Great Northwest Trip - Famous Potatoes & Eagle Court of Honor

The morning light came gently through our window as we awoke to the rhythmic lapping sounds of small waves on the cobbled shore of Flathead Lake just below our window.  We washed up and stepped down the stairs to load up on cinnamon rolls and fresh local cherries.  Last thing to pack was the toothbrush and it was a quick load into the SUV with our traveling supplies and comforts. 

South through Flathead valley, still in the morning shadow of the Mission Range jutting up just to our east.  We soon connected up to I-90 and nodded at the ancestral ranch of Great Grandfather Jonas Suneson on the hills bordering the outskirts of Missoula.  South into the Bitter Root Country, then through Hamilton and over the pass to catch the headwaters and then flow with the Salmon River through Idaho.  Our destination 9 1/2 hours away was Sister Sheri & Family outside of Boise.

We were pleased to be able to arrange our vacation schedule to coincide with Nephew Daniel's Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  We arrived a day ahead of the big Eagle Scout event which was to be held in the backyard.  We were able to help in setting up tables and chairs for the 31 guests and the next day Mom and Dad arrived from where we had just departed.  I was able to demonstrate my expertise as a super-duper melon-ball scooper; both cantaloupe and water melon balls where skewered and mounted on pineapples.  It was looking real festive all around the place.

Daniel's Grandmother
Preparing the Melon Ball
Sampler

The troop members came a bit early for some rehearsal, then came the guests, ready to take their seats strategically located in the evening shade.  There was a powerpoint presentation of Daniel's adventures through years in the Boy Scouts scrolling on the family room TV; from Pinewood Derby Days through the 5-Day raft trip down Oregon's Deschutes River.  The program began punctually at 7 PM, short remarks by Assistant Scout Master, Daniel's Father, Tony (who has been heavily involved with both of his boys in Scouting) and then presentation of the rank of Eagle by his Eagle Scout brother, Scott.  

Daniel's Proud Father Address the
Eagle Court of Honor
Tony has Two Eagle Scout Sons

Daniel Taking the Scout's Oath

Daniel finished with some remarks of his own.  Then Jaz-Dog was released from the garage wearing her own scout neck scarf and the party got into full-swing.  Cheese, cookies, a special Eagle Cake and of course, melon balls. 

Congratulation to Daniel attaining the Rank of Eagle Scout!
A feat accomplished by a mere 1% of scouts, deserving of a fete.

Daniel Presents Scouting Awards
To his Mother and Father

Eagle Scout Daniel
Eagle Court of Honor