Solo

Last night we were treated to a lovely concert put on by three of the Sheridan Junior High choirs.  Annabel was in the Quarter Choir, which got its name because the participants only attend choir class during one quarter of the school year.  Despite only nine weeks of rehearsal, this group of talented kids did an amazing job.

Annabel even had a solo during one of the songs.  She was a bit nervous, but she did great and was so brave to sing in front of the rather large audience that was gathered to hear her.

Great job girlie!

Visitors from Maine

 

Less than a week after Jordan's folks headed back home to Washington, friends Troy & Melissa flew out from Maine for a quick visit.  Troy has been in Wyoming a few times to hunt elk, but this was Melissa's first time.  What a kick to be able to show them around the area.

The highlight of the visit was our drive across the Big Horn Mountains to visit Cody, located at the base of the mountains that surround the eastern side of Yellowstone National Park. 

 

We visited the awesome Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which is actually five distinct museums.  First we toured the Cody Firearms Museum, which displays firearms used from the 1700's to present.  It's quite the collection. 

The natural history museum highlights animals native to this region, and the reproduction of an eagle's nest with it's food remnants was so cool (in a macabre sort of way!)

The Plains Indian Museum was impressive too.  The museum has a plethora of artifacts and information about the natives who dwelled here.  We were so impressed with the amazing Indian culture that fostered art (beautiful beadwork and hand dyed paintings) and practical innovation (like these sun goggles made of bufflo horn!)

We very much enjoyed the Center's collection of both traditional and modern art depicting life here in the west.  They even have a station where you can create your own masterpiece using a computer.

A visit to the Center would not be complete without a tour of the museum dedicated to the life of Buffalo Bill.  We learned so many things about this legend's family and his famed show, and it was so interesting to discover more about his complex personality.  The museum also sheds light on both the good and dark sides of the cowboy culture.

Best of all, we got to spend time with dear friends.  We can't wait to see you again soon!!

Family Christmas - Pt 2

Jordan's folks drove out for New Year's weekend to celebrate a second Christmas.  What a treat!  We loved playing, shopping, getting spoiled and visiting with both Mama and Papa.  It was also a pleasure to partake in treasured Christmas traditions, like Papa reading the Pirates Night Before Christmas and making delicious Scandinavian lefse with Mama. 

We appreciate Jordan's parents and all that they do for us, and we are truly grateful that they were able to make an 11+ hour drive to spend a few days blessing us.  It was an amazing time, but it sure did fly by way too fast!

Lasso Lad

Cowboy hat?  Check.  Traditional western Wrangler shirt?  Check.  Leather cowboy boots?  Check.  Lasso?  Check! 

Using treasured Christmas money, Thane asked his rancher Great Grampa to take him down to King's Saddlery to purchase a lasso.  Lassos (among other things) are handmade at this revered cowboy institution, but Thane was disappointed to discover that new ones were a bit out of his price range.  Never fear!  Kings' has a large selection of used ropes for sale at a deeply discounted rate, and Great Grampa helped him select the correct one for his size and intended use.  Thane went straight home and made a cow dummy out of scrap wood to practice is lassooing skills. 

Uh oh!  This momma may need to break out her old Kenny Rogers CD to remind herself why "Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys."

Family Christmas - Pt 1

Our first Christmas in Wyoming was certainly memorable.  We haven't celebrated this wonderful holiday with family since 2012, and spending the day with Jordan's grandparents was a real treat.

We opened some gifts, had a giant breakfast and then enjoyed our stockings.  While our days of childlike giddy joy on Christmas morn are definitely numbered, the kids are still young enough to candidly appreciate their gifts.  This is truly one of the best things about Christmas.

If you have ever visited our home during the Holiday season, you know that I have a (ahem!) slight addiction to Christmas decor.  I have enough ornaments for 4 trees (not including the kids' trees) with decor to match each.  I don't always put everything out every year, but there is one constant in my decorating schemes - Christmas cards.  Each one is as unique and beautiful as the people who sent them.

With each out-of-state move, our circle of friends has grown larger and more diverse, and keeping in touch with long distance family and friends becomes more important.  The cards stay up long after the tree is put away for another year, and we always re-read the cards when they are taken down. 

Big thanks to all who have contributed to our card collection over the years - they mean more to us than you'll ever know.  Merry Christmas!