Idaho

I went to Mackay, Idaho with Elisabeth to hear Calli report her mission. I had never been to Mackay and now that I've been, I want to go again -- and again -- and again. It is a spectacular valley. It was cold! 3 degrees above zero this morning. It finally warmed up to about 13 degrees today.

This airplane is in the front yard of Stephen and Julie's place. I couldn't get very close to it because of the snow but it's cute.

This is the view in their back yard. The river is the Lost River -- there is a big mountain range behind that is covered with clouds. This is the view from their living room and kitchen.

The strangest ice formations were coming off their house. I couldn't resist. I've never seen anything like it. They looked like birds in flight.

The wind blows all the time in this valley. Elk Ridge actually has deeper snow than Mackay, but with drifts like this, it makes driving hazardous - noticed buried fence. The snow was deep enough and hard enough that I could walk on top without falling through in most places. (I walk on water, so why not snow?) :)

Mt. Caleb, one of the highest mountains in the state of Idaho. This is the Lost River Range and this is the view in front of their house.

This morning I was rudely awakened by a big, pesty brother who had been outside in that frigid weather. He snuck over to the bed and then grabbed my neck and face with his cold, icy hands. That started a battle that I finished after lunch. I went outside to take a few photos - came in and grabbed his neck with my icy hands. We were even.

Calli's report was beautiful and very touching. When I see you all at our family dinner in February, I will tell a story she shared but it would take too long here. She is filled with the missionary spirit and she's a beautiful young lady.

It was a great trip! Now I can't wait to take Jim and Ammon back up this summer.