Tuesday, July 02, 2013

Yellowstone

In mid June we ventured to Yellowstone and met up with the Card family, our Hood River friends who moved to Bozeman, MT about the time we left for Pinedale.  Together we camped for three nights in Canyon Campground and explored some of the park.  This was Matt's first visit to the park.  I visited it with my family when I was in high school.  Some parts of the park seemed familiar, but there was a lot I did not remember.  It was fun to see it again and this time with my boys.  For this trip, we focused our efforts on a small part of the park because we know we will make many return trips.  Plus, doing anything with a 2-year-old means moving in slow gear (and that's not to mention what happens when the whole group includes not just one but three toddlers).  We had a great trip and can't wait to see more of the area.


The first day was COLD.  We had to bundle up in any and all winter gear we had.


The following pictures include a variety of hot springs and geysers around Old Faithful.  (Click on any picture to view them all larger)

Morning Glory Pool
Old Faithful just before eruption
Old Faithful erupting
Old Faithful
aah, nothing like June camping


On day 2, we explored the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.  It's beautiful!
Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River
hikers in training
Lower Falls
view of Canyon and Lower Falls from Artist Point
this is probably the most natural, best smiling picture of me and Matt EVER, and then there's Isaac
Nate, Jennie, Everett, and Gavin
Gavin rocks
the whole crew
going down Uncle Tom's Trail (300+ steps) into the Canyon
Lower Falls
lugging the baby back out of the Canyon
S'mores yumminess
we saw a ton of bison, including babies
they are HUGE

And that's all this time around.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Flowers and Fish

I'm a little behind on getting summer pictures posted.  I have a feeling I'm going to be playing catch up all summer.  Here's to getting started . . .

In early June we enjoyed a beautiful Saturday full of good summer fun.  Isaac and I spent the morning with the garden club to help plant the barrels that get placed all around town for the summer.  Overflowing with vibrant flowers, the barrels truly add beauty to town.  I was excited to help plant them since I enjoyed them so much last summer.  While I planted, Isaac played outside with his buddy Arabella, thanks to her awesome dad, Roy, who was willing to be on baby duty the whole time.  After the planting, Isaac and I headed over to the CCC ponds to join Dad for the Kids' Fishing Day that he was helping run.  Matt took Isaac fishing, and he lasted about 10 minutes.  He mostly liked being at the event with lots of people and playing with a toy truck he found.  The busy day was a great start to summer!

flowers galore!
happy planters, Arlinda and Kari

Isaac and Arabella
black-eyed beauty
with Dad in his official FS attire
heading to the pond
exploring
the fam

Friday, June 07, 2013

Summer??

I'm a little hesitant to say it, but I think summer might actually be upon us!  Now I remember why we are willing to live here.  :)  It will be a glorious 3 months!  Bring it on.

First day back at the beach





Fun at the lake with friends


"There!"

Noe rocking the slack line!


I think he had a good time