greetings from boise

my trip to boise was just marvelous. I love that even though we can be apart for years, it's like no time has passed the minute we are together.

whitney and I go way back...about 15 years I'd approximate although we both remembered over the weekend that we went on a project spectrum field trip to portland together in 5th or 6th grade. guess that makes it 20 years huh? wow. sometimes I can't quite believe statistics like that. how did we become adults so quickly?

saturday started with a yummy breakfast downtown at addie's. justin graciously took the children home so whitney and I could have some girl time. just so happens the farmers' market was in full swing and it was incredible! I've never seen so much organic meat for sale all in one place. we sipped some freshly squeezed lemonade and listened to the lone bagpiper stationed at one end of the market. too bad the line for the mini donuts and crepes were too long. and thank goodness there was a french bakery on the way back to the car. hello lemon tart. we napped, I played with hank, we sat on a quilt in the yard and painted our nails and read magazines and ate ice cream cones. it was pure bliss. our late night reminiscing lasted until 2 am but it was totally worth it (although I didn't get up for church so you might have to ask whitney how the lack of sleep felt!). we have so many memories and it is fun to remember.

sunday was real laid back. we burned a cake and made a mess of the oven, took a walk around their fantastic neighborhood, and attended a family barbecue that was heavenly. I have a pretty small family and have always loved being around whitney's large family. this was no exception. there were aunts and uncles and cousins everywhere. I am going to try hard to remember everyones name so during my next trip, I will amaze everyone with my steel trap memory. (yea right). thanks to aunt suzy and the gang for providing the yard, the grill, and the firepit. I had a glorious time! after the party, whitney, justin and I sat up late talking movies and books.

we ended up at breakfast with most of "the girls" on monday morning at the original pancake house...with no showers, no makeup, and some pretty crazy hair on my part. whitney's family is wonderful and I am honored that they make me feel so welcome. my flight wasn't until early afternoon so we picked ivy up and headed to lisa and zach's house for some poolside fun. ivy swam with her cousins while I sat in the sun and visited with whitney and the ladies. seriously, it was some of the best times I've had lately. the sun was warm, the company enlightening, and friendships strengthened.

whitney: I love that our friendship spans decades (what?!) and that we can pick things up right where we left off. I love that your family greets me with open arms. I love that your husband knew we needed to spend time together and let us have much girl time. I love you.

justin: there are not words to describe my gratitude. I am in awe of how well you take care of my friend and your family. you are an amazing husband and I thank you for all you did to make my weekend with whitney so wonderful.

ives and hanky: you guys are too cute. thank you for letting me be "aunt" jenny...I know you have a lot already. see you soon.

tips (or things I learned in boise):

• if you overfill a 9x13 pan with cake batter, it will overflow and burn into a hard crust over everything
• boise is pronounced "boy-cee". if you say it wrong (boys-ee), everyone will know you are a foreigner.
• I have a lot of appeal (thanks grandpa!)
• ice cream cones make everything better

thanks for a great time whit. have you booked your trip to seattle yet? I'm ready!

whitney and me

what's idaho without a few potatoes

ivy and her ice cream cone

vintage quilt + newly painted toenails + sunshine and shade = priceless

hank eating mom's ice cream cone

our prized farmers market purchase, the succulent wreath that weighed 25 pounds

hank and me

ivy and me

sitting around the firepit, making smores, trying to stay warm

it was a weekend that I will always remember.