I remember the first time Clint ever took me to see the 4th of July fireworks show in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It was July, 1997. I distinctly remember thinking, sure, why not, it'll be alright. We drove down and backed the truck up, tuned the radio to the station broadcasting the orchestra, crawled into the back and waited for the show to start. He had told me it was good, but I just assumed it was your run of the mill fifteen minute a few good explosions here and there and done kinda show. Boy was I shocked when it started! I literally felt the concussion from every explosion of every firework shot. The entire show was synchronized with the orchestra which played patriotic hymns throughout the 45 minute long jaw-dropping display. I sat like a little kid with my mouth hanging open and a goofy grin plastered on my face and giggled every time an explosion reverberated through my chest. It was in every sense of the word incredible and moving. Since then I have wanted to experience it again, but year after year we have ended up here or there, anywhere other than IF for the 4th. Knowing that we would be making our annual trip to visit family we planned to be there for the fourth this year, and I was not disappointed nor did I react any differently than the first time I saw it. I'm not sure who enjoyed the show more, me or my kids and nieces and nephews. Just hanging out with the family beforehand was a treat. Corinne was sweet enough to paint all the little nieces and nephews faces. They thought she was she best thing since sliced bread! It was a great way to jump start our hard core, cram it into a few days, catch up and make a memory or two visit. I still have the bruises to prove we had a good time too! All I know is that I'm looking forward to a soccer rematch with Melvin, Dillon, Corinne, William, Alison, James, Erika, and Clint. (Please Melvin? The soccer ball is your friend.) We even managed to make time for a "little" hike with Papa. That cave didn't look that far away and the trail definately didn't look that steep. We know for sure that Papa's bionic knees are built to last, Kail can climb at a 30 degree angle without gasping for air and keepin' up a steady commentary with every step, Erika has her D's eagle eye for the coolest fossils, and Jackson's little egg beaters can make it, can make it, can make it one step at a time. You can see from the pictures that the "cool lookin' cave" was really GIANT and way in the heck up that thar mountainside. Beautiful views, cool lava formed rocks, stinging mint, and the fresh smell of sage (I made sure to grab a handful and put it in a bag for later sniffage too). We never found the indian writings we were looking for, but exploring was soul-expanding. Being out in Skull Canyon with nothing but the sound of the wind, the smell of the wildflowers blooming, and views to take your breath away at every turn...it was easy for the sense of time to slip away and feel like you were standing and seeing and smelling and feeling what any human had experienced in the same spot for 1000's of years. It was definately good for my inner-Kelly. But above the fireworks and hiking and breathing the wide open air, the best part of our vacation was definately the essence of sitting and playing cards with the family and laughing and reminiscing, of being in the same room watching our children make memories with each other, of making inside jokes and talking in monotone, snapping photos of family, choking up at tender moments between Nana and Papa, Nana or Papa and a grandchild, or any of the rest of us that make up the Blaine family. We came home feeling a renewed love and appreciation for all our family that has only magnified over the last few days as we have learned of Nana's new struggle with cancer. The memories are honed and clarified and cherished and precious. Every moment we are blessed to spend with those we belong to, those we are bound to, those who we love beyond words are just that...a blessing. Beyond words. I am grateful for the new memories, the old memories, and the ones yet to be made. I am grateful to not only be a Sutton, but to also be a Blaine.
