Kicking Donkey

Though she seems to clam up a little for the camera, here's a glimpse of the very frequent kicking activity that Greta so loves!

Zip Idaho!

Although it may not always appear so, I'm a big fan of adventure - and used to be a bit of a thrill seeker in my pre-mom days. It's been awhile since I've been able to pencil in some whitewater rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, or skydiving -- so imagine my exhilaration when I won a certificate for a zip line adventure for two at Zip Idaho in Horseshoe Bend! This adventure was an added bonus to buying our Chevy Tahoe last summer at Edmark Superstore. I entered a contest on their facebook page just for fun...and I WON! Anyway - Gary and I were excited to cash in our prize on the 4th of July this year - now that I'm no longer pregnant and my parents were visiting and more than willing to hang out with the kiddos while we zipped.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day and the site for our zipping was 360 degrees of beautiful scenery, just northeast of Horseshoe Bend, Idaho.

Awaiting our turn, one of the other members of our zip party set off on the first stretch of our tour.

While waiting our turn, we took in the lovely sights around us.

Gary & I decided to take turns with the camera so we could get shots of each other. Here's Gary following me on our first zip, coming toward me.

Pictures don't do justice for how lovely the day and our views all around....

A unique date for us - a full day together! (Thanks a million, Mom & Dad!)

And there's me below - this was our 3rd tree-to-tree zip.

Gary, talented photographer that he is, snapped this cool shot of the hammock where one of the company's owners hangs out most days while waiting to help with the tree-to-land zip and oversee operations, I guess. What a career. He and his brother started up this business about four years ago on their great-grandfather's property in the mountains. Sweet idea!

Snack time: Kool-Aid and Peanut Butter Crackers

This was our first super fast and long zip line, voted our very favorite by both Gary and me. It's called Wild Turkey and is 1700 feet long. According to the website, riders reach speeds upwards of 40 mph on this one! What Gary and I enjoyed about it was the speed felt accelerated as we were whisked over the tree tops and the wind whipped our faces. This was an excellent ride! The second video I posted below was taken of this line.

Gary right after he landed back on the ground following Wild Turkey.

Beautiful.

After a little hike down and up the valley, we arrived at the departure point of our last zip line - Double Trouble. Two lines run parallel to each other and we get to zip simultaneously, side by side. (Video clip below)

We were part of a fun group! Minus our two expert guides, here we all are.

Watching other members of our group gear up for the final zip....

Again, Gary captured a great shot of the beauty around us.

For best audio, pause the music box to the right so you can hear the sound better on these videos. The first clip Gary shot as we zipped together on the 1800 foot long line, Double Trouble, our final zip line of the day. The second video I shot of Gary as he enjoyed Wild Turkey, out of sequence. Gary couldn't help but spin around while shooting the first video, so be prepared for possible dizziness. ☺ And in the second video, I wasn't able to zoom in with my camera for a closer look at Gary as he zipped along at a distance, so mostly you just hear the vibration in the cable - but if nothing else, it gives you an idea of how long and fast the ride is. ☺ If you follow the subtle clearing down and up the valley, you can see the pine trees at the top of the opposite ridge where the zip line begins.

Both Gary and I had experienced zip-lining before, but this was super fun...and wonderful that we got to share the awesome tour together. Again, so many thanks to Mom & Dad (and Melissa, Joey, Leah, and Dave) for taking such great care of our kids while we had so much fun!

For more information, or if you're interested in an entertaining activity just north of Boise, check out this link to Zip Idaho!

The Boys' Jeep

Gordy & Grayson have been saving their allowance and birthday card money for some special things: battery-powered driving toys. When Gary found this Jeep on Craig's list, they didn't hesitate to go look at & test drive this little treasure.

As you can see, they decided to pool their money and close the deal on their new vehicle together.

Checking under the hood and looking over their tool box.

Check this out:

Video - Pine Tree Climbing

Grayson's Preschool Spring Program

Grayson's Preschool held its spring music program and graduation/promotion for students at a nearby retirement home. The 4 - 5 year olds graduated, while Grayson was among the 3 - 4 year olds who were promoted to their next year in preschool. After many lively and well-performed songs, the students were presented with their diplomas and given gift bags from their teachers.

Grayson has been inseparable from the little toy puppy that was in his gift bag, among other fun treats.

Below are a couple of video clips from Grayson's program.
(Pause the Music Box in order to better hear the audio).

Here, Grayson says his "part" for the performance.
His line is, "We had fun going to the Pumpkin Patch!"
The little girl following him says, "We loved the zoo."


One of the several songs they performed - "Zippity-Do-Da."
If you notice, Grayson gives me a big smile in the middle part. ☺

Grayson, we are so proud of you! Clearly, you took this program seriously, and you did a fantastic job!! We love you so much!

Gordon's Kindergarten Spring Music Program

It was such a treat to see Gordon and his class, along with two other Kindergarten classes, perform in their special spring program on May 20th. They sang some very catchy tunes and really got into the groove, doing lots of motions and putting on a great show.
Gordon is the little guy in the orange striped shirt in the front row. (To his left is his best buddy, Clive, in the light blue, tie-dyed shirt).

Here are a couple of videos from the program.
(Pause the music box to better hear the audio).

This first clip features a song about the end of their school year.


In this clip, the kids sing and sign to "You Are My Sunshine."

Great job ~ to Gordon and all the Kindergartners! What a wonderful year it has been!
We are so proud of you, Gordon - and we love you so much!

Watching Santa's Video Message

Here's the video I tried to post last week ~ the boys in awe of Santa's email message to Grayson. (You may want to pause the "Music Box" on the right so you can hear better).

Grayson's Preschool Program

Yesterday was Grayson's Christmas program for preschool. The kids performed at a nursing home in Eagle. Here, Grayson was trying to figure out where he was supposed to go amidst all the chaos of everyone getting their props and people taking their seats.

Still a bit confused by the frenzy....

All smiles now - ready to go with chair, Santa hat, and bell.

Getting ready - anxious to perform.

Let's get this show rolling....

And...here we go!

Grayson memorized his part wonderfully.

Such a handsome little man!

I love this little guy so much, it's beyond words! His personality is one-of-a-kind!

What's next, Teacher?

Okay. Let's wrap this up. I'm ready for a snack.

This is a video clip of the kids singing "Jingle Bells." Grayson gets really into it toward the end. ☺

Little Grayson ~ Daddy and I enjoyed your performance so much!
We love you and are very, very proud of you!

Messages from Santa

Gordon & Grayson received some very special email messages this week -- from SANTA!

I got some priceless video clips of them watching their individualized Santa greetings, but the video clips were too long and wouldn't upload to the blog, unfortunately. Their reactions were adorable. They were amazed that Santa knew so much about them.

The videos were actually sent by Auntie Nenny & Uncle Tony; I'm not sure how they found this site, but how sweet for the boys to see a personalized video from Santa. Thanks, Jen & Tony! The boys loved these messages!

Here's Gordon's video from Santa
Gordon's video is a little longer than Grayson's.

Here's Grayson's video from Santa
I recommend Grayson's - it's comical, the specific goal that Santa mentions to Grayson is very accurate. Grayson laughed sheepishly when Santa mentioned his efforts to go right to sleep at bedtime. That's a work in progress.... Like his Mommy, Grayson is a night owl.

Video Clips by the Creek

Grayson is Riding His 'Big Boy Bike!'

Grayson has graduated from his tricycle....

To this!

This video clip was taken May 24th - Grayson's 1st real outing on his "big boy bike," during an evening, family bike ride around our neighborhood.

Helmet on - ready to head out....

Grayson got lots of cheering and support from Gordon, Mommy, and Daddy.

Such a big boy!

Way to go, Grayson! ☺

Check This Out!

Priceless Gift

Melissa, Jen, and Tony collaborated to get a very special birthday gift for me --
this beautiful locket, in memory of Gabriel.

Engraved on the front: "You are always close to my heart"

Inside, one of Gabriel's footprints.
Still need to put another photo or hand print on the other side.

Engraved on the back: "Gabriel Lee Salzman 01-13-10

This locket is absolutely precious to me, something I will always cherish.
♥ Thank you so much! ♥