Apple Harvest

Yesterday was our 6th anniversary of married life. We took it easy most of the day as Ellie has a bit of a cold. Cleaned up the house some and puttered around. We did round up the wee one though for a short outing to Wasatch Mountain State Park. Every September they open up Hubber Grove to the public for apple picking. The apples are an heirloom variety from a 100 year old orchard. They are small but packed with perfect tart apple flavor. Ellie had a good time gathering up what Gary was getting out of the trees with the apple picker. We stopped and snacked on a few as well. It was an excellent way of welcoming the changing season of Fall and savoring a significant day. By the way we did have apple pie for dessert last night delicious I might add.

Adventures in Camping

We put forth our best effort to camp last weekend. We thought that the weather was so nice we might as well take advantage of the last “dog days of summer” and head for the hills. We found out the hard way that they close many campgrounds along the Mirror Lake Highway. So we opted to drive down a road less traveled and find and old spot we camped at a few years back with friends. We found it and had a lovely evening with Ellie and the dogs exploring the surrounding trees, dirt, down logs, leaves, ect. We even had a nice campfire meal.

Once the sun went down we slipped into the tent where Ellie had a wonderful time jumping on the air mattress and taking in the whole adventure of actually using the tent. We finally got her settled in and sleeping.  Soon it started to seem a little chilly then it seemed down right cold and Gary and I could hear each other sigh and toss and turn trying to get comfortable. Then Gary started thinking about the sounds out there and the wild animals and such and his mind started racing. Eventually Ellie started to stir and whine and be restless as well. I moved her into my bag with me but it was too late, Gary had made up his mind to pack it up  and leave . So, at 2am Ellie and I got in the truck and tried to settle in while the man packed up camp. Needless to say we got home at 4am and Ellie let us sleep until 7:30am. We were slugs the next day.

It was a good effort and we learned some lessons. Perhaps our skin isn’t so thick…

Here you go…

Just a quick post to get you over to Gary’s blab blog. (Hee Hee) He put up some video of the Donna show we enjoyed so much last weekend.

CHECK IT OUT at Ski Bum Poet

and… we just found this. One of my favorite bands with Gary’s favorite band. Excellent!!! Yes I have a secret crush on those brothers. Shhh don’t tell…

Updated to include the embedded Avett Brothers/DtB Clip…compliments of Herd.tv :)))

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSs3RG-p8O8[/youtube]

First Hair Cut

Ellie got her first hair cut today. She did very good not a peep the whole time. The hairdresser gave her a sucker and that kept her completely occupied. We didn’t cut a lot off just a trim to get rid of the damaged ends. It looks really cute and brought back some of the curl in her hair.

A Visit to the Teton Valley

Gary and I made a quick trip to Victor Idaho last weekend. Gary’s favorite band Donna the Buffalo was playing Friday night at the Knotty Pine. He can’t help himself anytime they are within reach his instincts kick in and we must gather with the rest of the herd and listen to Jeb and Tara’s prose. I wasn’t sure if I would be up for a 1am kind of night but once the music started I seemed to find a second wind. Although we didn’t quiet make it to the finale. The huge beautiful bed with a fluffy comforter and such back at the Fox Creek Inn was calling my name. The Fox Creek Inn by the way is a lovely place to stay if you are ever in the area. We had a very comfortable stay with a lovely breakfast and visit with other guest in the morning. We highly recommend Fox Creek Inn.

We drove to Targhee on Saturday enjoying the views of the West side of the Grand Tetons. Such crazy jagged mountains. I fall in love with them every time I see them. I had all kinds of nostalgia for the summers I spent working in Jackson. I really love that area.  We rode the chair lift up to catch a grand view of the Tetons and walked/hiked back down to the resort. It was a beautiful day there were flowers still blooming and a pleasant smell of aspen and pine. Oh how I miss being able to take off and hike.

Needless to say we are impressed with the Teton Valley and have been day dreaming of what life would be like up there. In fact I wasted about an hour today looking at real estate in Victor and Driggs.

As for Ellie she spent the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa McKenney. Sounded like she enjoyed her time too playing with her cousins Summer and Tamia. We had reports that she was on her best behavior and did very well sans Momma and Daddy.

Ellie’s New “Bike”

I found this Tricycle for Ellie last week at a thrift store in the South Valley while getting the truck window fixed. It was a steal only twenty bucks. I love it when I find a cheap treasure.  I actually looked at these tricycles on the internet a few months ago and though how perfect it would be for the Wee One. It has big rubber tires perfect for the TL roads. I actually let her ride it around in the other stores as well. She thought she was pretty cool. Even some of the other kid were envious checking her ride out.

Gary took this picture last night as we were enjoying an evening on the porch after dinner. Ellie was exploring in the yard. I like all the light in her hair. It’s a good summer time picture…