wildlife

We saw so many elk, mostly cows. This was the only bull we saw.

This was funny. The buffalo just lolligagged right down the road, stopping all the traffic. He walked so close to our van we could have pet him.
We were content not to see any real bears.

camping trip out west

One of the highlights of our family times was camping two nights in Yellowstone.The park is amazing. There is so much to see, we hardly scratched the surface of all the natural wonders.

Caleb got his first taste of roasted marshmallows, and he's hooked.
Lucy didn't mind crawling around in the dirt, once Mommy got used to the idea.
Caleb was a big helper.

family portrait

This was taken at the children's museum in Lincoln, NE. It's a wall of pins that move out when you press them from behind. For once Caleb is the only one smiling. Why can't he smile this nicely for normal pictures?

baby steps

Lucy took her first little steps today. And the special part is that my sister was "there" over the computer. While we were video conferencing today, I put the webcam on Lucy to show Sarah how Lucy walks around on her knees, and she up and walked over to me! Just this morning I was starting to wonder if my 15 month old was so content with the knee-walking that she wouldn't walk on her feet till she was two, and by the end of the day she was taking little steps all over the house.

Potato Head family

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head
Lucy Potato Head
Caleb Potato Head

thank you, Curious George!

This all started with a Curious George book that belonged to Trey Pabody in Sedro Woolley, WA. The man with the yellow hat takes George to the fire station to look around. So that's how I got the idea. I called the local fire dept and asked if I could bring in my son to see the trucks. The fire chief called back and set up an appt. for the next morning and we had a one on one tour. Caleb still tells people about it a month later.

from the van window

The West was absolutely beautiful. We miss the mountains already.

peace and quiet

traveling days

The only time they are allowed to jump on a bed is at hotels. We all get in on the fun.

Queen Lucy

details

a little more on the hunting trip... They were bow hunting for elk in Idaho. The pastor, a deacon, and Daniel. They left Sunday afternoon and came home Tuesday afternoon just in time to scrub (most of) the camo make up off for the Tues midweek prayer meeting. The kids and I really missed Daniel, but he was so excited about being asked to go. How could I say no? Nora, the pastor's wife, and their 6 kids and us went thrift shopping and swimming in their back yard. And the guys? They didn't see a whole lot of elk, but loved running around blowing elk calls while they sweated in camo gear and stunk like elk something or other they spray all over themselves. I guess it's a guy thing. Daniel didn't actually get to shoot since he didn't have a bow or a license, so he was the photographer and pack horse.

a hunting trip with Pastor Estes

two different date nights!!! Horray for babysitters!

stayed in lots of fun homes

at churches: trying to be good kids

old friends

Yvonne Guerin
the Facendas
Jon Hanneman

Jason Ehman

just a few of the ones we've met out here.

the home stretch

We'll we've had our last meeting of our western trip, and we're heading back tonight after dinner with our friends from MCBC, Greg and Danielle Baker. We drove from Idaho Falls to Kansas City, MO, Sunday night through Tuesday, and had our meeting here at Tri-City yesterday. We decided to take today off from driving and start the trip back home at the kids bedtime. The van's packed and we are ready to go!