"Jackson Hole"

"The Tetons"

"Yellowstone"

"Our adventure begins!"

Mandy organized all of our fun excursions. "Bar 'T' Five" is our new favorite 'must see' in Jackson Hole. It included a fun ride up the canyon while wild indians raid our wagon train. Once we arrived at our destination we had an 'all you can eat dutch oven cookout' followed by entertainment. Austin and Livy were sure the cowboys had shot and killed an indian right outside our camp. What more can I say than..."it was nice knowing you Bar 'J' Ranch".

Livys first shot at driving a wagon train! She makes such a cute 'little cowgirl'!

Shopping in Jackson Hole wore Zachy right out!

Off we went to ride on the Alpine Slide in Jackson Hole. Ellie is the bravest of them all, mom could not go fast enough for her. Poor little Zachy had to wait and watch as we all took turns.

Ellie and Zach loved their packs. Here we are after riding up the mountain in a tram in Teton Village. The waffles were well worth the winter-like weather at the top.

Each of the Kiddos had fun horseback riding on "Caddie" (short for Cadillac). How she got her name... more like 'Cadaslak'. Good thing I guess since the kids are not what you would call jockies yet. Livy was a hoot! She did not want to give up her turn on this bucking bronco. Ellie, though shy, learned to really have fun by the end of her ride around the pasture.

We ate at a recomended steak house that turned out to be a glorified Sizzler with western decor.

Mandy revisits her old work and stomping grounds.

We pulled our trailer to four different spots during the trip. This was by far our favorite spot in Colter Bay. The kids are sitting around chatting while their tin foil dinners cooked in the oven since dad could not get the charcoal briquettes to start.

Good picture Austin!

The kids were such great hikers. We took a boat at Jenny Lake to hike to Hidden Falls and then worked our way up to Inspiration Point.

What the kids don't know won't hurt them!!! As they slept we indulged on some fudge from West Yellowstone. The camper we rented was a lot of fun and very convenient.

We had lunch at Leigh Lake and hiked around it and Jenny Lake. Zach could not get enough "EZ-Cheese".

One morning in the Tetons Mandy planned a "Breakfast Cruise" to Elk Island. It was sooo much fun. The hosts had a camp fire burning on our arrival along with stuffed french toast. There was was enough food for over 100 for our small group of 20. Another not to be missed destination, while visiting the Tetons.

Of course we had to visit "Old Faithful". Austin was the only one who was impressed. Livy and Ellie were too busy eating their soft serve ice-cream from the Old Faithful Lodge. As you can see Zach had his fun playing with the benches. To our surprise Zach and Ellie were very good travelers on this vacation.

In West Yellowstone we visited the "Bear and Wolf Refuge". Here is Austin protecting his den!

Big bear couch at the Bear and Wolf Refuge. Austin had fun hiding food for the bears.

Cute girls at the Upper Brink Falls.

Another must have shot while in Yellowstone.

Mandy at the Lower Brink Falls, photos never do justice!

"Zachy... NO!!!" "What... what's wrong Dad?"

The board walk, "don't touch the hand rails, or you will get slivers!!!"

Trying to get a better view of the falls.

"Tetonka!" Austin and Livy were introduced to buffalo wings prior to the trip. Each time we saw one they had to inspect it for the wings. Ellie... "don't spank the buffalo bum okay dad"!

Mud Pot, "what is that smell"!

Dad's nature shot. Mom and the kids walked right up to this Bull Elk. Dad... "Are you guys crazy"? Mom... "There was a creek between us"! We saw so many wild animals on this trip, even a few ever elusive bears not to mention a wolf and some Big Horn Sheep, all be it from about a mile away. As all trips come to an end, we have memories which will last a lifetime.

Here come the floats! This year we went to the Layton parade. Everyone was so patriotic, Zach with red hair and Austin with blue. The kids have learned you have to be quick if you want any taffy. Ellie almost lost it when the loud police motorcycles went by.

We had great fun at the West Point Fair! Livy is so cute! We had to take about ten pictures before we could get one with her mouth closed. As you can see she has almost lost interest at this point.

While the girls had their faces painted the Austin, Blake and Seth stood in line to climb a rock wall. Ellie makes a cute little "Kitty Cat".

On our visit to Bing and Laddie's house, Bing entertained Ellie while

the rest of us went out to the pool. Bing and Laddie always make great hosts, what a yummy BBQ and donuts after swimming. "Thanks Bing and Laddie!"

Austin's first day of "FIRST GRADE". He could not wait to go "back to school".

He just loves his new lunch bag. Mom's final words... "Don't lose that thermos!!!"

"Way to go Mandy!"

Mandy ran in her first official race, the 10k on the morning of the 24th of July.

Mandy stayed over night a hotel, with some gals from our neighborhood, so as to get an early start for the race.

What crazy Girls!
Mandy has set her sights on a marathon next!