Hello Summer!

Highlights from Wyoming!

We took a wonderful, adventure filled vacation to Wyoming! We stayed in an amazing cabin by Cabin Creek Inn in Star Valley-what a beautiful place. Each day was an adventure, especially since our outdoor vacation had rain in the forecast 4/5 days! But it turned out to be more fun than we imagined at every single place we went.

Monday: Yellowstone

Our first animal in Yellowstone-the elk were SO close!

It is POURING rain...luckily the rain let up the rest of the day for us.

Very close to a buffalo

The gorgeous Yellowstone canyon from Lower Falls

Last stop-Yellowstone Lake. Largest high elevation lake in the US. It was starting to get chilly as it was almost dark.

Tuesday: Unguided Horseback Ride!

Largest Elk Antler Arch in US, Afton

Intermittent Spring-sometimes it shuts completely off!

Wednesday: Jenny Lake/Grand Teton National Park

Hiking to Hidden Falls

A picture cannot capture the absolute beauty of this waterfall. From our fellow hikers from Australia, it was "inspiring"

Thursday: Jackson

Although it was raining in Jackson, we were hopeful that the Snake River would be better weather for rafting like it had been in the morning. We headed out for our 1:30 departure and drove down the canyon. It rained, it hailed (a LOT), it thundered, and yes it lightninged. We had to wait in the bus a few minutes to let one squall of the storm pass and we got on the river. WOW how FUN! This was our FAVORITE! It did rain the whole time, but we had a blast. Chris was up front and I was right behind him. You can see us in action at: https://www.snakeriverphotos.net/findphotos.asp?InfoID=50409 or

http://snakeriver.elevationimaging.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=778175

We had a great time and can't wait to go back for more!

Lately: Hiking and the Zoo

CONGRATS, GRADUATE!!

Congratulations, Chris! You are an amazing husband and I am so proud of you for working so hard the last few years and earning your degree. I love you so much and am excited for the many adventures ahead of us. Happy Graduation!

Snapshots of Katie's Wedding

Vacuum Repair

So our vacuum has been making an awful burning smell. We cleaned out all the filters and tubes and whatnot, but it did not fix the burning. When Chris was at class, I decided I was going to solve the problem no matter what. I whipped out the owner's manual and read it cover to cover. As I removed the top of the bottom part, I found a once-was belt that was now just a snake-no connection whatsoever. I felt so proud that I found the problem and researched forEVER online to figure out what kind of belt to get. I drove down to Walmart and was super excited to find out that a package of 2 belts was only $2! What a find! So I came home and hooked everything back up. I had a hard time getting the brush roll all the way back into the slot, but it seemed to be ok. I rolled it around a few times manually like the manual said and then I vacuumed. It worked great...for 5 feet and then the burning again. I took the top off again and found that since the brush roll was not all the way in, it had shredded the plastic and broke. UGH. I admit, I cried. I was defeated and now had to go buy a brand-new vacuum. My mom, however, told me to take it into The Mending Shed on State St and see if they could fix it. (I knew they would not be able to!) So I did and they said that I did break it but not that much. They gave me a $16 new brush roll and sent me on my way. I installed the new brush roll and voila! my wonderful vacuum works like NEW!! I was amazed and so grateful for clean carpet!!!! YAY for actually figuring it out and fixing a vacuum. I'm so proud :)

Dinner

How much does dinner mean to you? For me, it's one of the highlights of my day. I love being able to make a well-balanced, delicious meal and then EAT it! Tonight we had tacos-with ELK meat (yikes!), celery with peanut butter, and grilled pineapple.
So easy+so yummy=A great end to the day!