Roadtrip, Days 3 and 4

Day Three

Despite a restless night, we all woke in good spirits today. We were on the road by 8:30 and made our first stop in Kellog, ID. This was always one of our favorite stopping points -- a cozy little mountain town. A trip to the park and gas station for a treat got us on our way again.

Just a bit later we were in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The drive through the 4th of July pass and down to the lake is one of the most beautiful I've seen. We stopped at the big resort and marina on the lake, walked the longest floating boardwalk in the world, and lazed on the beach for a bit.

After another short drive we arrived at the Motsenbocker's, just south of Spokane. I wish I would have taken a picture of the view from their deck -- a breathtaking overlook of the valley and grazing cattle. We had a great time catching up with these old friends.

On to Colfax for a visit with Mike's grad school buddy. He has three kids and Brooke was a sweetheart with Lily (which gave Mom and Dad a break after 60 solid hours with her :-)

Finally on to our hotel in Pullman. What a wonderful feeling to cruise through the Palouse again!

Day Four

An early morning today (but then again, it was already 8:15 in MN!). We drove out to one of our favorite little hikes at Kamiak Butte. This 1/2 mile hike gives you a stunning view of the Palouse. Lily took a couple tumbles on the hike and isn't so sure she likes hiking as much as Mom and Dad, but the park at the bottom was good reward.

Still a little thrown off by the time change, Lily was definitely ready for a nap by 11:30. It was her first chance to nap in a bed (not a carseat!) in 4 days. She slept 3 hours and we finally had to wake her to see our old pastor and wife, the Swansons.

Finally out to dinner with some good friends, Maren and Brandon, while an old student of mine babysat the kiddos.