I'm pretty sure I've blogged about this before, but for my newest readers, here's a brief explanation of what has become a tradition for our family. Almost 5 years ago when we moved to Idaho, Chris was still in school and we wanted to take a little weekend trip to break up the middle of the semester, and see the best of the fall colors. We came up with the idea of going to Jackson Hole, because it is only about 2 - 3 hours drive, and October is the off-season, so we were able to find a deal on a hotel room. We enjoyed that first trip so much, that we decided we would try to do it every fall, if possible. Since then, and with each subsequent trip to that area, we've had the opportunity to explore lots of different places, including Moose and Moran, WY, Grand Teton and Yellowstone Nat'l. Parks. Chris and I both also enjoy photography, so we try to capture as many beautiful images as we can while we're there. Last year, Chris was able to take a spectacular photo of a bull moose, which we've had blown up and is hanging now on our living room wall.
This year we got extremely lucky, as far as spotting some excellent wildlife and landscape moments. The weather in the Tetons can be very unpredictable this time of year, and we usually encounter some clouds, snow and cold. This year, we enjoyed a lot of sun, though cold temperatures. It was gorgeous. The kids are anxious to go to school tomorrow so they can tell their friends and teachers that we saw: antelope, elk, bison, coyotes, a wolf pack, deer (including some great bucks), moose, and two different black bears. We feel so blessed to live where there is such beauty all around us.
Here are all the photos from our trip:
Congratulations to my sweet little Sam and his decision to get baptized. He was grinning from ear to ear today as he and his dad prepared for the big event. It was a very special moment for our family, especially when Chris shared his testimony, the spirit was very strong. I'm so grateful for my worthy husband and for our eternal family.
I'm pretty sure I've blogged about this before, but for my newest readers, here's a brief explanation of what has become a tradition for our family. Almost 5 years ago when we moved to Idaho, Chris was still in school and we wanted to take a little weekend trip to break up the middle of the semester, and see the best of the fall colors. We came up with the idea of going to Jackson Hole, because it is only about 2 - 3 hours drive, and October is the off-season, so we were able to find a deal on a hotel room. We enjoyed that first trip so much, that we decided we would try to do it every fall, if possible. Since then, and with each subsequent trip to that area, we've had the opportunity to explore lots of different places, including Moose and Moran, WY, Grand Teton and Yellowstone Nat'l. Parks. Chris and I both also enjoy photography, so we try to capture as many beautiful images as we can while we're there. Last year, Chris was able to take a spectacular photo of a bull moose, which we've had blown up and is hanging now on our living room wall.
This year we got extremely lucky, as far as spotting some excellent wildlife and landscape moments. The weather in the Tetons can be very unpredictable this time of year, and we usually encounter some clouds, snow and cold. This year, we enjoyed a lot of sun, though cold temperatures. It was gorgeous. The kids are anxious to go to school tomorrow so they can tell their friends and teachers that we saw: antelope, elk, bison, coyotes, a wolf pack, deer (including some great bucks), moose, and two different black bears. We feel so blessed to live where there is such beauty all around us.
Here are all the photos from our trip:
Happy birthday today to our Sam, who turns 8 years old! It's completely ridiculous how fast the time has gone. Four years ago when we moved to our current home we started a tradition of going to Jackson, WY to see the fall foliage in early October. So, since it usually coincides with Sam's birthday, he's gotten accustomed to celebrating his special day together while on our trip. That's why the photos of him opening his gifts were taken in the cabin we're staying in. This year his main present from us was a t-shirt we had made with a picture of Zipper on the front, and he LOVED it! I wasn't surprised, I knew he would. He was such a cutie, and seemed to have a very happy day. 
This picture was taken this morning from the hill in our backyard. 
Isn't fall the best season?! Tonight the kids painted small pumpkins, and it was so funny to watch and listen to them as they tried to decide what to create. Such a big decision! Surprisingly, only Nicolas decided to do a "face" of somekind on his, the other kids all made shape designs.
Every year the 1st/2nd grade multi-age class puts on a program in which the children each choose and memorize a nursery rhyme to perform for all the parents. Here is Sophie with her rendition of Jack and Jill...