Life moves so fast! Right now I'm in the care with Brooklyn, Talia and my father driving to Santa Barbara, California for an Ultimate Frisbee competition. But more on that later. At the moment I'd like to play some block catch up.
Thanksgiving! This year's holiday was spent in Island Park, Idaho with the Wheeler family. We rented a cute AirBnB cabin and enjoyed the time with family. Here we are on the first evening enjoying a baked potato bar after our late arrival.
Macey's Day parade on Thanksgiving morning.
Wheeler Wobble at Harriman State Park. When we visited in August, I wasn't sure I'd ever be back in my lifetime, let alone just months later! As you can see, we have Charles and Susie, Ben and Christy, Justin and Brianna's family, and our family. Plus, Papa Kay! NomiAnn was with my Aunt Alison seeing all of the Christmas markets in Germany, so we talked my Dad into joining us for a few days.
Violet doesn't seem all that amused by our outdoor adventure.
Swapping Papa Kay for Jason.
Some photos of the frozen park.
Talia was my cute jogging partner. We weren't interested in setting any course records but enjoyed the run together.
As you can see, they were all prepared for more snowfall. I expect that later in the season there's enough snowpack to make the sign readable again.
There were so many birds! We got a great video of some flying swans.
Ruby and Annika collecting specimens for our scavenger hunt.
These girls actually found a coffin tucked away in a barn. So crazy! They didn't check to see if anyone was inside.
Jason finishes his speedy race.
Mighty Eli carries his sister for the final stretch.
Jason, Justin and Eli are the speedy GOATS. Way to go, gents!
Post-run appetizers.
Back at the cabin, it was time for baking and games.
Family photo before Thanksgiving dinner. What a tasty feast!
Love the olives, Ruby!
Yum!
After dinner we shared the treasures from our run.
As a botanist, Grandpa Charles always has such interesting details to add and share.
Our family was in charge of bringing the Thanksgiving pinata. I had grand dreams of helping Annika make a wolf. And then the basement flooded. And so, I ordered this dumpster fire instead. Seemed appropriate! If nothing else, it definitely reflected my current mental state.
The next morning we headed to the Grizzly Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. It was Annika's dream come true! They had four wolves: Bridger and Obsidian from the Hoodoo pack and Colter and Harlequin from the Fossil Butte Pack.
While Annika may be the most passionate wolf advocate in the family, meeting wolves up close was a pretty amazing experience for everyone.
Annie could tell you the names of each of the wolves (she follows them online), but I forget which is which.
Acting like the giant puppies they are.
While the wolves were the highlight, we really enjoyed getting to see the other animals too. The otters are adorable!
Can't forget the grizzly bears!
Brianna, thank you so much for discovering this cool opportunity! With Yellowstone closed due to snowy roads, it made our Idaho experience so much more meaningful.
Open wide for leftovers! Yum.
Out for an evening run.
The next day we enjoyed Ben's famous chilaquiles. Papa Kay definitely missed out here! (He left early so he could visit with his siblings--a fair excuse.)
Indoor football as we watch the game. Nice catch, Violet!
Other cabin fun, whether art, movies, or puzzles.
Some amused themselves by squeezing into tight places. Ruby definitely took the prize!
When I asked Ruby about her favorite part of Thanksgiving
Enjoying some icy walks. The crisp air is great as long as you are bundled up.
A tiara for princess Ruby.
Last but not least, our Sunday drive home. We were grateful to make it out safely! A portion of the road was so icy that we started to slide out and ended up having to put on our snow chains.
Home sweet home! I think Zion was glad to see us.
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