Star Valley

Todd and Anna invited us back to their cabin in Star Valley this summer. Hard to believe after Zachary's nights of screaming crying last year. They are just THAT nice. They invited us and the Jensens, Barry and Julie. It was great. Really. With 10 kids ages 7 and younger, it was a wonderful time. 

We left Friday morning (morning after seeing Wicked the night before) and took our time on the drive up. We stopped in Randolph for lunch at Gator's and some playing at the park. The very same park that Scott used to come to with Rudy and family.

 Kate was cracking up every time Zachy came swinging up to her. Hard, hilarious, belly laughs. Awesome.

Scott spinning the kids dizzy and then watching them try to walk off the thing. So funny. 

We continued on through Smoot, pointing out the house Grandma Great was born in, and then on to Afton to visit the cemetery where so many of our family is buried. This is the headstone of my Grandpa.

 We made it to the Star Valley cabin to join the Allens and the Jensens for a fun, fun weekend together. Yahoo!

The kids played and played and played together. We barely heard or saw them. They were having so much fun. Our kids actually cried when we dragged them away to leave and drive home. They loved these friends.

They jumped.

They golfed on the nearby golf course putting green.

We hiked. We took everyone to the hike to Intermittent Springs in Afton that we had gone on with our family a couple of summers ago. 

 It was a hot day, but dipping toes (and shoes and socks) in that freezing, cold river water cooled everyone off.

 

If you look closely, Zachy is one very sad hiker. Scott climbed to the top of the springs and Zachy was DESPERATE to go with him. He didn't get to go so he threw a crying fit right then and there. So, so sad. Still pointing up the mountain where he wants to go.

 Kate was a much happier hiker.

 On to the nearby park for a picnic lunch.

After Zachary's disappointment  on the mountain, we made up for it by letting him drive the golf cart back at the cabin. Happy boy again.

And my favorite part . . . we ate. We ate really well. We each took a turn doing meals and they were delicious!

Root beer floats!

 Scott and I making stuffed zucchini on Sunday.

 Barry and Julie served up quite a feast.

And another favorite. . . a rainy Sunday afternoon. It started raining when we got home from church, which made for a very nice and relaxing Sunday afternoon.

We lounged around.

Kate and I took one of the most lovely naps in our napping history with a nice, cool breeze coming through the window and the sound and smell of rain in the aspens and pines outside. Mmmmmmmm. Dreamy.

We played games (BANG!) and had a Coke vs. Pepsi tasting contest.

And a few rounds of Kubb when the rain cleared.

On Monday morning we packed up and made our way to Grand Teton National Park. Absolutely stunning. I am amazed every time I visit. 

Picnic lunch.

Kate found her own lunch.

Swimming at String Lake. We all took turns swimming out to that big rock with hopes of jumping off of it. Even the kids made it out there.

Dads and their little ducklings swimming back from a trip out to the rock.

Good bye Tetons. Back home and on to some new mountains . . . of dirty laundry waiting for me. It was good while it lasted. Thank you for a wonderful weekend Todd and Anna!