A Much Needed Vacation

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth...but I have been to Wyoming and back! I have been looking forward to this vacation since before Ryan and I got married, and we finally went a couple of weeks ago. My mom grew up vacationing at the Grand Tetons near Jackson Hole, WY when she was young, and then she introduced my dad to her favorite place when they got married. Of course, she couldn't wait to take her own kids there, so Brad and I spent a lot of time there growing up. Our family has fallen in love with this place because it is SO relaxing and beautiful. I can't think of a more gorgeous place in the USA...and I really have seen a lot of places! Anyway, my parents, Brad & Kendall, and Ryan & I all packed up and drove, yes drove, 20 hours (over 2 days) to our favorite place in America in hopes of making believers out of Ryan and Kendall. And I think we did. We hiked, climbed (some of us more than others...ahem...Ryan), fly fished, shopped, went whitewater rafting in 40 degree water (little bit chilly), picnicked, went to a chuckwagon dinner & show, played games, went on a breakfast cruise to an island in Jackson Lake, saw lots of wildlife (several moose, elk, 2 bears, and other critters), and altogether had a fabulous trip together. I think I can even say that we all still get along and weren't ready to kill each other by the end of it. I'd call that a success. Here are some of my favorite pictures of the 500 (not kidding) that I took. I got a new camera for an early birthday present before the trip, so get ready...there's lots!

I have to brag on Ryan...this picture was taken at the top of Rendezvous Mountain. He climbed all the way to the top (notice the sheer cliffs in the background). At one point he had to ski on his tennis shoes because there was so much snow! The rest of us rode the ski gondola up, and he climbed "down" to the lodge to meet us for a drink once he had reached the top. Let me just say that Ryan brought a new dimension to our family vacation.

How cute is this moose?!?

My mom caught these prairie dogs in the midst of an all out brawl for a chip from my Dad. These aren't your typical Abilene Prairie Dogs!

This is the picture I'm most proud of. I caught this family of ravens teaching their young how to fly. All the babies wanted to do was eat. This nest was in the tip top of a dead tree REALLY far away, so I was thrilled that the picture turned out so well. National Geographic anyone?!?

The Chapel of the Transfiguration...I think I'd have a hard time paying attention to the sermon with a view like that!

Fly fishing on the Snake River.