glacier

Ryan and I have talked about how much we would love to go visit Glacier National Park and the surrounding areas, but when it comes to vacations and planning trips, being the beach bums that we are, it seems we always gravitate towards the ocean. Anyway, about a month ago when the opportunity presented itself to stay at my parents timeshare in Whitefish Montana just outside of Glacier.... we decided "Let's go! and let's take the kids along as well!" So, last weekend we left for our Montana adventure. Have you ever done that drive? Let me tell you, it was LONG!!!! We had no idea what 12 hours really meant until we did it! But, finally we did arrive. And disappointed we were not! This was one of my hasty decisions that Ryan loves to tease me about (my haste fullness that is). A whitewater rafting trip in the middle of our day visit to Glacier. We had no towels, no swim suits, no gear.... just lots of enthusiasm for a great adrenalin rush and some memory makin! Aren't we so sexy in our wet suits? even better all geared up! They didn't have their cameras going on the rapids for us since it was such a last minute plan, but here is a photo of another group on the same rapids that we experienced. It was so much fun!

The boys got in some fly fishing on their float tubes... a lazy afternoon for us all. It was an amazing and at times breathtaking fast trip through some very picturesque country. We are so glad we jumped at the chance and that it worked out for the kids to come along.

yellowstone

We left Whitefish MT and the Glacier Nat'l Park area Monday morning and headed for West Yellowstone. We decided last minute that we may as well take the kids through the park since we were "in the area" and weren't sure when we would make it back that way with them again. The last time they were there with their dad they were really young and have limited memories of the visit. It ended up being a great idea. The park as gorgeous as ever, the air crisp, and the day was beautiful.

Old Faithful never fails... and either does our love for you two. We love you guys and are so glad that we could share this time together... making more memories.

jackson

On our way home we decided to take a jaunt through Jackson Hole so that the kids could visit there as well. We were so close, so why not take a quick walk through the touristy parts and grab a bite to eat? It was a beautiful day there and we arrived in perfect time for a nice dinner at "The Merry Piglets" .... kinda strange name for authentic Mexican, eh?

It is not a trip to Jackson without a photo in front of one of the archways made out of sheds.

all about steph

Ryan and I are so proud. That is why we went to Portland this past weekend. We received this little announcement in the mail of the much anticipated day (for years...) for Steph's graduation. So off to PDX we flew to celebrate with our great friend. Steph, you rock! We had so much fun in Portland with you! Thanks for giving us a reason (like we need one) to let our hair down (mine more than Ryan's: he thinks he is going bald; I think he is delusional) and play!

She met up with us Friday evening after she got off work at McMenamins. Shortly after Ryan got his butt kicked in 6 games of pool by our new friend Todd, we were off in her BRAND NEW MINI to our friend Ralph's restaurant: Yakuza. Isn't she so cute? And, so is her car! The dining experience did not disappoint. So good. we had to have the signature beet martini. yum. They had the windows all open in the front so we had an outdoor/indoor table. Oh, and bytheway: we had to travel to Portland to GET OUT of the rain. Yes, the weather was beautiful there, while all of Utah continued to get soaked. Saturday morning with just a quick walk from our hotel, we were off to the Rose Garden for the big celebration. Steph was one of 5,000 grads this year from PSU; 1900 of them walked on Saturday. There she is in the middle, can you see her?!!? Good day. Proud moment.

She did it!

backyard family and friends

Cousins Will and Kenzie playing together at grandma and grandpa Foutz'sWill was reaching for something... too cute. I finally got Ruby to want to take a photo! She is so cute posing with her daddy. All the Sib's at the parents home for a quick BBQ before the two "non-utahan's" go back to Colorado to start their new lives.... Jake in Aurora and Raen in Pueblo. Our friend Kylee got married in Jamaica in May and she just celebrated here with family and friends 2 weekends ago at a backyard reception. Chal and I work with her mom Dana... the beautiful mother of the bride.