I D A H O

There’s truly no place like home, and after a few long years, the prospect of reconnecting with my roots filled my heart with joy, especially since our summers are typically whisked away by wildfires. With Aaron tirelessly battling fires in Ontario, I seized the opportunity to dedicate a week celebrating Zoey’s early 8th birthday alongside my parents, who were camped out at my brother’s Idaho haven.

Todd has devoted countless summers to transforming his getaway into a dream retreat, and this year was no exception. With our dad— the official “professional”— by his side, Todd seized the moment, building a magnificent lean-to on his pre-existing structure. Each morning unfolded with the promise of shared labor as they worked on that project while Mom and I cherished precious playtime and storytelling with Zoey, all against the backdrop of stunning scenery.

When the boys reached a point where lunch beckoned, it was our turn to share cherished childhood memories with Zoey, introducing her to the thrill of shooting a BB gun and mastering the bow and arrow under Papa’s expert guidance. I even crafted a delightful birthday scavenger hunt, a labor of love that brought immense joy to both of us.

Our adventure included a serene visit to the river, watching others float down while sharing a sweet ice cream cone from town. Yet, as always, the moments with loved ones slipped by too swiftly—filled with laughter, radiant morning sunrises over steaming coffee, card games, storybooks, and Zoey’s entertaining concerts. As we savored every second together, the bittersweet moment arrived to bid adios, holding on to the promise of our next reunion