We're Back

The Idaho ranch, new calf feedings

Mack's Inn (from our back porch)

West Yellowstone

Hot Pool

Geysers

June paddle boarding on Jenny Lake

Beautiful pond at the Continental Divide in Yellowstone

I needed oxygen at this point.

Grand Tetons

The Trip Download:

Visiting mom and Reed in Idaho was relaxing.  The fields go for miles.  I ran over 8 one day, I had no clue, the road just kept going.  And that fresh strawberry pie I "whipped" up that night?  Worth the 8 mile run.  Thrift shopping in Idaho Falls was just a fun excursion with the teenagers.  

We hit The Playmill in Island Park and saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  The theater hall was a little on the warm side, but a great production for $18.  Mack's Inn had old rustic cabins with waterfront rooms.  I won't talk about the small shower and iffy toilet. But my morning run?  Well now that was priceless.

Hearing the earth below roar and spew steam or watching the gurgles of bubbling mud and minerals in Yellowstone was powerful.  You realize who is in charge of this world when you witness the grumblings up close.

Jackson Hole is always amazing.  Jenny Lake was gorgeous.  I got about 30 mosquito bites, 12 on my head alone.  But the Hidden and Cascade Falls hike with my sister Luisa, was spectacular. That evening we ate mexican at Merry Piglets in Jackson for my brother-in-law's birthday. The vegetarian chimichanga was so savory and the fried ice cream for the birthday boy was festive.  We stayed in Thayne, Wyoming at Wolf Den Cabins.  Again, my morning run up in the hills was beautiful.  To say the least, it kicked my can.  The air and temperature was perfect though.

The river run down the Snake was a blast.  With Matt as our guide, we hit Lunch Counter rapids at full force and nearly tipped.  No one voted for a second run though.  The resistance started with my 5 year old nephew and trickled down to the teenagers.  And I was supportive of their resistance just thinking about the 5 hour drive ahead of me (which called for a Code Red - Mountain Dew, I had to take extreme measures for this exhausting trip).

Star Valley is the greenest I've ever seen it right now.  The whole trip was a scenic drive through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. I've never seen it all look so gorgeous.  Maybe it's because I actually was awake.

It's good to be back home again... all except for the Grand Tetons of laundry.

This cake is my favorite cake. I continue to make it year after year, and have since a girlfriend's baby shower in 1997. I made it for a Relief Society function recently. I had to drop it off at the church and then leave to go to my night class. At the end of the women's event, there was none left, not even a crumb. The very next day a woman that lived in another area who I didn't know, called me to ask if I ever shared my recipes with others. Of course I do. If Martha can share hers, I'll share hers too. Just keep in mind the lemon curd must be made a day ahead, and the cake must be assembled to set in the refrigerator overnight. Lately I have not been good about pulling out my camera for my creative moments. It was my father-in-law's birthday and this is the only snapshot I got of the birthday cake. I'll have a do over post another time and you can see it in all it's beauty and sweetness.

June's Red Letter Day in July

The day was so beautiful. I know it was over 6 months ago, but in February, you really need something to remind you of warmer days and happy moments with people you love. I can't really even articulate the feelings I felt on this day, but I can share June's pictures. I made her baptism attire from head to toe and loved every minute of the construction. She is so beautiful all dressed in white.

She was so happy on this day. And so was I.

I Love Small Town USA

My dad owns a teeny, tiny house in the small town of Parowan, Utah. Our family has had the opportunity to retreat there several times this year. I remember a time when I was a little girl and my family would pass through this little town on our way to Salt Lake City. I would wonder what people would do during the day in towns like Parowan, Paragonah, Mt. Carmel, Hatch, Orderville and Panguich.

Since Matt and I have taken on our most recent motto of "slow life down and take time to enjoy," when Virginia called us and asked if we wanted to meet my dad and her in Parowan for the Iron County Fair over Labor Day weekend, we marked our calendars with a red Sharpie pen and gold foil stars to remind us. I washed our best red and white gingham attire, packed our overnight bags, mountain bikes, a market tote full of projects to most likely avoid, miscellaneous food from the fridge, and my running gear. The weather has been changing to that brisk cool air that reminds me on my run every morning that a new season is on it's way.

Four surprises on this trip:

1. I like rodeos and parades.

2. My little sis and her family came. We had no idea. So when Mo Mo knocked on the door, we squeeled when we saw their faces.
3. I found out I really love to mountain bike. I used the bike Matt bought me as a wedding gift 18 years ago. And at the bottom of Brian Head ski resort, I found out from another biker that I might be interested in an updated bike with shocks. A lot changes in 18 years, and with bikes, there are no exceptionsto this rule.

4. Iron County had a 5K as part of the parade on Monday.

So I ran...

I ran as fast as I could.

I brought home a shiny red ribbon for my age group. I love small towns, they make me feel like I'm someone of ribbon worthy.

My girls remind me that I'm probably not. All they could say from the sidelines is, "You run funny Mom!"

Whatever kids.

I already miss you Parowan. I wonder what I'll do during the day without you.

Brain Re-Booted

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. I am learning the art of getting away, relaxing and enjoying God's most beautiful masterpeices. This last weekend we spent time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Our family, along with some good friends and family, took a raft down the Snake River. We hiked the Tetons. We rode our mountain bikes around Palisades Reservoir and the surrounding area. I ran early every morning, fearful of moose, bear or any other animal I imagined might attack me. But it was so peaceful and pristine during those early hours of the morning, I had no choice but to take the risk. The weather cooperated, it was cool and brisk or sunny and warm at all the right times. Even the bugs cooperated. The company we spent time with was enough to refill my bucket until the next get away.

I have many cool projects to start this week, and I just hauled home a truck bed full of fresh ideas and more brain capacity...along with one happy family and some very dirty laundry.