Tales Of Our Get-Away!

We have had quite the adventureous two weeks .... our trip included visiting Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Montana. I have lots of pictures to post and I will do my best to journal our trip with the details that kept us moving!

After getting settled in to mom & dad's house in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming the next day was Memorial Day. We celebrated by going down to the cemetary in Thayne, Wyoming where local guards had a small ceremony. Prayers and songs were offered followed by a several shots being fired. How grateful we all are for those who have served in our military to fight for our freedoms along with all those who serve now to help keep our freedom. Almost all of the graves were decorated in this cemetary. Quite a sight to see. By the way, it was a bit difficult to explain to Max why we were in a cemetary, honoring those who had died or gone back to live with Heavenly Father. But, we did our best to teach him to honor and show respect.

Thayne, Wyoming Memorial Day 2009

Teaching Max (3) to honor & respect those who have served.

Local Guard who conducted the ceremony.

Afterwards, we went back to Grandpa's and had some much needed play time in the yard. Grandma & Grandpa have beautiful views from their yard and fun trees that all the grand-kids like to climb. Yes lots of snow still in the mountains of Wyoming at the end of May.

We talked quite a bit about what we could do all week while we were there ... and our final decision was to help Grandma & Grandpa paint the upstairs of their house. (Mark is an excellent painter if you didn't know.) After several trips to the hardware store we were finally able to get enough tape, paint & supplies to get the job done. We painted the two bathrooms one color and then the living room, kitchen, hallway, and two bedrooms a green color called "honky dory". We laughed about the name of the paint but in the end we felt as though the walls did turn out great! Somehow I missed pictures of the bathroom.

Taking a dinner break from taping!

In the taping process ... love high angled ceilings!

Maxs' favorite activity with the exception of "having a meeting" in Grandpa's truck where he can pretend to drive was swimming. Here he is on SVR's pool with dad & Grandpa. We had to take a break from taping & painting!!

Work in progress.

Some finished views.

Once the painting was done, and all the furniture & pictures were put back we all agreed that the painting looked great and that the pictures really stood out. Many of the pictures in their home were painted by Grandma Tippets (dad's mom), crossed stitched by Marie (Grandma) Tippets or woven by dad (Grandpa) with his various weaving techniques. More pictures to come.

Each night before we settled down we would get out and try to go for a walk which usually included dipping our feet in to the "very cold" stream near their house. Here are some pictures of the walks and some of the beautiful flowers in their yard.

More pictures and stories to come tomorrow.... stay tuned!