Palisades Hike

Saturday we decided to take a break from unpacking and enjoy a day in Idaho. Our new friends Heath and Shanda (who have also transferred here from Georgia with Cives) went with us on a hike along Palisades. Palisades is located about 40 miles east of Idaho Falls. The hike ended up being a bit further than we had originally anticipated. To the lower lake portion of the hike was 4 miles in. Meaning a total of 8 miles. 4 in 4 out. Probably wasn’t the best idea in the world to do for our first one but we all made it. Allie Rai and Dawn hiked it like champs. Mandy and I were ready to throw in the towel after about 2 miles. Between my legs aching, my back hurting, and the lack of oxygen at that altitude how we made it the rest of the way was just either luck or the grace of God himself. I really enjoyed the times where we would stop and rest and then a 6yr old girl would be running up past us like she was on some sort of military exercise and not even breathing hard. Little show off!! I have to admit we did have a great time! The next day we paid for it. I didn’t realize it was possible for your butt cheeks to be soar but it is. During the hike there were some really breathe taking views? I took as many pictures as possible but it seemed every time I stopped to snap a photo I would be lagging behind and everyone would eventually have to stop and wait on me. Nothing like being the guy holding everyone up every 20 minutes. We are all planning another hike together soon however a smaller/shorter one if possible.

The Big Move

Well the move went as good as it could I guess. The girls had a blast for their first time flying. We departed Valdosta at 5:45am June 2nd. We arrived in Idaho Falls around 2:00pm Mt time. I was a little concerned how they would endure a 3hr layover in ATL and a 2hr layover in Salt Lake but they did great. When we landed in Idaho Falls we took my truck and checked into a hotel alongside the Snake River. This is the same place Mandy and I stayed when we came to visit for the first few times. They have a really pretty walk way they call the “Green-Way” here. The girls really enjoyed it. The falls are also along the Green-Way. Once we were settled into the hotel Mandy and I took the girls to their new house for the first time. I was planning on walking them through the house to give a nice tour but that is not exactly what happened. Once I unlocked the door I nearly got trampled as they rushed through. It reminded me of the Black Friday Wal-Mart shoppers when they first open the doors... The following day we got up, had some breakfast and made our way back to the house. The movers were to be there around noon with all our stuff. (Hence the reason we stayed at the hotel). When they arrived it was a mad house. Movers walking in with boxes left and right asking where’s this go, where’s that go.. On and on.. Boxes eventually made their way to the ceiling and space started running out. Once they were done and after signing around 75 pages of forms they left. There we were standing in a jungle of cardboard and furniture. Mandy looked at me and just said “Umm.. huh..” It took nearly all week to get the boxes unpacked and half way settled. We (mainly Mandy) worked on those boxes from early morning till late at night for 5 days straight. I have to say she has really done a lot and great job. The house is coming together. Still have lots of pictures to hang up and a garage to organize. The girls love their new place. Dawn has the entire basement to herself most of the time and has nick named it her “girl cave” . Since I have been here I have made some great friends from work. One couple just happens to also be from Georgia. Heath and Shanda. They are awesome. Shanda has also asked to keep Allie Rai during the summer. That is big help. Yesterday the family along with Heath and Shanda went to Palisades hiking. That will be another post after this one. But long story short the girls fell in love with Shanda. Tomorrow will be another big day. Mandy has her first day at work, I have new hires starting, Dawn’s first day of Cheerleading begins, and Allie Rai has her first day with Shanda. Should be interesting…