A Western Shoot-Out

The longest running shoot-out takes place in Jackson, Wyoming on the town square every night but Sunday during the summer.  we had never seen it before, so today, we made a special trip over the mountain for it.  The gun shots made the crowd jump and the storyline made us laugh!

 

We also took in some sights around the town square.

The Elk shed their antlers every year. The town square has elk antler arches at each corner.

Stagecoach rides are offered all day. Me & my allergies are staying away.

 

Painting in Fresh Air

Being surrounded by nature and calmness (and less responsibilities) awakens the creative spirit within me.  Here is my latest art contribution to the house in Idaho.

 

Hike at South Leigh Creek

My posts have fallen a little out of order.  We hiked South Leigh Creek last Thursday.  The creek was full, the wildflowers were in bloom, and the mosquitos were biting!  Benjamin really wanted to find a fossil on our journey, but we didn't find any on this trail.

Benjamin is pointing to where he skied in February

Meet Chizzy - this gnome travels with my parents & joined us on this hike.



green grasshopper

beautiful blue egg...unfortunately it must have fallen out of the tree

Chizzy at South Leigh Creek

Old saw mill on the way to the trailhead

 

Teton River

This morning we took our first kayak journey of this vacation.  Today we paddled from Teton Creek off of South Bates Rd to Bates Road - approximately 1 hour.  This is the first time we have been on the Teton River without seeing a moose or two.  However, we did see some Llamas & had to dodge some mooing cows while they crossed the river.  Because of the snow melt and a rainy spring, the river is FULL!

 

Playing in the Fire Pond

Since the area out here is rural, it is necessary for the neighborhoods to build a fire pond that can be drained in the case of fire.  Many neighborhoods have ponds that are non-maintained, covered in cat-tails, and, well, an eye-sore.  This fire pond is located in my parents front yard and is cared for with love.  It is beautiful, clean, and a great playground.  Yesterday, Benjamin & I floated in mesh-bottom tubes.  He enjoyed climbing back and forth from mine to his and even letting go in the water & swimming a bit...supported by his life jacket.  What these pictures don't show you is that he wanted to go in the pond naked.  So, aside from his life jacket & and wide-brimmed hat, he is wearing nothing. With the closest neighbor being 1/2 mile away...anything goes.

 

World Champion GERMANY!!! Celebrated in Idaho Bar.

Happy Place

While Rene is working hard, we are playing hard.  Benjamin & I are visiting my parents in Idaho.  We are enjoying a nice balance of play, activity, & relaxation. 

 

On Thursday, we enjoyed the tunes of the Young Dubliners at Music on Main.  Benjamin danced the whole night - with people of all ages.  When it got to crowded to dance near the stage, he asked this young lady to dance with him.  After she left, he was fascinated by the group of children sitting next to us dressed in Rodeo Attire.  He decided after he wanted to have a belt buckle like them.  Luckily, the trusty Thrift Store had just that on Friday...a costume, plastic version for 50 cents!  I explained to Benjamin that it was not metal like the other kids, that it was just plastic.  He was so thrilled & thankful that I  got him one...he even started bragging that it was "real plastic."

 



The "real plastic" rodeo belt was worn to his first Rodeo on Friday night.  It was our first trip to the Teton Valley Rodeo. What an adventure...a lot of fun!  They had everything the rodeos on TV have - bronco style horses, barrel racing, calf roping, & bull riding.  They even had kids riding steer.  Benjamin was thrilled when he saw the same rodeo kids from the night before.  He enjoyed talking with them and showing off his "real plastic" rodeo belt.  About half-way through the rodeo, Benjamin decided he wants to be a cowboy when he grows up.  I sat there the whole time with an allergy protection mask & sunglasses on to protect me from my severe horse allergies.

Photo Book

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2014 Winter Olympics

Yes, the Olympics are just around the corner...and the current snowboard star's knees are starting to shake. They just got word of this guy...new to the snowboard scene...and taking it by a storm.

 

Dear Santa

December Holidays - Part 1

I'm on a roll, better not stop me know.  Happy Nikolaus Day!  Another German Tradition.

Since there are so many Germans in Michigan, Nikolaus makes a special stop here.  Last night, Benjamin put his boot outside the front door.  This morning, there were golden coins on the floor in the foyer.  "Gold!" said Benjamin, he learned at school that Nikolaus would leave gold.  The gold coins lead out the door to a boot full of treats.  "Cool" said Benjamin.  When he realized that the gold was in reality, chocolate coins, he asked where the real gold was.

Later, I took him to school & Nikolaus had been there and filled his House Shoes inside his locker. His eyes lit up and he said "Nikolaus is Nuts!"

I stayed to watch their Nikolaus event.  They sang songs in German, recited a poem, then Nikolaus gave each of them a present.

 

November Holidays - part 3

Yes, I know you are waiting on the holiday that we think about when we think of November in America.  THANKSGIVING!

We traveled south for 11 days of friends & family...and Benjamin's first real Thanksgiving.

Here are a few snapshots. Benjamin really enjoyed hanging out with his cousins.  Unfortunately, since visits in the past have been short with long gaps between them, Benjamin struggles with names.  Throughout our time with them, he would ask me "What's her name again?" and refer to Elijah as "that Boy."  Hope we can change that with having visits more often.