Trip Up North

We went to so many places I couldn't call this trip anything specific, which made it so fun! We left Friday teh 8th and returned on Wed. the 13th. One last family vacation until we have another addition to fill up the car.

We started in Montana, visiting Dave's younger sister, Cherish, and her family, Tim, Carter and Haven. We were lucky enough to arrive with some small storms so it was wonderfully cool, overcast, and full of thunder rumblings. Cherish is a gorgeous mom who is so much fun. I love her relaxed spontaneity. And a great cook! We loved just hanging out with them and admiring the 'big sky.' It really is bigger up there ya know. I didn't get enough pictures, though. Only a couple from swimming at our hotel with the "90 foot water slide." We're sooo glad we got to visit.

From there we drove to Yellowstone. We spent one day driving through the park. Beautiful and refreshing feeling. The boys' highlight was seeing some big elk up close, way up close. Across the stream close. That was pretty cool, I must admit. We saw a bunch of bison but nothing else. We saw some great waterfalls and ya can't go to Yellowstone without checking out Old Faithful!

Late afternoon that same day we drove through Grand Tetons to stay in Jackson Hole. Unfortunately the sun was shining directly on those HUGE mountains so we mostly only got to see their outline. It was too bright and hazy to get a good look. We were tired of driving and just wanted to get there, and not backtrack the next day, so that was all we saw of the Grand Tetons. Another trip perhaps. Jackson Hole was a nice town, but we didn't do anything except pay too much for a hotel and hamburger and skinned Easton's knee running down a hill. We were tired so we kept it low key and played at the park.

The next day we drove on to Thayne, Wyoming, aka Star Valley. It was only about an hour and a half away so we left to get there by lunch. I was soooo glad for a shorter drive! Dave's family had a reunion here a few years ago that we missed and we were told to make stopping here a priority if possible. We're so glad we did! It was our favorite stop of the sightseeing part. It was a small town with super nice people, beautiful views, and a terrific cabin to relax in. We enjoyed swimming, a bbq and watching the Olympics in our very nice, well equipped cabin. The cabin was in a moose theme and Easton ate it up. There was a big stuffed moose and he loved hugging and playing with it saying "oohhh, I wuv you moose." We're ready to go back!

The next day we drove home. Oh it was long and brutal, especially for me. I ended up driving the whole trip so that I wouldn't get car sick (it worked) and it was more comfortable. Plus I didn't have to be the one turning around every 30 minutes to help Easton with whatever it was he needed.

Easton did great. He loved watching the Jungle book and now that is what's quoted frequently by him. His cousin, Carter, also gave him a beloved backhoe (?) that Easton calls "Scoop" (from Bob the Builder) and motor bike, neither of which he has yet to put down and they got him through some rough times. Thanks so much Cherish! I don't know how you knew, but you did and we're all grateful!

As for me I'm not anxious to drive anywhere anytime soon. And it's always good to come home. But, I didn't have any swelling and I think I may have changed one diaper. (big smiles)

Dave's now working like crazy to make up for time lost then as well as coming up for the hunt. He'll be busy for a while but I'm grateful he carved the time out for a family trip with us. Easton was in heaven. I was very spoiled too.