Jackson Hole

 We always try to add a trip to our family reunions.  There is so much beauty all around us and I want to share as much of it with my kids as I can.  After Bear Lake and one more shake at LaBeau's we headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  I used to go to Jackson Hole when I was attending Ricks College.  It is beautiful there.  One time I did a river run with some friends and so I knew that would be something my adventurous family would love. 

We stopped at the Star Valley temple which is easily the cutest little temple I have ever seen.  It is set in a beautiful valley. 

Clara can't seem to be normal in a picture.  Weirdo.

Of course we stopped at a golf course for Cameron.  It was once again gorgeous. 

The Tetons are easily my favorite mountains.  They are so rugged and majestic.  I want to go wander and get lost in them but at the same time have someone waiting around the corner to rescue me when I need to be rescued. 

I never get tired of them.  I could take pictures all day long.  I was a little bugged at myself because I forgot my good camera on this trip. 

I mean really....they are so beautiful.  We headed up for a drive to Jenny Lake.  

Where I saw my first bear in the wild.  I was so excited.  I have been to Yellowstone a billion times and have never seen a bear.  This beauty was wandering around with her two little adorable cubs.  It was so amazing to watch them for a minute. 

 Jenny Lake is gorgeous.  One day I want to camp here.  It was cold and cloudy and somehow that just felt right. 
 
 I love that the kids appreciate and love to visit new places.  They recognize the beauty in our world.  As they get older I am trying to find ways for them to search out the beauty.  I am trying to let them plan where we go and what we see.  They love the lakes, oceans and mountains more than amusement parks and stores.  On this trip we visited an art gallery and it was nice to see how much they loved and appreciated the art.  Way more than me.  I am a wander in for a few minutes kind of girl but they didn't want to leave. 

 I just love these little nuts.  They are my favorite. 

 It is always a treat when Dave can take a few extra days and stay with us.  The reunion worked out this year that he got to spend a whole ten days away from work with us.  It was so much fun. 

 When you go to Jackson Hole you must take a picture under the antler arches. 

 and hang out with Mark Twain

 or Ben Franklin

We did some shopping 

But the real fun came the next morning on the snake river.  I wasn't sure how this would go.  It was cold when we got up in the morning.  I knew the river would be cold too. We drove about 45 minutes to get there.  

 Then the sun came out and our day of river rafting was picture perfect. 

 There were a few calm spot where we could jump in .  Clara jumped. 

 Me, Cameron and Lauryn stayed safely in the boat

 Of course Dad jumped.

 This trip was so much fun.  We had a great guide.

 Yes we got buried

 see....totally buried

 but we survived.  We really had so much fun and would love to do this again.

 road trips are my favorite because you get to see so much beautiful country.  Clara spends most of her time with her head out the window.  She is like a puppy.

This is somewhere in the middle of Idaho.  I just thought it was so beautiful.  Totally different from the Tetons but still beautiful.