Family-time in August 2024

​Playtime in Austin

No pics of the first 2 weeks of August. No snaps of garage cleaning or neglected dental, hair and doc appointments. 

After 2 weeks, it was time to reward ourselves and take some photos. We headed to Austin.

Sometimes Pop Pop and Grammaloon (yes, she calls me that) need to play.

Some of us were very fashionable while we played.

Don and I baby-sat on Saturday night, so Mommy and Daddy could go out.

We played hard with balls and water and costume props and candy!

We squeezed in an outing or 2. Then on Sunday evening, Heidi cooked an amazing feast.

(click to enlarge)

Charlie always offers up lots of singing performances, in the car, or with her toy microphone, or piano...

But on this particular visit, this barely 3 1/2 year old surprised me with her art! She was busy those crayons. I love it!

Idaho

Later in the month, Don and I flew to Idaho  for a total change in scenery.

We stayed with my bro and SIL at their home in Boise.

Chris and Karen always show us the best parts of their city.

​At the House
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But my favorite Boise times were spent hanging out at the house.  

On the Road

After 2 nights in Boise, we hit the road to enjoy 2 memorable lodges!

Sun Valley Inn was heavenly, with mountain views!

Redfish Lodge was rustic and comfy, with a gorgeous lake view.

Favorite Views

​These are some of my favorite images from both places.

We lucked out with nearby fires. The smoke didn't invade until the day we left.

​Fun Stuff

We 4 are getting older, but it felt like we were kids again. We squeezed in lots of fun and goofy activities.

The pontoon boat on Redfish Lake was one of the most memorable.

Below are more happy moments in Idaho. In some pics, I'm wearing my brother's Austrian hat. He decided I MUST wear it on the trip... and keep it.

I packed my mom's old Sonja Henie doll for the trip. We had some fun photo moments with her in Sun Valley. (S. Henie starred in Sun Valley Serenade in 1941) I nudged Karen and Chris to "adopt" Sonja into their home. A hat and doll swap, basically!

​Food & Drink
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​There are always food adventures when we spend time with Chris and Karen.

The photos below show some of our highlights in Idaho... 

...plus a few road stop finds, on the way to California.

​Off to Scott & Cha's

​From Boise we drove our rental car to Sacramento.

We spent one night in Winnemucca, NV. Didn't stay at Scott Shady Court this time, but I was excited to spot it. I vow to spend a night, in the future!

California Kids

We arrived at Scott and Chali's on August 30. 

There's always something to celebrate with these kids!

And always nice to have a little time with Sweet Lola!

Saturday in Midtown

On the last day of the month, we enjoyed both lunch and dinner in the lively midtown area of Sac.

Saigon Alley offered amazing Vietnamese dishes in a bright, modern setting.

In the evening we ate BBQ at a brewery, then walked a few blocks to a Speakeasy called Roost.

To reach Roost, we entered a lively restaurant called Bawk's. Ali's face greeted us and I insisted on a quick photo. 
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Chali spoke with the gentleman at the desk and suddenly we found ourselves in a supply closet. Chali knocked on one door and a wall opened up. ​

We were invited to create our own cocktail recipes, using the ingredients on a round coaster. But the elaborate drink menu gave plenty of options, including tasty mocktails.

The cozy-classy atmosphere was pleasant for chatting about plans. The next day, we 4 would head off on a mini road trip. 

What a perfect way to end the month.. with family... knowing that we'd start September, with more family adventures!
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