Sweet

Going.... Going... Gone!

This has been one of those months where we have been going... going... going....  and sometimes I compose thoughts in my head about our daily life and adventures, but then when we arrive home from the adventure, there is laundry and dishes and oh, what are having for dinner, anyway? (since I never made a July menu plan!)

We have had a full house and full days...  Aunt Michelle visited, Uncle Ken visited (Erik's uncle - he spent most of his time backpacking with Erik's dad, but a few days with us), friends stayed for two nights...   We hiked, we splashed in the lake(s), we swung, we watched the Fourth of July parade and ate burgers and corn on the cob (that we had caught off the Farmer's Market parade float!).  We've been riding bikes to the park.   Today, we rode our bikes out to the fountain park at Teton Village and then got drowned by a rainstorm!

Life is full.  My summer bucket list is slowly getting checked off -- although quicker than the household to-do list I compiled of things that need to get done before our precious bundle makes her much-anticipated appearance.    We are hoping for a camping trip this weekend, and church VBS is next week, and then baby is coming!  My due date is two weeks away, and I have a feeling those two weeks will pass awfully quickly!  

Praising God for the anticipation of new life amidst our joyful, busy, sun-shiney summer fun!

Three Sisters in Yellowstone

Last Saturday, we made a spur-of-the-moment decision to drive to Yellowstone.  We have often camped or stayed in one of the lodges for a fun overnight trip in May, but this year that wasn't feasible.  So, we just got up at the crack of dawn, loaded sleepy and very excited kiddos in their carseats, and headed north for a one-day adventure.   Our car was loaded with a cookstove and kit, some rather random items of food :), and warm clothes. 

 It was a bit chilly - in the high 40s and low 50s with some scattered hail and snow.  But every once in a while, we hit a patch of warm sunshine - just in time for ice cream at Old Faithful and a walk at Grand Prismatic Spring, two of our favorite spots.  

At Canyon Falls, early in the day

Looking a little tired.  I needed a cup of tea. :)

We stopped to scramble eggs in a pull out, then rested in the back of the Suburban while Daddy used his binoculars to glass for bear in the Hayden Valley.

Holding hands as they ambled along the path at Midway Geyser Basin

Dad and his little girls

It took a lot of tries to capture all three girls with eyes on the camera. This pool was called Turquoise Pool.

 

Watching Old Faithful erupt.

And, more importantly, eating mango sorbet on the deck of Old Faithful Inn. We also saw a choir perform a "random act of music" inside the lobby -- all of the singers placed on various levels of the balcony.

Zonked out at 7:30 after eating nuggets and carrot sticks in the Old Faithful Lodge cafeteria.

 We are thankful to live so close to these natural wonders, and have kids who are flexible and easy-going when it comes to travel and exploration!