Grand, indeed

A weekend trip is all it took to decide the Grand Tetons are indeed grand. After setting up our campsite we wandered down to the marina at Colter Bay and saw this.

I don't think there is a bad view while visiting the Tetons.

Our first drive out of the campground Saturday morning we (and several dozen others) had the opportunity to watch these moose for a while, and Bob had the opportunity to experience sitting in an ant hill, but that's another story.

Then it was off to Jenny Lake,

 

with a little hike to Hidden Falls.

Whenever I see pictures of the Tetons the one that always grabs my attention is the picture of an old barn with the Tetons in the background. Sometimes when you become a little obsessive with certain hobbies you will do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal. My goal was simply to find that barn and have my very own version of that picture to call my own. The barn I'm talking about is Moulton's Barn built in the late 1800's on a road simply known now as Mormon Row. After finding the barn I timed how long it took us to get back to our campsite, 40 minutes. That would mean to get the sunrise shot I had my heart set on, we would need to pull out at 5:15 a.m. I guess I really owe Bob big for this one because he was such a good sport and insisted he wasn't going to let me go out there that early in the morning on my own. Was the sacrifice worth it? You bet!

The other added bonus was to catch this reflection on our way back into the park.

Getting these two shots will offset the fact that we had zero bear sightings. There were bison and elk, but after you've been to Yellowstone and have zillions of pictures of bison and elk, the thrill just isn't there to get out and take more pictures. Other than the moose the only wildlife I stopped for were these.

Not exactly the wildlife I had in mind, but it works. It was a quick two days in the park but we enjoyed the break and the get away.

Perfect Ending

Here's to a perfect ending of a weekend,

and to starting the new work week with a bang!

 

 

Annual Barbecue

• Pull weeds in flower beds
• Comb all of the grass making sure all doggie debris is picked up
• Clean out fire pit and prepare for S'mores
• Put up volleyball net
• Set up table and chairs on back patio
• Drive your husband crazy as you make sure everything is just right
• Admire the beautiful sunny day

 

•  Wait for your friends to begin arriving

 

• Watch as the dark clouds begin moving in from the west

 

•  Cross your fingers that the storm is going to blow over

 

•  Friends begin to arrive at the same time the storm arrives on your doorstep

 

•  Everyone takes cover in the basement waiting for the storm to pass

 

•  Decide the storm is here to stay

 

•  Move furniture to accommodate the tables and chairs that were outside

 

•  Enjoy good food and good company

 

•  Start departing ways the same time the storm starts to depart

 

Not everything went as planned but I love that we have now made this annual barbecue a tradition. This friendship circle has held strong for 30 years through many life changes. Some of us may not be in day to day contact, but once you get the girls together you would never know. I love these gals!

Girlfriends

Author Unknown 

Girlfriends are
much cheaper
than therapists
and a whole lot
more fun.

A girlfriend
knows your
deep dark
secrets, but likes
you anyway.

Girlfriends are
no farther away
than the phone,
even if it's 4 am
in the morning.

A good
girlfriend is hard
to find,
impossible to
replace and
never forgotten.

4th of July

A long 4th of July weekend means lots of activities like car shows, concerts, parades, barbeques, and fireworks.

Spending time at The Canyons for a concert and fireworks, but honestly the people watching was the most entertaining!

Hometown parades, even though small in size are always a great tradition.

Especially when you have a special someone riding his tractor in your hometown parade.

The reaction of the crowd is always different parade to parade, but I love that I captured this groups reaction accidentally in my picture.

Breakfast with my family after the parade, complete with a smiling baby,

and a perfect milk mustache for the toddler.

It's always nice to have my camera handy to document moments like this, Great Grandpa playing catch with Payton.

Ending the weekend long festivities was fireworks at Layton Park with friends.

Hope everyone enjoyed their 4th as much as I did.

 

Living on the Wasatch Front

One of the great things about living on the Wasatch Front is being so close to the mountains. This year I've made (okay, pleaded and begged) Bob to go on a couple hikes with me that are only minutes from our home.

First up was Jump Off Canyon. This hike only has a waterfall in the spring, but because we had such a late start to our summer we were still able to see the waterfall in June.

The view looking out from the mountains is always just as inviting.

A picture of both of us, just because that's what you do when you get to your hiking destination.

Next up is Waterfall Canyon. We live only ten minutes from this trailhead and it's sad to say that I haven't been on this hike for a couple decades.

It's a great hike but be prepared for some good cardio vascular exercise along the way. It's a busy trail but it's still tranquil.

No snake sightings, that was an added bonus!

The payoff at the end is being able to look at this beautiful waterfall and to look back towards the city.

As always, the obligatory pictures documenting this trek.

Trying to find a rock to stabilize your camera so you can take a picture together is a little tough to do on a steep grade, but passing your camera off to someone to take your picture always has interesting results.

Just a little blurry, but that's to be expected. The important thing is being able to explore these great mountains that are so close by.