Last Vacation of Summer

Tony and I returned Monday evening from our last summer fling before school starts.  We went up to the cabin in Island Park with my parents and all four of my siblings and their husbands to celebrate my Dad's 80th birthday.  His birthday is actually next week, but we couldn't take off without the kids once school started so we had to celebrate before.  We were beginning to wonder if the trip was going to happen when my Mom fell and broke her hand late Sunday evening, my sister coming from Iowa was supposed to leave on Monday, but they had car problems and weren't able to leave until afternoon on Tuesday.  Even with a few bumps getting started we all managed to get to the cabin on Tuesday evening or Wednesday (Aug 10).  We had a such a great time!  The weather was perfect, mid 70's during the day and 40's at night, with sunny blue skies.  We played games, ate way too much, played badminton, enjoyed the lake, floated down the river in Box Canyon, went to Yellowstone, ate way too much (did I already mention that), and celebrated my Dad's birthday with my uncle and aunt that live on Island Park year round.  We also watched a few movies, most of which were my Dad's choice.  We watched Operation Petticoat (love Cary Grant), Dial M for Murder, Rear Window (never seen that one before, love Jimmy Stewart too), and Amish Grace (fantastic movie, but bring your Kleenexes!).  One of my favorite things about the vacation was seeing Tony enjoy himself.  He has been a little stressed the last 5 or so months, and it was so nice to see him relaxed and laughing.  Laughing so hard he was crying.  Vacations are good!  My Dad is an amazing guy...can't believe he will be 80 next week.  I hope he had as good of a time as I did.

Charming picture I know, but this is all of us but my Mom getting ready to float the river. Dad looks pretty good for an 80 year old-don't you think?