Reunion Trip Day 2

Tuesday June 27: As we headed down the road this morning, we spotted the Boise Outlet Mall. Since we needed shorts and shoes for Eric, we exited the freeway. Unfortunately we re-entered the freeway and had to double back because it wasn't very well marked or something.
One thing I really appreciate about Eric is that he hardly ever complains. But he was not thrilled about shopping. "Outlet malls only have dumb stores. Nobody likes to shop there. Except girls." He and Nick agreed that what is always lacking to make it worthwhile are electronic stores and music stores. I headed for a shoe store and Will was sure they wouldn't have any "shoes for freaks". He was right, they didn't have any size 15s. We went into a store to find shorts. I realized Eric has no idea how to shop. He just stands there. I had to tell him to find some shorts he likes and look for his size, don't make me do all the work! They had a great store there that had levis and wranglers for $10, both shorts and long pants, so all the men got some. As we were leaving, Eric pointed out that we had walked right by the only good store in the place, the Chocolate Factory. Life is hard.


We visited Will's dad in Hammett, then took a drive around Three Island State Park, a beautiful park on the Snake River where we have stayed in the past. Nick thought he should be able to drive around there since he's nearly 15 so there was a bit of a wrestling match as he tried to get the keys. But his father is still the dominant male.

We ended up at one of the most beautiful places we've ever stayed, at Will's Aunt Hazel's place which is on the Snake River. Binoculars are always right there at the table because you can watch the river and see wildlife constantly. We saw a doe and her fawns several times, and the pelicans put on a beautiful show for us. Aunt Hazel and her daughter Juanita who has lived with her the past few years have always provided wonderful hospitality. When we were there five years ago, Eric was fascinated with raccoons. He had done a report on them, and desperately wanted a pet racoon. He had recently made a list of "Necessities for my college dorm room". This list included "2 pet raccoons, including 1 codamundi (I don't know if that's spelled right, but it's a type of raccoon), and every flavor of Wheat Thins." We were sitting at the table watching all the wild life on the river, and when Aunt Hazel heard that Eric loved raccoons, she got out the telescope and set it up on the picnic table so he could watch a raccoon family that lived down on an island.
The sad thing is that at age 87, Aunt Hazel is now at a care facility and in a wheelchair. Juanita still lives there with her horses, dog and cat. Aunt Hazel came to have dinner. Juanita carries on the tradition of great food and hospitality. Her daughter and grandson were temporarily there as they are in the process of moving to Montana, and it was wonderful to see them as well. In spite of her busy life, she sent us off with a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and toast. I am not the only one with fantastic relatives!