Catching

Usually we go fishing in the hopes that we are going to reel in a fish or two.  But on Saturday night, we definitely went catching (which, by the way, is WAY more fun!)

We drove up to the mountains and then hiked about 1.25 miles back into the Sawmill Lake Reservoir.  The afternoon was beautiful, and we each caught 4-5 trout.

 

After a couple of hours, a small but mighty thunderstorm roared through, and we had to abandon our fishing rods for safety under a pine tree to escape the frigid rain and hail.  The fish stopped biting after that, so we ate our dinner and foraged for wild strawberries.

On our way back to the car, we stopped at a dam to see if could entice any additional fish with our nitro worms.  Jordan caught the last two trout of the evening.

It was another great day in the mountains.

Yellowstone

We just spent a fabulous weekend in Yellowstone National Park which, lucky for us, is just 3.5 hours away.  This was my first time in the Park, and it was spectacular.  We saw almost all of the animals that we were hoping to see:  buffalo, elk, deer, and bears (both brown and grizzly).

We drove around the entire park, missing only one road that is currently closed for road work.  The topography of the park is so varied with its mountain vistas, forests, and meadows.  What really stood out to me was all of the different types of water features:  waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, lakes, and streams.

We were truly fortunate to catch 3 geysers going off in a short period of time - 2 of which are unpredictable.  The Grand Geyser (below) is the world's strongest geyser, spraying up to 150 ft in the air. 

We even drove down through the north region of the Grand Tetons for a quick peek of this stunning mountain range.  It would be hard to find a more beautiful spot for a picnic lunch! 

We are so grateful to our wonderful friends, Jim & Jenny, who hosted us during our stay.  We had an amazing time visiting with them and their family.  A great weekend!

Aunt Kim

We got to spend a very happy 4th of July with my sister Kim, who flew into town for a couple of days.  She spoiled us all rotten, and it was so much fun to be able to show her around our new hometown.  The kids loved having time with Auntie Kim to themselves, as did I.  We hate the distance that separates us, but thank God for the modern technology that lets us stay in touch.  We miss you already!

Minnesota Madness

Annabel, Thane and I just spent the most marvelous week in Minnesota.  Our first stop was just north of Minneapolis, where we got to spend some time with Jordan's Gramma.  GG, as she is affectionately known, and Uncle Bob were so generous to host us for a couple of days.

We spent one of those days at Uncle Mitch and Aunt Glenda's lakeside house.  What fun hanging out with their family!  We got to see loads of ADORABLE second cousins as we fished, swam and played in the lake.

Later we drove 3 hours north to the Pearson family cabin on Two Inlets Lake.  We spent time there last summer, and we were all so very excited to be able to repeat the experience. 

We had the most amazing week filled with adventure:  playing on the beach, fishing, swimming, go-carting, water balloon fighting, candy store visiting, root beer floating, inner tubing, movie watching, trampoline jumping, antiquing, campfire cooking and ice cream eating. 

 

 

We can't begin to thank these two beauties enough for their incredible hospitality and friendship.

It was certainly a vacation to remember - and we can't wait to go again next year.  Be warned!!