Repeat Steps 1 through 3

Steps 1 from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

As you can see, Isaac is learning to walk!  He started taking 2 or 3 steps at a time last week.  Then over the weekend, he began stringing together more steps each day. 

Steps 2 from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

Something seemed to click for Isaac while we were waiting out a thunderstorm at this little cafe on Sunday.  He was suddenly so inspired to practice walking.  He did so over and over and over.

Steps 3 from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

He continued to improve until he could walk the length of the aisle before falling.

Steps 4 from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

Although Sunday marked a milestone, I still consider Isaac to be a crawler primarily.  After this morning's display of walking at home, I may have to reconsider!  Video of that to come . . .

Kisses for Daddy

Sweet Kisses from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

Perks

One of the really nice things about Matt's office being in town is that we can meet up for lunch.  We usually do so at least once a week.  We most often meet at the park for a picnic and Isaac play time.  On this day, we met for coffee because I was craving a latte.  It was the first one I've purchased since leaving Oregon!  Life's a little different here.

Another perk of Matt working in town is that I can give him lots of "honey, please" requests to do in town before coming home.  It's very convenient.

On our town trips, we frequently visit the park.  One of Isaac's favorite places to hang out is this really cool sand cabin there.

Green River Lakes

Camping, hiking, fishing, relaxing.

 

timed just right for the deer

Rendezvous Spirit

Rendezvous Parade

Well, it's official.  We are true Pinedalians.  We have experienced Rendezvous.

The original Rendezvous days occurred in the early 1800's during the height of the fur trade.  Rendezvous was an annual summer gathering at which trappers (mountain men), native Americans, travelers, and suppliers from the east came together to barter, sell, and trade their goods and to enjoy companionship and revelry.  Today, the mountain men are revered as a rugged breed.  They spent most of the year in solitude in the Rocky Mountains, battling harsh weather and other perils of wilderness life, while engaging in dangerous and hard work.  The Rendezvous was a welcome reprieve, providing time for them to socialize, sell and trade pelts, recharge their spirits, and gather supplies for the upcoming year. 

Pinedale is located in the heart of Rendezvous country.  Of the original 16 Rendezvous, 6 were held near Pinedale in the Green River Valley.

Today, Pinedale celebrates Rendezvous and its mountain men each summer with a weekend-long festival.  Pinedale's present Rendezvous celebration is the biggest weekend of the summer.  Festivities are numerous and varied.  All weekend long, the town is alive with numerous happenings including live music, mountain men demonstrations, children's activities, Indian encampments, vendor booths, trader's row, competitions, such as the women's frying pan toss and sports games, Native American dances, barbeques, and covered wagon rides.  Some of the highlights of the weekend are the parade, the rodeo (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights!), and the pageant,  a reenactment of the original Rendezvous.  By no means did we experience all of Rendezvous, but we did manage to get out for a long day on Saturday to enjoy some of the festivities.  Next year, I hope to make it to the pageant.

Enjoy the pics from our day.....

First time meeting an authentic Mountain Man.

 Excited about horses, a big truck, a dog . . . ????

 Isaac's new favorite pastime--walking with assistance.

 This is Isaac dancing.

 And smiling?

A late afternoon downpour sent everyone fleeing from the music show we had been enjoying.  Isaac didn't mind -- he loved playing in the streams of water.

Back at home, Isaac was so exhausted that eating required the comfort of Hoppy's companionship.

 

It wasn't long before he recovered and was once again his happy, playful self.  

Rendezvous is always the second weekend in July.  Who's joining us next year?????

Grand Teton National Park Jaunt

Last weekend we made a trip to the Tetons.  Getting from our doorstep to the campsite took a mere 1.5 hours.  It's pretty exciting to be so close to such amazing beauty!  I had been to the Tetons as a young adult, but this was Matt's first visit, as well as Isaac's, of course.  It was fun to experience it together as a family.

We pulled into Jenny Lake campground, which sits at the base of the grand peaks, on Saturday morning at about 10:30.  We couldn't believe we had our pick of sites! We perused them all to find the best.  For Isaac, the campsite was one giant sandbox.  He was in heaven.

It made for one dirty baby.  Cleaning him up was pointless, so we only did it at crucial times (i.e. bedtime).

Here's how Isaac feels about camping . . . he LOVES it.

We enjoyed a lovely hike to Hidden Falls, along with a few hundred other tourists.

Isaac does great in the backpack, but he definitely enjoys his time out of it also.

This is a common face these days.

Our hike continued on to Inspiration Point. That's Grand Teton in the background of the above pic.

The next day we enjoyed a nice leisurely morning at camp.

You probably don't want to try what this guy is serving up for breakfast.

Master fire builder and chef.

Give him something to climb on, and he is happy, happy.

Cuties.

River baby.

While Dad fished, Isaac and I hung out in the water.

We didn't see a moose, so I guess we'll have to go back.