PRIEST LAKE 2008

Last weekend we packed the car and headed out for one final road trip of the summer. Our friends Alfonso and Dana have been inviting us to Dana's family's lake house on Priest Lake in Northern Idaho for years now, and with busy schedules we never seemed to make it, until now. After having been there, I don't think we will miss an opportunity ever again. It was amazing.

Our trip actually started off with a visit to some friends, and cousins Warren and Emily and their twins Zack and Izzy. It is always so fun to see the twins and how much they have grown. They will be two in January, and are a ton of fun. Warren and Emily are also a great resource for us as new parents, I think I asked them a million parenting questions. Zack really loved his cousin Atticus, giving him hugs and even cried one of the times we left the house. It was really sweet. I can't wait until Atticus catches up to them in age. Their differences are so great now, but when they are 6 and almost 8 it won't be such a big deal. I imagine all three of them together and I just smile and think of all the fun they'll have. We also made a stop in Murray, Idaho on the way to Priest Lake for a quick visit with Grandma and Grandpa Jennings. We were hoping for some sunny weather to maybe do some swimming in the river, or a 4wheel ride up the mountain, but it felt a little more like fall than summer. It was still nice to see them, and let them see how big this kid is. We look forward to a time when he can really enjoy all the fun things Murray has to offer, like floating the river, and spending time exploring the mountains.

As long as I have known Demian he's told me how much he loves Priest Lake. He spent a lot of time there as a kid, having grown up in and around Spokane. I now understand what he has been talking about all these years. It really is a magical place. The water is crystal clear, and the shoreline sandy. Not just regular ol' lake sandy, but fine white Hawaii-like, sand. It's a HUGE lake, and very peaceful, surrounded by huge evergreen trees. We were lucky to not only get to stay right on the lake, but blessed to be able to stay in a beautiful home. (thanks Kovats for the hospitality) The house is amazing, and we got our own bedroom and bathroom, and the added bonus was the steam shower. We were hoping for scorching temperatures, but it was beautiful despite the overcast. An enormous fireplace helped a lot too. Even though it was chilly, Demian and I both took a dip in the lake. I felt I would be cheating myself if I had come all that way and didn't get in at least once. I look forward to may more visits there. As Demian put "you'll have to un-invite us now". I took a lot of pictures while there, and here are a few.

The guys chillin' by the roaring fire.

Bundled up enjoying the lake.

This is the view of the house from the lake.

Dana and soon to come baby Salome due to arrive 10-20-08