Deck the Halls

There were a couple other festive activities we did while in Boise, but they had more photos and needed a post of their own... well a post for three different events.

First up: We made a gingerbread house! June loved it and Hazel loved trying to climb all over the table, knocking candy everywhere.

Then: The evening before Christmas Eve we went to see all these lights that were in Caldwell Idaho, of all the places... But they turned out to be amazing! Layer and layers of lights lining the river in the city center, wrapped around the bridges and trees, bending around to make arches. It was perfect.

Cell phone photo - Hazel's face kills me in this.

And lastly: One of our last days in Idaho we decided to go to the new hot springs in Idaho City. It's all fancy and you have to call and reserve a time. But I'm so glad we were able to go, it was a highlight for everyone! 

The first half of the drive was serene as I watched the landscape change from black rock walls covered in green moss to the buttery foothills dusted with snow that rolled along, growing up into mountains, first dotted with tall skinny pine trees but then a forest that grows and covers the land. As a kid growing up here I never thought it was that beautiful. What on earth was I thinking?! It's an amazing place with a menu of landscapes both savory and sweet.

The last part of the drive was treacherous however. The roads were icy and June had to go potty. She tried to hold it but couldn't any longer and so we had to pull off the side of the road and put her potty at my feet again and let her go.

But it was worth the hassle. Once we got to the hot springs we instantly relaxed. The lodge smelt of leather and pine trees. Outside the pool sprawled out full to the brim with blue steaming water, a cathedral of pine trees surrounding it. There were pitchers of lemon water for anyone to drink lining the sides of the pool. There was a large circular hot tub built of wood and to the side there was a wooden steam room. The changing rooms had lavender lotion, fruit scented hair detangler spray, and sweet orange candles burning. There was a large "heated dining yurt" and inside there were tables and couches and a chandelier. What's more is that the girls loved it! I was a little worried about the cold but once they got in the warm water they had the time of their little lives. June had on water wings and she took off swimming all by herself for the first time in her life! And Hazel splashed and laughed nearly the whole time, wiggly as a fish. We all felt relaxed and enjoyed the family time. We stayed in for a good hour and then looked over the water proof menus and ordered some lunch, which we ate in the yurt. It was the perfect outing.

Inside the yurt.

Idaho isn't so bad now is it? What a wonderful week we had!