First Snow (of the season)

Investigating

Back inside, cozy by the fire:

 

 Warm wishes and much love,

J & I

Chop Chop

Isaac is such a sponge these days.  He sees us do something once and the next thing we know, he's emulating it.  He recently watched Dad split just one round of wood for the first time, and then that night, he was busy chopping wood himself.

Little Lumberjack from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

Nana and Grandpa's Progressive Visit

We just spent a great week with Nana and Grandpa!  They came to visit under the guise of helping us move across town.  We know their real motivation was getting to spend time with Isaac.  Regardless, their help made for a smooth transition from one house to another.  And really, between all of Steve's work gathering, hauling, and cutting firewood and Mary's work cleaning the entire house we vacated and doing all the laundry at the new house, I'd say they shouldered most of the burden.  They set us up well for our first winter in Wyoming.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

The work begins.  Loading firewood at the old house--Isaac was thrilled to help out.

This is only one stage of many in the wood gathering process.  Matt and Steve spent a day in the woods cutting wood to about 8' lengths.  Those were piled in our yard where Steve then cut them into the rounds you see here.  The next stage was splitting each round and then stacking all the pieces.  We let Steve off the hook for that part.  I've never had wood heat before, and I am loving it.  Thank you, Steve!!! 

 

Isaac insisted that Nana hold him by the window to watch Grandpa working with the chainsaw.

Precious.

They did drive two whole days to get here.  We had to have some fun, so we hiked at Half Moon Lake.

 

                            Stone throwing contest.                                    Matthew declares himself winner.

We cherish the time we get to spend with you and wish it wasn't so little.  Thanks for being here with us.  We miss you!!

Graduated

From this . . .

To this . . .

Thanks Gran!

When The Gals Come To Visit

Okay, here it is . . . the long-awaited, much anticipated (by at least two people), and way overdue blog post.  I owe this to my dear friends Megan and Valerie because back in August, they brightened my world by coming all the way out from Oregon to visit.  They loaded up Esby (the dog) and spent 14 long hours in the car to spend a few days with us in our new home.  We had a great time.  I really enjoyed playing hostess to these two amazing ladies and getting to be a tourist in my own little town.  Thanks for the very special time and memories that will last a lifetime, my friends!

Hanging at the house.

 Esby and Isaac were fast friends.  At least Isaac thought so.  Esby might have been mostly annoyed about sharing toys and getting her tail yanked.

Val has all the cool technology.

Shopping for the perfect hat.  Score!

Enjoying our local Fremont Lake.

 

Ladies' Night!!  Now I can finally say I've been to the "World Famous" (so they claim) Corral Bar, as well as the Cowboy Bar.  Ah yes, Pinedale's pride.

 Some of us might be a little off target....

 We spent a day in Jackson and the Tetons.  Above: The obligatory Jackson photo.

Drumming was a common pastime during the trip.

  Somehow Valerie convinced Isaac that his head makes a fine drum.  We can't wait to see what Aunt Val teaches him next time.

 Hanging with the local wildlife.

There sure are a lot of antlers in Jackson.

Isaac is so blessed!

Val was the ever-patient sandwich dispenser at lunch time.

 

 Woo hoo!! Park time! 

 Jenny Lake

Cold Dog

 Cute Baby

  

Hiking back at home in the Winds.

Esby leads the way.

 

Always time to strike a pose.

Thanks for a wonderful time, ya'll!!  I miss you and can't wait for our next adventure together.

(Many of the photo credits go to Val.  Thanks for awesome shots!)