Wilhelmsen Family Reunion

Last week, Ace, the kiddo's and I took the 8 hour drive (a big "thank you" to the inventor of portable dvd players) up to Blanchard, ID. Where is Blanchard you ask? It's up by Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho. There's not much of a cell phone signal, so it's not a wonder people aren't familiar with the place! However, I must say, we had the best time. Ace's sister and her family live near StoneRidge Golf Course. When I say near, I mean the fairway of hole #1 is her back yard. As you can imagine, this vaction is right up our alley...well, Ace's at least. He golfed EVERY day (sometimes more than once since his brother in law works at the course). I even got a few holes in, plus a lesson to correct my slice, or hook, or whatever. (I hit the ball left EVERY time). There was also a swimming pool across the street, tennis courts, and lots of sunshine that we were able to take advantage of.

Gimme, Mulligan, and Birdie LOVED being with their cousins. They still would have a great time without the surrounding facilities. There is nothing like having cousins for best friends!

Another highlight of the week was our time spent at Silverwood Theme Park (basically a Lagoon without the huge crowd). If you are looking for a place to take your family and want a long drive check this out: www.silverwoodthemepark.com

If I may (and of course I may, I run this blog...) I would like to pat myself on the back for being super brave and going on the rides at this park. Some of the rides include the Ferris Wheel (yep, I was freaking out. I didn't scream though because I had Mulli and Birdie with me and didn't want to frighten them), The Train (much like the Kids Dragon ride at Lagoon), and the Carousel (I didn't actually get on an animal, I just stood close to Mulli and his chosen horse, and that was enough thrill for me). I even ventured over to the bigger rides (the ones that required a height minimum of 48"). All I have to say is that I am very thankful for such good friends, growing up, that never got into drugs, drinking, and partying. I AM A SUCKER WHEN IT COMES TO PEER PRESSURE!

Somehow, Nate (13 year old nephew) and Josh (10 year old nephew) convinced me to ride on some rickety rollercoaster, then Howard (Brother-in-Law) badgered me into the "Aftershock", which requires riders to remove their hearing aids, before getting on the ride. That right there was my first indication that this ride might be a little much for me. Oh, and that Ace was hesitant to ride it with me (he had already gone earlier in the day). The people that had ridden right before us were getting off the ride, and one girl had a bloody mouth and I saw another girl crying clinging to her mother as she got off.

And I was still foolish enough to get on.

Where was my mom when I got off? I would have felt just fine clining to her leg. I don't care how old I am!


Clearly, these pictures don't do a bit of justice to how scary this ride is. Just take my word for it...oh and the hearing aid thing...that in and of itself is a suitable warning.

By the time we got home, we were exhausted but we really had a terrific time! Thanks to Troy and Cherlyn for letting us stay at their house and hosting a great reunion!