Trip To The Tetons

Over Labor Day weekend, we camped in Teton National Park in the Signal Mt Campground, right on Jackson Lake.  The scenery was beautiful despite some cold and wet conditions.  On Sunday, it rained enough to force us to retreat to Jackson for half the day.

Grand Teton in the mist

Our camp spot, complete with new truck (which makes camping possible once again)!!

When we first arrived at our camp site, Isaac was very curious about the narrow trench dug around the tent pad.  Matt explained to him that when it rains, the trench fills with water and diverts it away from tents.  Isaac then became very focused on wanting to see water flowing in the small ditch.  He was not disappointed when we returned to camp on Sunday to find a water-filled trench--a perfect spot for his new boat!

Isaac was very excited that his new boat came with a little boat for Caden. 

What a sweet, thoughtful brother.

Caden investigates the dirt

Sweetness

 Caden loves peaches

 
And mom loves his adorable face
 

Did ya know a toothless grin could be so charming??

 Food beware!

We might have given him a slice of pizza (probably not Dr.'s orders for a 7-month old).

Testing his boat on real waters

And then riding on a real boat!

Thank goodness on Monday the sun broke out, and the weather was gorgeous.  We finally got to enjoy a lovely hike which had been our plan for Sunday.  We hiked from Jenny Lake up to Inspiration Point and beyond into Cascade Canyon.  We took the boat ferry across Jenny Lake, cutting out a 2-mile hike around the shoreline, so that we could explore some more interesting terrain.

A well-deserved ice cream treat after a good hike.

Two days of questionable weather and being cramped in a tiny camper with two tired, often whiny, little boys almost drove mom and dad to the end of our patience.  Good thing our last day was so enjoyable.  Otherwise, we might not attempt another two-night camping trip until the boys are, oh, let's say, teenagers.  And even then we'll stick them in a tent. 

Overall, it was a great trip, and as always, I cherish the memories made with my boys.

Sacred Rim

This past weekend, we enjoyed a family hike to one of our favorite local spots, Sacred Rim.  A short, easy hike takes you to an amazing view . . . perfect for the little dudes.  It felt great to be out playing in the mountains as a family!

This kid cracks me up these days.

  Hmm...wonder who he takes after.

Isaac was excited to be climbing all the big rocks.

 Caden was excited to be eating a rice cake.

So much cuteness.  I couldn't stop taking his picture.

 Enjoying the view with Dad.

 My crew.

 Isaac hiking with a pole like Mommy and Daddy.

Pretty wildflowers.

Dad & M.E. Visit

We were happy to have Dad and Mary Ellen (aka Gramps and Grandma-Me) come out for a visit!  It was Caden's first time meeting these grandparents, other than in utero (he just didn't make it in time for their last visit). Caden warmed to Gramps and Grandma-Me right away, giving them snuggly hugs upon their arrival.   

 

 

Their visit was fairly short since they had to squeeze it in between work schedules.  We are so grateful they took the time to make it happen.  Thanks for coming out to see us!!

Isaac LOVES hotels--he thinks they are very cool--so he was pretty stoked to spend some time hanging out in Gramps' and Grandma Me's hotel room.  He even got to spend the night at the hotel, twice.  He is blessed with very patient and tolerant grandparents.

Isaac showed Gramps and Gramdma-Me around the park . . .

 and showed off his mad biking skills.

We enjoyed Sandy Beach for a bit.

Dad's arms are often full

 On their last night here, we wrapped up the visit with a nice dinner at Lakeside Lodge.

 I hope this is not indicative of how most family pictures will go....one (mom) of four cooperating.

That's a little better.

 

Dad and M.E. made the two-day trek in Dad's fancy, new, "retirement" Corvette, and they say they weren't cramped at all.  It's yet to be known if they'll do it again.  :)  It was fun that they brought it out since Matt and I got to try driving it.  I've never driven such a high-performance vehicle.  I enjoyed the ride for sure, but Dad informed me that I didn't drive it quite as aggressively as my husband.  I think the exact words were that I didn't "tickle it."  Maybe next time...

Caden Flirts

This video is about a month old now, but I'm posting it anyway....it's kind of cute.  My friend Ceca was visiting with her daughter, Mila, who is one month older than Caden.  While they were "playing", Caden started spitting and just couldn't stop.

Caden Impresses from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

I hope he didn't ruin his chances of Mila being his girlfriend some day.

 Love these girls!