelling long distances for a few days. It was also fun to see her new house! The next day, Aunt Kerilyn hosted all of the grandkids at her house to play on her new slip-n-slide. It was a hit with most of them! Some of the little ones just watched from a distance, including Eliza. We were also excited to have Daddy join us in Boise. The kids were so excited that they wouldn't let me do much of anything for them for the rest of the trip.

Here is cousin Olivia looking so cute in her little blue suit.

Sherman and cousin Autumn!

Eliza, watching from a distance.

Sherman and cousin Caroline in a race to the end!

August 8, 2008 -- Cascade, Idaho - The Lake & Aunt Christy's Birthday

The next day we headed to Cascade for our Gibbs Family Reunion - hosted by the Pinon Family. After a brief stop at the hotel we headed to Cascade Lake. It was beautiful. We had one little thunder storm that passed over and all ended up huddled underneath Rudy and Sherlyn's tent for about ten minutes. Then the sun came out and the rest of the day was gorgeous. The kids had a great time playing in the lake and sand, getting to know their cousins, and going for rides in the canoe that Sherlyn and Rudy brought.

Testing the waters - You can see the rain cloud approaching in the distance.

Eliza enjoyed playing in the sand, but kept her distance from the water.

Here is Eliza getting a bit braver.

She finally ventured out with Daddy.

A beautiful day for a canoe ride!

Sherman went out several times on the canoe and enjoyed it thoroughly! Thanks to Uncle Rudy and Uncle Randy!

Sherman and cousin Tristan.

What a Cutie!

Eliza and Aunt Kerilyn

It was Aunt Christy's 39th Birthday - So we celebrated that night with some yummy Zuchinni Chocolate Chip Cake. We even made one cake with egg replacer so that Eliza could have some. It turned out just great and she really enjoyed it.

August 9, 2008 -- Morning Trip to McCall, Idaho, Train Ride & Rodeo

The next day we spent the morning in McCall, Idaho. It was absolutely gorgeous there. I hope we have a chance to return and spend a bit more time there someday. We visited a Fish Hatchery in the morning where we saw all the different sizes of fish and learned a bit about how fish are bred. Then we went to the famous Pancake House for a very delicious brunch before heading back to Cascade to catch our train ride. The train ride was about 3 1/2 hours long through the beautiful mountains. The track travelled along the river and it was fun to watch as rafters attempted some pretty big rapids. We had an air conditioned car to ride in that made it pleasant and easy to visit with everyone too. We did also venture out to some of the open cars for a bit of a different view. After the train ride and dinner, we went to a rodeo in Cascade to end the day. The kids didn't last too long, so we only saw a few bull riders, barrel racing, and calf roping - but it was fun for the kids to see what a small town rodeo was all about. Grandma and Aunt Christy were the only ones who stayed until the end and really got to see some exciting bull rides and some other excitement - including a fight in the stands. I think we were glad we had taken the kids home to bed. :)

Mark and Sherman at the Fish Hatchery.

Sherman was one happy boy on the train ride!

Aunt Kerilyn and cousin Olivia!

Eliza and Sherman both finally gave up the fight and took naps on the train ride! Yeah!!!

Sherman - having a great time at the Rodeo!

August 10, 2008 -- Boise, Idaho - Aunt Sherlyn & Uncle Rudy's House

On Sunday morning we packed up early and headed back to Boise for church. By the time we arrived in Boise I was feeling pretty yucky - food poisoning I think!? :( This was the day we had hoped to call a few friends that live in Boise, but instead I stayed close to the bathroom for most of the afternoon and Mark wrestled two very tired kids down to naps. (Sorry - to those we didn't get to see. We will definitely call next time!) After sleeping a bit I finally felt a bit better and we went over to the Pinons to join everyone else for a family picture. Great day to have a family picture, huh? I guess that's life! It was the first time we had all been together in 4 years so it was good to document us all together.

The Walter Sherman Gibbs Family - Family Reunion 2008 - Boise, Idaho

The crazy Gibbs Family! :)

Bernards Family - Gibbs Family Reunion 2008 - Boise, Idaho

Jake, Aubrey, Autumn, Lauren, Olivia, Eliza & Tristan - These are the 7 newest grandchildren to join the family. Christy and Ding are in the process of adopting Tristan and Jake. We are hopeful that all will be official before the end of the year. The five girls were all born within 9 months of each other and will all be the same year in school. :) It was a bit difficult to get a good picture of them all. As you can tell Eliza is the unhappiest of all.

Sunday evening the Broadbent clan started arriving for the Broadbent reunion which would begin the next day. Here is Grandma Gibbs with her two Brothers. (Left) Uncle Lee and (Right) Uncle Alan.

The highlight of the evening was the talent show of course. Most of the performances were by Carlee and Madeline who have beautiful voices. Makenzie performed some of her karate moves (I wouldn't want to meet her in a dark alley!) Uncle Mike did some juggling and Sherman sang the "ABC" song. Sherman was voted the winner by all. He did a great job!!!

Sherman wasn't nervous at all to sing his "ABC" song for the talent show.

Overall, we had a great time at the reunion. Thanks Pinon Family for hosting!