Rocket Derby

Rather than the normal Pinewood Derby, Ethan's pack held a Rocket Derby.  From this experience Ethan learned you can't always come out on top and win.  Dad learned some of the tricks to a faster rocket.  Ethan's rocket received the award of "Most Realistic 50's".  Apparently it looked like a 1950's rocket.

Summer Kick-Off

To celebrate the beginning of our summer vacation we took a trip to Yellowstone National Park.  It was a first for the kids and I; Kelly hadn't been since he was a kid.  Before arriving we stopped at Bear World outside of Rexburg.  Ethan and Ellie were able to mark off two more states on their list, add to their smashed penny collection, and Ethan got more stamps on his National Park Passport.  We played the license plate game and saw all but three states:  Alaska, Delaware, & Rhode Island .

The first wildlife we saw when entering Yellowstone were some elk.  Further down the road we ran into this.  Some other wildlife we saw were bison and a grizzly bear.  However, didn't get a great picture of the grizzly.

Walking through Geyser Basin

Some bison right beside the road.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

One of the falls at the Grand Canyon had a steep decent for viewing.  I did not like the idea of Ellie being carried on her dad's shoulders down so Ethan and Kelly went first and I headed down next.  I have to say it was a scary climb for me and the ability to see through the staircase did NOT help things.

I had the camera.

Another waterfall viewing.  Ethan was upset, can you tell?

During our last couple of days the weather turned to "freezing" and windy, but we still made it to see Old Faithful.

We stayed in a cabin at Lake Yellowstone.  It was a bit of an adjustment to go without internet, television, and cell service while there, but we managed and realized how much we depend on those things (sad).

Our favorite things to do as a family: explore new areas together!  We had a great time exploring Yellowstone together, even if it was on the colder side.

Bear World

Run E Run!

Following the Wildcat run Ethan ran a local 1 mile race with another fantastic finish.  He ran along with a boy from his soccer team for about a 1/2 mile and then had the endurance to keep up the pace and pull way ahead.  Ethan ended up getting 4th place over all participants and was 1st in the 10 years old and younger group.  He improved his last time to 7:13.

Wildcat Run 2012

This year's Wildcat run was another success.  Before the day of the race Ethan said he probably wouldn't place in the top 3 again because there were some fast kids in 2nd grade.  Come race day, with a lot of determination, Ethan came in 3rd place, again.  I ran along with him as he gave it all he had.  I love watching how competitive he gets and seeing him give all he has to do his best.  His one mile time was around 7:30.  Great Job Ethan!

Her Choice

Boise State cheerleader uniform, rain boots, winter coat