September catch-up

September seemed to fly by so I thought I would catch up on a few things that have been going on. Jason, Alicia, Tori and Titan went with us to Yellowstone this past weekend.We look forward to going in September because the elk are bugleing and we always have a great time. NOT!! We had a motel room in Idaho Falls for Thursday night. When we arrived Jason noticed that the van was leaking anti-freeze. It was a little annoying because Kevin had put new brakes and tires on it and had it inspected before we left so we wouldn't have any problems-or so we thought. He took it to the Ford dealership at seven o'clock Friday morning. After it was checked out, he was told that they couldn't get the part needed to fix it before Monday. None of the car rental places had a vehicle big enough for six people-and all our stuff. Kevin even called Logan to see if they had one available. After calling the shop it was decided that we would take Kevin's boss's SUV. (What a sweetheart he is) He towed it to Idaho Falls and brought our van back home. While we waited for him we walked around the park by the falls. It was beautiful and peaceful-just what we needed to calm our nerves.

We finally got into Yellowstone around 2:30. We had reservations in Gardiner Montana, which is at the far north entrance of the park. We knew there was a road closed because of construction so we would have to go the longest way through the park to get to Gardiner. We were okay with that because it's been a long while since we've been down by West Thumb. BUT at the turn off to West Thumb park rangers had the road blocked off. We were told there was a fire and it was too smokey between there and the Bridge Bay area to travel. She didn't know how long it would be closed-possibly all night. That road was the only way to get to Gardiner unless we went back to West Yellowstone then up to Bozeman and back into the park--about a 280 mile detour! Oh, what a fun weekend we were having! We went on to Yellowstone Lake where the kids had fun playing in the water while we tried to decide what to do--go home? go back to West Yellowstone? wait it out for a while? cry? scream? what?.

About two and a half hours later we went back to the road block and was told it may open within the hour. Luckily it did and we were finally on our way again. The fire was not along the side of the road but we could see flames through the trees in spots.

We got to the motel in time for the kids to swim for an hour before bedtime. Saturday morning Kevin, Jason and I got up early and watched about a dozen big bull elk with their cows. I love hearing them bugle at each other in the quiet of the morning. We saw very few animals this trip. It may have been too warm. We did see a few coyotes, deer, Big Horned sheep, mountain goats, and buffalo. It certainly was not our most fun trip to Yellowstone but it may have been the most memorable!

My Aunt Lola celebrated her 90th birthday on September18. I enjoyed working with her for many years. Her family honored her with an open house.Her 93 year old boyfriend sat next to her. It was so cute to see them hold hands and smile at each other. She is a sweet lady. Mom would have enjoyed being there as her sister celebrated this great milestone in her life.

Another softball season ended. Elden sponsored a two pitch team again this fall. Kevin, Derrek, Jason and cousins Shane, Rick and Jeff, all played. They did quite well during the season but got beat during the tournament. I enjoyed watching them all play together. Who knows-maybe after playing for forty-two years this may be Kevin's last year playing. . . . . . . . . . .

Titan started preschool this fall. He loves it! He goes for two hours, twice a week. He asks all morning if it's time to go yet. He is growing up so fast. And yes, his backpack is almost as big as him!

Titan and Kayla waiting for school to start the first day