SODA SPRINGS?

Taylor was in the US of A for about a week for corporate meetings. He spent most of his time at corporate headquarters and participating with his corporate team in the Ragnar Relay.  We did see him a little at the beginning and end of his trip since we live pretty close to the airport.  Here's proof that he was here.  Like father, like son don't you think?  They pose for a quick photo on the morning of Father's Day just before Steve took Taylor to the airport for this trip back to China.

Here's Steve talking with one of his kids on Father's Day!  He was so happy to visit with each one and it really added a lot to his day.  He's sitting on a sofa at the Soda Springs cabin/house we rented for our mini family gathering.  We were amazed that Soda Springs would be such a vacation destination.  But we found the area to be quite scenic and full of suprises like the geyser you'll see later. The house we rented had a rustic/cabin-like charm with many original features, like doors, knobs and tile work in the bathrooms.  We loved the interior log siding, the big open kitchen-family room and the frame quilt pictures throughout the house.

 Some of us are really excited to have Heather training to be our own resident, family zoner.  We love having her practice on us--especially me.  Here's a Father's Day zone for Steve.

 The cousins had fun together especially at the pool, on the slides and in the hot pools.  We really didn't have any conflicts.  I guess that is one of the benefits of a short reunion. 

 Here's picture proof that I went down the big slides.  I actually did all four of them.  Yahoo!

 This trip wasn't so much about the food as usual, but we did get homemade ice cream on Sunday evening after family home evening.  Tanner shared some of the experiences they had on their big trip and Hilary shared some interesting family history stories.  A lot of our food ended up being leftovers from the big Flag Day Breakfast.  The week before was so jam packed that I didn't have time for any extra cooking but we managed and I don't think anyone went hungry.

Here's the big geyser.  It really was pretty big and they have it on a timer to release the pressure every hour on the hour because it was messing up Old Faithful in Yellowstone until they regulated it. Amazing, right?

I love these handmade quilt pictures throughout the house.  The owner made all of them herself.  So talented and they really made the place homey. Who says you need valances or curtains for windows? Look at this cute idea she used in one of the bedrooms.  The pillows were made of shirts and jeans too.  Some folks are really clever.