Jackson 2014

Last weekend we made our yearly pilgrimage to Jackson Hole, WY. As always, we  enjoyed the fun parks there:

The weather was unseasonably warm, much to my chagrin. But Amelia and Cooper loved it!

After a quick stop at the candy store, we walked through the very posh shops along the famous boardwalk downtown. We even saw some fun sights:

A farmer's market was going on, so we sat and listened to a truly excellent band playing 40s and 50s music. Cooper vowed to keep his promise to become a drummer after watching the very talented one from the band. Amelia decided they need a fiddle player, and vowed to be that player in a few years.

Finally, no trip to Jackson would be complete without a picture by the antler arches in the town square!

Here's a video of Cooper dancing to the band. Amelia was content to sit on the bench and work on her massive lollipop.

We spent the night and went swimming, but the next morning we moseyed on home via the Teton Dam.

Cooper and I got out to look at it, but Amelia opted to stay in the car. She'd "already seen it with her class a few months ago. I doubt it's changed."

I explained to Cooper how the dam burst and the events afterward, fully enjoying the time I could say "dam" in front of my child repeatedly. After a five minute, beautiful explanation I asked Cooper if he had any questions.

He said, "Where's the dam? All I see is that mountain in the middle of the river." Sigh. Not to worry, another ten minutes later he got it. 

Now that autumn is officially here, the REAL fun begins! Straw mazes, pumpkin patches, COOL weather, Halloween, and beautiful autumn colors! Hooray!

MY First Day of School!

Yes, it is that time again! The nights are cooler, the flowers are fading, and the streets of Rexburg are packed yet again with 18-22 year old looking for a brighter future (aka: spouse) at Brigham Young University-Idaho!

School is back in session for me. Now, over the last few semesters I have resigned myself that the first two weeks are always stressful, tiring, confusing, and truly test the alcohol part of the Word of Wisdom and the "do not kill" part of the Ten Commandments.

However, despite a taxing first day that included a nervous verbal vomiting in Old Testament of my marital status (not a big deal---unless you're in a room of single 20-somethings that have never seen a divorced person upclose), an ADHD professor that left me more confused when I left than when I entered, and general anxiety concerning my math class, I feel it went okay. Of course, this is could due to massive amounts of diet Pepsi, chocolate and the musical brilliance/gorgeousness of this guy:

The artificial endorphins will wear off soon, however--just in time for another round of new classes tomorrrow. Ah, the joys of higher education!! See you in December, if I make it that far.

EISF 2014!!

It's that time of year again! FAIR TIME!!  I love the EISF for many reasons: the food, the booths from all the branches of the armed forces, the contests, and the best one---it ushers in the autumn season! Last weekend we hit opening day and here's what we did:

As always, the petting zoo is a must.

The National Guard had a tank there that had been used in Iraq.

We were the first ones to get to the National Guard booth, and Cooper started asking so many questions the very, very nice (personality AND looking-wise) soldier took us up into the tank and showed us how everything works. Amelia was a little nervous, especially when the soldier showed Cooper how to load the gun and fire it (who can blame her--that information is a little dangerous for Coop to have!)  but it was really interesting for all of us to see how a "ka-pow" works! The soldier was incredibly patient with Cooper and answered all his questions--even when he was interrupted for one to be asked.

Amelia sitting in the chair with the empty shell holders behind her.

This is Cooper next to the ammo-loading end of the gun. The little black switch is the trigger, and he was giddy as can be to be able to pull it.

 Next stop was to check Amelia's cookies she'd entered in the baking contest. Her first year she received an honorable mention. The second year she received second place in the chocolate chip cookies class and THIS year:

She took 1st place in the "other" category (white chocolate chip macadamia nut).

AND:

2nd place in "sugar cookies--frosted" class.

Altogether,  she won $9, two ribbons, and lots and lots of happy smiles!!

Cooper is looking forward to entering next year, and Amelia decided she'd move onto quick breads so she'd give him "fighting chance" in the cookie category. Such a sweet sister.

After we'd seen all we wanted to, we hit the food stands and loaded up on tiger ears, potatoes, sno cones, and other yummy treats!

Sunday we listened to Andy's report of his mission and then hung out until Monday just playing with family and relaxing on the LAST official weekend of summer. 

                                                         AUTUMN IS NEXT!!!!!!!