Yellowstone and Home

Can I share with you three tender mercies that happened on our road trip home from Star Valley? 

We decided to drive north through Yellow Stone on our way, but didn't have tons of time to explore around. We really wanted to see Old Faithful erupt, but knew we would be pushing it for time as it only erupts every 90 minutes or so. Tender Mercy #1. It exploded the minute we walked up to it. 

 Tender Mercy number 2: this pristine moment when we were driving through Madison County in Montana, just after leaving Yellowstone. It was one of the prettiest things we've ever seen. The line "For purple mountains majesty" came to my mind many times. It was so quiet, and peaceful. The sky was soft and full of color and light. There was no one on the road but us, and it was just beautiful and peaceful moment for our little car of humans. Your pretty alright Montana. Who would have guessed it?

 Tender mercy number 3: we arrived in Bute Montana at 10:30pm ready to rest from a day full of traveling. The first hotel we got to told us that there was no room in the inn. Not only that, but they told us we would most likely have to drive all the way to Spokane to find a room, because of some huge folk festival going on. They told us one hotel to try before driving on, the Days INN.  We walked up to the Days Inn with tired bodies, and a prayer, no a plea in our heart that their was a room for us. There was one room left. It was the last room left in the whole city. We were so grateful that we had a place to rest our weary bodies for the night.

Tender Mercy number 4: Ruby was a champ. She hardly cried during our two day road trip. I'm so grateful she was so content, because crying babies can create a whole car full of stress. Thank you Ruby!

Monroe street Dam in Spokane. We hit it up on our way home. It was SO Hot so we visited the splash pad, got some snow cones, and headed out with only a little damage, some sweaty bodies and one split lip (by Liv who had a little kids run right into her at the splash pad). 

Star Valley Wyoming Pax/Hoopes Family reunion

Sisters Selfie

One white boy and one tan boy take a bath. #sweetcousins

Had to pay a visit to the land of the cougs. We figure if we brain wash them now, they will go there when their older. :) 

 Star Valley Wyoming Pax/Hoopes Family Reunion

Eating lunch before the hike to Jenny Lake with the fam.

Warner with his hip older cousins Matthew and Richie.

Cute Liv and Maddie at the look out to Jenny Lake 

Fun at the Pool from left to right Lexi Lusceck, Richie Hoopes, Warner and Brigham in Grandpa's arms, Isaac, and Josh Paxman in the back, with James Hoopes in front, Katlyn, Sara, Whitney, Megan, and Maddie. In the back, Jaron, Buster, Matthew Davis, Jeff Lusceck and Kelsey. 

Grandpa and Ruby at the cabin. 

Margaret McConkie Pope regaling us with an Indian tale. 

Hanging out on the golf course at night, either playing soccer, or just chatting was one of the highlights of the trip. 

At least Ruby thinks so. 

Ready set go! 

Ruby with her lovely 90 year old great Grandma Pope.

And my view from the front seat of a LONG car ride back to Washington. 

Did I tell you that my sister was there? My favorite sister from Connecticut who I hadn't seen in two years? I absolutely ate up every single second I had with her, and I cried my eyes out when I had to say goodbye, and I didn't even get one stinkin picture to prove that we were together. Dang it. I guess we will just have to make another trip together happen sooner rather than later!  
Wait wait, she just sent me one. Yay. Well we still have to get together again soon. Isn't there a rule about sisters not being apart for longer than a year? I think there is in the the book of life. If not I'm making one. 

4th of July Weekend in Utah

4th of July parade in Provo with the Fam

Woo woo Studio C!!

Liv, Brigham and Katelyn Davis, Megan Hoopes, and Warner at the fourth of July Parade in Provo. 

Cute fourth of July girls. 

My 90 year old grandma's first selfie. 

James Hoopes, Liv, Warner, Ruby with Whitney Daivs, and Megan Hoopes. Love these kids. 

Liv, Megan Hoopes, and Warner

A squished cheeked Ruby on her first boat ride. 

Twin Falls, Idaho

Made a stop on our way to Utah. It was totally gorgeous. And hot. 

Check out the rainbow.

Oh Hello Summer

Bike Ride Date across the 90 at sunset. Don't they look so in love? 

 11 years ago a bunch of byu-hawaii friends went to play at a beach, and two of those kids fell in love. 11 years later they are married with four kids and still spending their memorial day weekends playin at the beach. 

Memorial Day weekend at Westport with the Jensens

 Before the summer festivities started we had to celebrate some Graduations: 

First, a sweet little five year old boy graduated from pre-school, and was very sad to say goodbye to his many lady friends. 

 Second, an astute, and talented little 7 year old graduated from first grade, and left her Mom and her teacher in tears. 

Third, one little feisty 2 year old graduated from being two and moved on to being 3. Uh oh, here we come year three. Brace yourselves. 

With graduations out of the way, we are READY for summer! 

Time for Swimming Lessons

with one 

scared little fish 

 one happy, but cold little fish,

and one eager little fish.

 Also time for potty training this cute little bum, 

 and spending time all together. 

Here's to summer!!!! May you go by ever so slowly.