Tantrums

We've been seeing a lot of this lately. Half the time I don't even know what she is so mad about. I know a lot of you have been through the toddler stage already. What are your best tips?

Time with Family in West Yellowstone

Last weekend, we spent time in a cabin in West Yellowstone with all of Gabe's family. We had a great time hanging out, hiking, and staying up late playing Black Jack and Texas Hold 'Em.
The Family

Laura and Ken forging the river for a family hike. (We didn't go on this hike because we didn't think it would be wise to take Persy across that river.)



Henry's Lake
This picture cracks me up! Persephone looks like a Jewish Rabi.
Aunt Rachel

Hiking in Yellowstone National Park

Our favorite activity during the trip to Montana was the day the tree of us went into Yellowstone. We went to the Paint Pots and did an 8 mile hike to Fairy Falls. I am absolutely thrilled about the Kelty backpack we got to carry Persephone! (I am rather brand loyal to Kelty ever since my European backpacking adventure during college.) Persy was an amazing little baby. She is our little adventurous explorer. Despite not getting any regular naps, she was happy and excited the whole time we were in Yellowstone. She just loves seeing new things and we get super excited to introduce her to new experiences. It was such a fun day! I felt like I could have spent a couple of weeks exploring the park.

Bear and Wolf Discovery Center

Just outside of Yellowstone there is the Bear and Wolf Discovery Center. It was fun to see bears acting so curious and playful. I've never had that at a regular zoo. Persy really enjoyed it too!

Birthday Bash Part II

Persy and Gabe had a combined birthday bash to celebrate the milestones of one year and 30 years. Really, Gabe deserves a post all his own, but I was having so much fun at his party that I neglected to take pictures of all the guests. We met with friends and family and had a large pot luck get together at Liberty Park. We had a great time hanging out with some many close friends. Here are a few pictures of Persy opening her gifts.

Fun to Be One

Reliving the day I met this little elfin child. Peering through the nursery window, I was mesmerized with her delicate features, huge eyes, and perfectly round little noggin. I held her in my arms and felt so overwhelmed with joy that I thought I couldn't possibly feel sad ever again. What a year we've had. More reports of birthday festivities to follow . . .

Summer Joy

Just a few things on my to-do list this summer:

* Go to a few more Bees games with Gabe and indulge in the guilty pleasure of an All-Star Dog
* Spend a few days in Sun Valley. Peruse the fun bookstores, rent bikes, eat at Kneaders.
* Meet up with friends at my 10 year high school reunion
* Organize a party for Gabe's 30th birthday
* Spend a long weekend with extended family at a cabin in West Yellowstone. See Old Faithful, cross my fingers for a bear or moose sighting, go fishing, laugh a lot.
* Take a fencing class
* Finish my course on Ancient Egypt
* Harvest my first home grown tomatoes
* Go to the Shakespeare festival in Cedar City
* Roast S'mores
* Spend plenty of time at the Farmer's Market sampling artisan cheeses, eating figs, and people watching
* Get soaked in a rainstorm
* Run my legs off while training for the St. George Marathon
* Do an overnighter with my girlfriends
* Plan an "Amazing Race" event with my friends. Film the craziness.
* Conclude the summer with a family trip to San Diego. Walk along the beach.