The End is Near

Today we managed to get a good bit of packing done. We intentionally did not start that job until now. On Sunday we had some friends arrive - a couple from Andover. Over the past few years, Corbin and Tom have connected about fishing, and Tom and Susan spend some time in Montana about every other summer. This year, Tom decided to check out the fishing on the Teton River.

Corb and Tom fished as much as possible over 2 days. They caught lots of fish and saw plenty of wildlife. Tom's wife, Susan, is fortunately very partial to children! Susan, the kids, and I enjoyed a good hike up at Targhee. Susan and Tom also got a chance to float on the Teton alone. It was nice to get to know them better. I actually taught Susan and Tom's son, Tad, years ago. Tad's now 30 and planning his wedding ... yeah, I feel old!

I've also spend some time recently immersing myself in the local public school system. I attended a recent training on "Restorative Justice" and also met with the Superintendent. The day was full of hope and positive energy. All were eager to hear about my experiences as a parent with a background in education. I am impressed by the new elementary and high school principals and am optimistic about the future of the valley's public schools.

Bottom line is that it was great to pile some good fun plans into our last week, so that we did not spend too much time packing! Tomorrow I will enjoy a girls' day and night -- a "good-bye" party for me up at Targhee. We have a run, a hike, some pool time, a dinner, and an overnight planned. I will blog that later ... the meaning is beyond words now. I guess the only thing I can say is that while we are very sad to leave here ... very sad ... we have made a conscious decision to return to Andover. We know it's the best thing for our kids and our family, and we feel good about it. It's the right decision.

Figure 8 Races

A few years ago, we went to the "Figure 8 Races" with Poppa Gary, and the kids loved it. In fact, Brady has talked about it and asked to go again, ever since then. This year, a friend asked Corb and me to help out, so it became a family affair!

I helped collect entry fees for a few hours.

In the meantime, Corb and the kids were in the arena awaiting the start of the races. Corb's job was to be a judge, counting laps. To be honest, we had a blast! We hung out with many friends, met fun people, and let the kids run wild with their friends. The kids were so entertained that we barely had to monitor them. Corb was judging, and I had a very fun view of the judge's stand :-) ... my cute "butt" shot is a little blurry, but I share it for the heck of it!!

It was a very fun night -- with family and friends!

Over The Top Hike

Last summer I enjoyed a beautiful hike with a group of friends from the west side of the Tetons to the east, starting in Teton Canyon and ending at Jenny Lake. Then last September, Corbin and I took a different route, starting in Darby Canyon and ending on Rendezvous Mountain. Both were amazing experiences, but I have to say that I was just "wowed" by the first hike and wanted to show it to Corbin. Unfortunately, I am terrible with finding trails and had little hope of showing Corby something new!!

Our friends, Susy and Jeff, were excited to do this hike with us, and that inspired us to figure out how to find the "trail that was not on the map." Corb consulted with some local hikers and between his information and my recognition, we were able to find the right trail. All of this was after much work to find childcare and coordinate schedules ... all the effort was so very worth it.

Shortly into the hike (as we were looking for the "hidden" trail), we just about stepped on a cow and calf moose! Luckily they ran up into the hills before we could be too scared. The hike up was steep and got us up to some beautiful pastures with wildflowers and then to Hurricane Pass well before noon. We stopped to take a ton of photos, then savored each moment of the hike down. At one point on the way down, Corb and I realized we had forgotten our camera about 2 miles back ... so Corb and I ran back up to get the camera (well, after a few minutes, we hiked as fast as we could, then we ran down). We returned to find Susy doing "hill repeats" and Jeff graciously resting!

Jeff and Corb both agreed that this hike rose to the "top 3 ever hikes" on their list ... in truth it is in my top 2!! There are so many things we enjoy doing here ... hikes, floats, trips, outings, etc ... it's easy to think about what we haven't done. However, we've tried to remember to value what we have done, not dwell on what we haven't. This hike was a big success, and to be able to coordinate and do this with our closest friends here was just precious.

On the way home, we were witness to a bad car accident ... and recently there was a very sad story about a local car accident ... we spent the time waiting in traffic just counting our blessings and being grateful that we would return to our collective 7 children safely and happily. It was a day of reflection, appreciation, and joy for all 4 of us.

Mother Daughter Time!

Maggie and I decided that we needed to have some girl time to prepare for our return to Andover. Corb's been saying we're getting "Andover-ized!"

The other day we decided to paint our nails. After shopping for some polish and accessory supplies, Maggie painted my nails, then I painted hers!

Today we went to the hairdresser together. Maggie charmed everyone in the salon! We had a fabulous time, and we can both now see beyond our bangs!

Darby Canyon Wind Caves

The Miller Sisters are a popular local singing duo. One of the sisters is a fairly new running friend of mine ... yet I jump at any opportunity to hear them sing just because they harmonize so beautifully! This morning they played at Pendl's, the bakery downtown. It was a great morning to enjoy muffins, juice, coffee and good music. A group of about 6 families (some with kids, some without) met at Pendl's before our hike.

By noon, we were on the Darby Canyon trail on our way up to the Wind Caves. It's about an 8 mile hike, roundtrip. Those without kids, with baby on back, or with older kids hiked rather quickly. Susy and I walked at our kids' pace, which was sometimes quite fast and yet also required breaks! We weren't sure if we'd make it to the cave at the top of the hike ... but we did!! Brady, Connor, Elsa and Will were troopers, and they were genuinely happy for the entire hike. Of course "magic" sport beans and sharkies that give you special powers (endurance, strength, extra oxygen, climbing power) seem to work really well!

We explored, played, and just had a great day overall. The cave at the top is pretty cool. We went in only a little ways - did not venture into the darkness. Our friends went as far as they could go without climbing ropes. With the right gear, it's possible to climb through to the Fox Creek side!

In the one picture with 4 kids and me (on a rock) you can see the big wind cave, up over Brady's head, in the background ... tall, rectangular cave in the rocks.

Just before we left this morning, Connor was feeling nervous and did not want to go. I made the decision not to let him opt out. The struggle to get him out the door was so very worth it! This ranks up there as one of the top outings I've had with the two boys.

Brady, Connor and I got home around 5pm and found Corbin and Maggie very content after a good father-daughter day together!

Seriously ... this is my life?

This morning I ran the Colter 1/2 marathon with a bunch of good friends. Afterward, my friend Sharon gave me a great massage for my very sore and tight hamstrings and glutes :-)

Then we hung out at the Driggs Centennial Celebration at the City Park. It was a nice chance to run into friends from the school year and just hang out for a festive day. Later this afternoon we had a family outing to Pierre's Playhouse (in Victor) for the matinee showing of "Despicable Me," followed by dinner at the new "Cheeseburger Factory." This new restaurant pretty much only has burgers on their menu -- local beef, ground daily, slow-cooked ... can I just say "yummmmmm?!" Also, they have books and games to entertain the children while waiting. Corb read some stories and Brady, Connor and I played a game of "Apples to Apples!"

At home we had soccer in the backyard and dance recitals on the deck ... a lovely evening outside.

A special day ... seriously? is this my life?!

Tomorrow's plan includes going to Pendl's in the morning to listen to the Miller Sisters music and then head to Darby Canyon for a hike to the Wind Caves. I'll take Brady and Connor, and we'll meet up with about 4-6 other families. Corb and Maggie will stay home together, as Mags isn't quite ready for this hike!

Wow.

Poppa and Connor

Every morning during Gary and Sue's visit, Connor would snuggle up with Poppa on the couch in the early morning. Poppa tells stories ... many stories ... and Connor absolutely soaked up every word. In fact, Connor is now practicing his own storytelling skills!

Usually Poppa was lying down on the couch and Connor would just climb up and settle in ... I only got this picture where they were sitting, but Connor's attentive look tells it all.

In addition to many walks, bike rides, and outings ... Sue and Maggie painted toenails; Gary and Maggie had many tea parties and played "restaurant;" Sue and Connor read lots of books to each other; Gary and Connor told stories; Sue listened intently to Brady's ideas and dreams; Gary engaged Brady in conversations around ethics and morals. It's always special to watch grandparents interact with grandchildren.

Before bed tonight, Connor was very sad ... he realized that tomorrow morning Poppa will not be here to tell him a story.