I kind of got a little sentimental while I was in Idaho Falls. There are so many places and businesses that will forever just be the Idaho falls that I love and remember. I never want to forget them so I decided to go around and take some pictures of what Idaho falls is to me. Starting with Hawthorne...This is my elementary school. Our house was about 8 blocks away from the school (which pretty much felt like 8 miles) and I walked to and from school everyday. Yes I still feel picked on. :) But really I had some fun times with my sisters during our walks. I know those blocks so well I think I could pick out every crack in the sidewalk. I loved Hawthorne. I'm proud to be a Hawthorne Hawk.

This is the fountain at Tauphaus park. There's no water right now (it's still winter there, ya know.) My friends and I use to put soap in the fountain so it would completely suds up. (okay, we only did it once but I felt so rebellious and cool.) But another time we went late at night and played in the fountain. (obviously, we were really the rule breaking type!)

I have such good memories of the fountain.

This, my friends, is Idaho Falls Amusement Park which consists of 5 rides.

If you ever go to IF, you have to eat at Smittys. This place is just part of Idaho Falls. They have the best food and service. Get the potato pancakes, you won't be disappointed.

Okay, if you've never had a Fiesta Ole' crisp bean burrito...you're missing out. So good. AND everything is so cheap. Their tator tots are just called "tots" and they have plenty of fry sauce to dip them in.

This is a picture over looking the snake river. This area is known as "the greenbelt". There is a paved path that goes around this part of the river where people walk/jog/bike. This is also where "the falls" are located. I love the greenbelt. ESPECIALLY on the 4th of July. Don't even get me started with Idaho Falls on the 4th...it's truly the best. (that will be another post by itself)

Notice the large building...(large for Idaho Falls)...this is a hotel that used to be called "The Westbank". My friends and I use to go the the top floor (The eighth) and look out over the river. We even had dinner in the stairwell of the 8th floor for one of our famous girls choice dances. What good memories.

Here are the falls. Not too "fally" but still nice. And the water tower is a familiar sight.

I had to take some pictures of the Idaho Falls Temple. It's located downtown right across from the greenbelt. It use to be one of only 2 temples that didn't have a gate around it. I loved that about Idaho Falls.

Then I returned home from my mission only to find a gate.

This is the downtown area. Just quaint and old...

Okay, another place you HAVE to visit is Scotty's. This place has been here forever. It hasn't changed. What to order? ...french fries and a fresh banana shake, of course.

This is Farrells Uphosltery.

I've never understood why they have a picture of a childs bum on their sign. Can anyone explain?... anyone? I would love for this mystery to be solved once and for all.

Here's another true IF landmark...

The wooden Indian. I remember driving past it as a little girl and thinking...who carved this and why? I still wonder.

Okay, now for all of you who did grow up in Idaho Falls...Tell me you too dreamed of sliding down this church everytime you drove past it. To be honest, I still kind of want to try it.

Dear Idaho Falls,

Thanks for all the great memories. I feel honored that I got to grow up on your streets. (well, in a house on your streets.) Thanks for letting me live in a place where I always felt safe and secure. My own little corner of the world that I loved and still do. You helped form me into the person I am today, one who still believes in the value of hometown pride and loving your neighbor.

Yours Truly,

Katie