Things To Do In Boise

This post is mainly for my benefit but may interest other Boise families. 

Each Thursday has been dubbed Thursday Family Day in the Manning household (if you have a more clever name, feel free to share). Allen has the day off work and Tarek comes for his part of the week at our house. I don't like it when we just sit around the house watching TV or playing with our various electronics so I visited my good friend Mr.Google and made a list of family friendly activities in the area. Here are some of the ones we're excited to experience. 

Free Activities:

• Various Parks
  This link gives you a list of all the parks in Boise http://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/parks/
• The Capitol Building
  You can park at a meter, right in front of the building.  There are well-planned, self-guided tours as well as guided ones.  You have to call ahead to schedule the guide, but remember, it’s Idaho: it’s easy.
• The Morrison-Knudson Nature Center
   Located along the Greenbelt of the Boise River, open dawn to dusk every day. You can follow the interpretive trail on the Stream Walk through the Nature Center and see the stream and underwater viewing windows as well as habitats from around Idaho and around the world.
• Boise Water Shed
  There are interactive exhibits that help you learn about water: preservation, use and treatment.  There is some cool public art and well-thought out tours, presentations and games to keep your kids happy.
• The Greenbelt
  You can take a stroll, bicycle ride or even fish along the Greenbelt.
• Public Libraries
  Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card! 

$$$ Activities

• Old Idaho Penitentiary
    Open year-round, visitors of the Old Idaho Penitentiary can walk through solitary confinement, cell blocks, and the gallows. Cost: Adults $5, Children 6-12 $3, Children under 6 Free
• World Center For Birds Of Prey
  Experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and explore the mysteries of their flight, survival, and relationship with humans. Live bird demonstrations and falconry heritage tours complement hands-on exhibits for all ages. Enjoy panoramic views of the Treasure Valley from the interpretive trail and gazebo, or browse the gift shop. Cost: Adults $7, Children 4-16 $5, Children Under 4 Free
• Discovery Center
  Hands-on math/science/technology exhibits for all ages. Cost: Adults $15.95, Chldren 3-14 $12.95, Under 3 Free
• Idaho Historical Museum
  Learn about Idaho and see many fun historical artifacts. Adults $5, Children 6-12 $3, Under 6 Free
• Basque Museum and Cultural Center
  Contains exhibits and collections that provide a look at the Basque heritage, history and culture. Cost Adults $5, Children 6-12 $3, Children under 6 free
• Zoo Boise
  See many fun and exciting animals! Regular Cost: Adults $7, Children 4-11 $4.25 Under 4 Free. Thursday is discount day Cost: Adults $4.25, Children $3.00
• Boise Art MuesumSee great Art. Cost: Adults $5 Children 6-14 $1 under 6 Free
• Aquarium
  See under water creatures. Cost: Adults $9 Chidren 2-12 $6 Under 2 Fr

That's the list so far, if you have any favorite places that aren't on the list feel free to mention them!

Manning Family Adventure: The Wetlands

Thursday is the only day Allen has off work while we have Tarek, the only day we're all together for the entire day. We try to do something fun each Thursday and this week we discovered Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve A.K.A The Wetlands. It wasn't what I was expecting it to be but it was nice place to take a walk and the boys, mostly Allen, enjoyed themselves. 

Looking for some fish

 Just Chillin'

 Synchronized Swimming 

 Unfortunately there was no swimming aloud ;)

 Allen found a bunch of frogs and spotted some huge golden fish

 Joshua wasn't to excited about the whole thing

I love this picture

Tarek spotted a huge sprinkler and we decided to run though it.

Afterwards we went to Target and Tarek decided to try on some hats. 

Joshua's One Year Photoshoot

On April 17th 2012 at 7:50 a.m. I gave birth to the most beautiful little boy I have ever seen. I may be biased since I'm his mother, but I'm 100% sure that he's the greatest thing in life. It's hard to believe that he's already a year old. His first 6 months of life seemed to go by ever so slowly but now it seems as if time is flying. It may be because his first few months of life were the hardest of mine. I didn't think I would survive the constant crying, painful breasts, breast feeding issues, always feeling clueless and never sleeping. The never sleeping part hasn't changed much but he's a much happier baby now and he nurses like a pro, although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited for him to wean eventually.

 I look forward to a fear the years ahead of us.

 Here are his 1 year pictures. Enjoy!

Joshua's 1st Birthday Party!

I've never considered myself to be a crafty party planning person, but now that I have an adorable little boy to throw parties for I find an immense amount of joy in it. Joshua turned one on the 17th of this month and we had his Nautical Birthday Party today! 

Here are some pictures from his big day:

Sailboat Sandwiches

 (they were cute for about 5 seconds before they decided to die..)

Sailor Kabobs

"Fish & Chips"

Anchor Cake 

(courtesy of Albertsons bakery)

Turtle and Nautical Cupcakes

(courtesy of Jessica Miller)

Smash Cake

Party Favors 

Joshua wasn't quite sure about the cake but after some prompting from Daddy and Tarek he dug right in.

Joshua checking out his gifts 

Enjoying time with his great grandpas

Joshua and Mommy

Having fun at his party!

Until next year!