July 10th
Let's go back to July when Jake and I went to the Double Feature Drive-In Movie in Idaho Falls. We invited a couple of friends to go along and made it a double date. As a group, we decided there was only one way to watch a Drive in movie - and that is of course from the back of a truck! And not just any truck bed, but one overflowing with padding, blankets, and pillows. I admit that I had the little-kid jitters and sparkly eyes whenever I thought about the excursion. Just something about the anticipation really brings out the youngster in me. :)
Look at that mini sound system. Doesn't it just make you want to drive up next to it and stare at that big screen for a while?Anyway, we got there, found a great parking spot, bought some concessions, and settled in. The first film we saw was Toy Story 3 and we were diggin' it! Good story line, Good times... and then I felt a sprinkling of rain. At first we tried to ignore the occasional raindrop and just snuggled deeper into our blankets, but soon the storm rolled in and we all began laughing and frantically searching for cover. Each of us held a corner of a sleeping bag and tried to construct a shelter over our heads. You can guess how effective that was, and it wasn't long before we were soaked. The clouds did blow over after about 20 minutes and we all gave each other that dumb look and were awestruck by what we just endured. It must have been that fresh smell of rain that made us stay for the second show - Prince of Persia. Another great movie... but we only thought the storm had passed. Not even half way through, the rain began PELTING down on us yet again. Back up with the sleeping bag - but really it was soaked and dripping all over us. But there we remained. Our retreat did not come until the movie was finished. I've never been so wet, frozen, and sleepy.... it was the GREATEST!
Awww summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. :)
July 24th
The next big event was the annual Pioneer celebration in my home town - Fairview, of Wyoming, of the U.S. of A. Jake was unable to accompany me due to a HUGELY important inspection he was preparing for at work. Sob Sob... But I am glad that I was able to go.
Friday night dinner at the Box-H was yum yum delicious. Afterward THE softball game began. All the Hyde's assembled and formed almost an entire team. The apposing team took the lead early on, but before to long Hyde's pulled ahead - WAY ahead - for a marvelous victory! I know I know, Hyde Pride... it's a curse.
The next morning we all pulled together a shimmery shiny float to ride on for the parade and rehearsed a little song to sing as well.
Here's the goofy lyrics: (more for the sake of keeping a copy than to pain you into reading it...)
[To the tune of "Here comes the Sun" by the Beatles]
Hello Fairview, It's been a long cold lonely winter
But now Fairview, our pioneer day is here
Here comes the sun, do 'n do do
Here comes the sun, and we say,
what a day
Hello Fairview, the Hyde's returning to our home town
Hello Fairview, It's been a year since we've been here
Chorus
Sun, Sun, Sun, here it comes
Chicken chasing here we come
Softball playing here we come
Chariot racing here we come sawdust digging here we come
and egg tossin here we come
fun fun fun, here we come
Hello Fairview, bust out the pie and watermelon
Grab a burger, join in the games let's celebrate
Here comes the fun, do n do do
Join in the fun, and we say what a day
All the traditional festivities followed: all except for the chicken chasing that is. We were QUITE appalled that this particular event was excluded, but soon got over it as we enjoyed the many other games, contests, and goodies.
Here we are lined up in front of the grandstand, wearing our matchy-matchy home made tye dye T-shirts.
ShaNae, Kendra, and I decided to take part in a competitive game of Water-Bucket-Musical chairs. There were actually no chairs involved --- only 5 gallon buckets full of water that you had to sit on to claim.:)
This picture of my niece screams SUMMER! And I can't blame her for having such a cheezer smile on her face. I probably looked like that too, because after all there is no place like home! Click HERE to see more pictures of ... in her words... "the best day ever!"July 31st
Has it really been ten years? Jake experienced a bit of a Twilight Zone evening as we attended his 10 year high school reunion in Preston,Idaho. Not a great turn out, but it was fun to hear a few "back in the day" stories that I had never heard, and also to meet a few more of of the people he grew up with. [I wish I had an old picture of him to post from those days. It's probably for the better that I don't have one, or he might just murder me. hee hee] We really enjoyed a big lunch of pulled pork and dutch oven potatoes, and reminisced for a bit. Unfortunately most of his closest friends, and those who he was most curious to see, weren't able to make it. We probably would not have been in town either, except it was the week of the fair and - The 75th Famous Preston Night Rodeo. So the reunion was just he beginning.
We then ventured forth to explore the Sidewalk Sales, witness the local karaoke performances at the park, and waste a little money on carnival games. And of course we sampled many of the high class food choices found at the fairgrounds. Burgers, Hot Dogs, and caramel apples. The "magical" atmosphere of Podunk Preston suckered us into buying tickets for the rodeo that night. Neither of us had been to one in quite some time and after all... this was THE 75th Famous Preston Night Rodeo :)
Here's view of the grandstands and the ferris-wheel in the background.
And here is a little bit of the excitement - Yeehaw to the Mutton Bustin' kids!We had a great time being part of the cowboy chaos --- and even though I make fun of it, ya gotta love small town fun.
August 7th
Spur of the moment, last minute, on the turn of a dime and out of spontaneity... we went camping! We went with the same couple that took us to the Drive-In Movie. There is a quiet little canyon in Swan Valley (only about 45 minutes from here) that proved to be the perfect spot. Jake and his buddy actually discovered it while attempting to fill their bear hunting licenses last year. We scoped out a little spot in the quakeys and set up camp.
We got there late in the afternoon on Saturday, but made the most of our time. First a long four wheeler through rough terrain. I did not grow up riding 4-wheelers so this was definitely the longest, craziest ride I had ever been on. Jake even let me drive for awhile. (I only almost killed us twice.hahaha)
As you can see, the trail was very adventuresome. There were a lot of sections that had been washed out pretty bad. But it really was a blast.And then on to the waterfall to clean up. That's right, there was a waterfall hidden off a remote path, and it was breathtaking! I got a few shots, but none that really do it justice. It was too treacherous to carry my camera past a certain point.
The water was icy cold, but we played in it anyway.
I tried to follow Jake into the tumultuous waters, but I got sucked down by the current at one point and cut up my let on the rocks below. Not that I want to admit it in public, but I wasn't tough enough to withstand the intense pressure. I recovered just fine from the fall, and even though I wanted to be stubborn and press on... I turned back to be safe. The boys were able to make it through without any more mishap.
The windy four-wheeler ride back to camp after was extra arctic - not to mention dusty. By the time we got back I was a frozen dust bunny! :) But what a great adventure! We cleaned up the best we could and enjoyed a night by the fire. Roasted hot dogs for dinner and we were happy campers. (Get it? happy CAMPERS. hahaha.) None of us slept very well that night due to ridiculously noisy neighbors, but morning came and we were still pretty content to be up in the fresh mountain air. After our breakfast of granola bars and watermelon, we pulled out the guns and unloaded a few clips before breaking camp.
We couldn't go to the mountains without letting the boys bring their guns... even though it put us behind schedule. We all still made it to 1:00 church, and we even showered first - a fact for which I am sure the congregation was very thankful for.I'm so glad we just took off and found some fun for the weekend. I'm the type of person who likes to put a little planning into a camping trip to make sure we have all the gear we will want, and food and such. But I actually loved this version where we just up and left. I guess we should go for the last minute ideas once in a while - Think it will keep us young?
August 10th
And it's BBQ time! As a reward for all the stressful work and recent inspections they have been through - Jake was able to throw a BBQ for all of his employees and their spouses. Even the kiddies got to come! Jake and I went early to set up our grill, and were really excited that we got to celebrate their success on the job. Isn't it such an awesome feeling when lots of hard work actually pays off! Here's the part where I brag up my husband a little... For months and months he has had the weight of this inspection on his shoulders. Basically it was an opportunity for the company to start selling their plasma to Europe - which is kind of a big deal. So it has been his responsibility to make sure every detail about the centers' operation was up to par.
Working late every night was just the surface of what he's done and as you can tell I am very proud. I am so grateful that he works with such great people who are willing to step up and excel. Everyone sacrifices a little bit of their sanity when one of these audits rolls around. But I hope they know that it is VERY appreciated by me!!! (by Jake and by corporate employees as well.) The marks for the Rexburg Center were top of the charts and it was a sigh of relief for everyone involved. Yes! Hubby, you rock!The BBQ was an awesome success and I'm still drooling about the food. Grilled steak, shrimp, chicken and pineapple!
Have you ever had grilled pineapple? YUM. Then tons of chips, salads and desserts brought by the people who attended. I myself donated 50 homemade oreos... 
...none of them survived. A big group got together after the meal to throw around a football. The whole thing wore me right out, but was a great night.No other major adventures since then. Lots of little blessings and simple smile moments that the sunshine gives us. Three cheers for summer!!! We will make the most of the good weather while it lasts and we plan to down as many popsicles as we can. :)
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