4th of July

Thursday, July 4, 2024

The last several years we have been out of town over the 4th of July.  Two years ago we were in Sun Valley and last year we had just come home from France.  Unfortunately, missing the holiday the last couple years meant Emily could only hear stories about the Regatta downtown.  She never actually got to go.  Well, all of that changed this year.  She ended up going several times - first on the with Talia from school and later over the weekend with old BCS friends, Kaylyn and Becca.  She had a blast both times and even stayed for the fireworks.  The two pics of downtown are not mine, but since Emily will not share pics she takes on these outings, I have to swipe them from others via Facebook.  The highlight of the holiday for D & me was our morning Krispy Kreme patritoic donuts.  :-)

   
  

Sun Valley Week

Monday - Friday, June 17-21, 2024

The rest of our week in Sun Valley was interesting.  We started off Monday morning quite chilly - only in the 40's (which we knew so we packed for it).  Emily started her lessons with Craig Heath (who we adore) and had a couple of freestyle sessions.  What we did not know, is that by Monday afternoon while headed to Konditorei for evening treats, we would be caught in a giant hail storm!  It looked like it snowed before all was said and done..and yes, it was still very chilly!  We stayed in the rest of the day and just relaxed.

   
Conditions improved a bit on Tuesday although it was still quite chilly - only in the 50s in the afternoon but lots of sun.  After a morning of skating and lunch at home we biked into Ketchum for some shopping and a coffee/smoothie at Hailey Coffee Co. Except it wasn't Hailey Coffee Co anymore.  It changed ownership.  We determined that smoothies and frappes that cost $11+ each are a one time only stop...even when on vacation.  We stopped in a few other shops and Emily went to the Lululemon and got a sweatshirt with a special Lululemon Sun Valley logo on it!  I wanted one too, but the only sweatshirts had hoods, and I am just not a hoodie girl.
   
   
Tuesday it was still kinda chilly.  So, after a morning of skating and lunch at home, we decided take a look through some of the little shops on site and get some ice cream. 
   
Then for dinner, we drove into Ketchum and had dinner at Rocky Mountain Pizza   We discovered this place on our trip 2 years ago and really like it so we went back.  We drove this time because there was rain in the forecast.  
   
Wednesday it was finally warmer!  After skating and lunch, we rode up to the shops to get some ice creak before heading over to the Sun Valley Inn pool (which is heated)!
   
   
   
Later that evening after dinner at home we rode back into Ketchum for ice cream.  There is no such thing as too much ice cream on vacation!  Then on our way home we stopped to visit the stables and see the horses.
   
   
   
Thursday was pretty chill.  Emily skated in the morning, we had Konditorei treats for breakfast, lunch at home and then a pool trip in the afternoon.

Then on Friday after skating, Emily really wanted to do a bike ride on her own so she set off to find the Earnest Hemmingway memorial (so pretty).  Daniel and I headed to the pool.  We all had a very nice afternoon!
   
   
Friday also brought the end of Emily's lessons with Craig.  They worked really hard on footwork and spins this year and I think both will really help her programs.  We are already looking forward to returning for next summer.

Sun Valley 2024 - Arrival!

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Nothing says Happy Father's Day like a first class ticket to fly to Sun Valley!  Dad upgraded us for our flight so it was a really nice treat!  We had to leave really early in the morning (7am) but it was worth it because we arrived in Sun Valley (after a 90 minute delay at O'Hare) about 2pm.  We made a quick stop for groceries at Albertson's in Hailey and then headed to check into our condo.  We got a condo back in Cottonwoods again this year and it was really perfect for us.  It was all on one floor (the ground floor) and we had 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms a living room, a kitchen and a nice dining area.  It was the perfect size for us.

   
   
   

Once we got all unpacked it was time to go check out the outdoor rink and see if there were a lot of skaters already checked in an working.  Luck of all luck - there was almost no one!  At several points, Emily had the entire rink to herself!

   
Before dinner we also went and picked up bikes for Emily and I for the week.  I always forget how expensivce the bikes are...but they are so perfect for our time here because we can ride everywhere!
Then it was time for dinner - Village Station (our favorite) to celebrate Daddy's special day!  YUMMY!  Great start to a great week!
   

Father's Day 2024

Saturday, June 15, 2024

We celebrated Father's Day a little early at home this year since we were headed to Sun Valley on Father's Day.  Daniel did not request a lot of gifts this year, but one thing he did want was a new lap pillow for a gaming system he uses.  We also got him a t-shirt and some other smaller gifts (including the fun pinata pictured below).  Most of all, he was just happy to be leaving for Sun Valley in the morning!  Happy Father's Day to the best Dad in the galaxy!

   
   

Nashville Camp

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Last summer, Emily and Cate wanted to go try out the Nashville Train with the Best figure skating camp at Vanderbilt.  Unfortunately the timing was not ideal and we had to pass.  But, this year, the timing was perfect.  I had to work a seminar in Nashville and Emily and Cate both cleared their schedules to go and we made it happen.  I think they enjoyed it, but they both felt like the Nashville kids were favored over the rest of the students and that kind of put a damper on somethings.  Ultimately, I got literally no pictures from their week so all I have it this really bad move in picture that kind of makes it look like I left them in jail or some kind of second class institution, but I swear I did not do that.  Not sure this is one we will do again.  I feel like she enjoys Miami and Sun Valley WAY more.