Is it vacation time yet....

As we get back to our normal EST time schedule this week, the question runs through my head...

Is it vacation time yet?

Seriously. If I were to inherit, win, be given a lot of money, my answer is always that I would travel and see the world... and to be honest, I would not likely return until my cash flow was diminished. That is how much I love traveling. But there still is no place like home and the comforts of our nice oversized plush king bed, cable television, computer, and community pool were all returned to us, we are at the moment satified with being home.

Here are some highlights of our vacation:

1. Weather: highs in the low eighties, lows in the low sixties and upper fifties.
(weather in Tampa last week: hot, nasty, humid 91 degrees)

2. Family: We got to spend a lot of time with the family and Elijah and his cousin Mikey became instant pals.

3. The mountains: Even flying into Boise, which has more hills than mountains, was exciting. My three (almost four) year old was so excited to see the mountains that he kept asking the first night in Boise if we could go climb to the top of one. Well, we did but it was by car and the drive up felt like going to the top of a rollercoaster because of the loop after loop of driving to the top. But the view was amazing and well worth it. We also got to see lots of views of the Teton mountains, which we love.

4. The smiles: Seriously, we did not encouter one rude person in Idaho. Everyone smiles and looks you in the eye and says hello. This took a day or two of getting used to, as everyone in Florida would give you a weird look for being so happy all the time. Here it is rare to have eye contact or a hi or hello from a stranger. We got to used to the smiles and friendlyness of Idaho.

5. The beautiful Idaho Falls: We took a couple walks, about 100 meters from the hotel, down to the falls area. It is so beautiful, quiet, serene. I miss having it be so close. The views are very nice. Also feeding the ducks and geese can be quite and adventure in itself.

6. The Blue Heron Inn: Our Bed & Breakfast for our last two nights. So beautiful and gorgeous and the rooms were fantastic. I will be posting pics so you can see. Claudia and Dave were great hosts and make it a memorable experience. Our breakfast was awesome and we wish we would have had more time to enjoy. My favorite part was enjoying a glass of wine in the hot tub at dark overlooking the Snake River with my husband. It was very relaxing.

7. Jackson & Yellowstone: Two of my favorite places. Always.

8. Heise Hot Springs: We spent a day at the natural hot pool and springs and it was very nice and relaxing. Could have done without the swarming yellowjackets though...

9. Boise: It has changed a lot since I was last there, but it is a pretty nice place to visit. Very beautiful with lots of trees.

10. Relaxing: No work makes one very happy and relaxed. Horray for vacations.

There are many more hightlights to our trip but these are just a few. I will post pics today or tomorrow to illustrate!