Wyoming

Finally finished emailing all of the photos from my cell phone to myself so I could save them to my computer. The boys did a great job on this trip. Before we left, Eric asked how long it takes to get from Littleton to Casper. I said that back in my lead foot days, I could do it in just under 4 1/2 hours. (It took just under 6 hours.) He reminded me I had precious cargo and to take it easy. Gulp. Talk about foreshadowing the stress I went through to keep my monkeys from getting into trouble during our 5-day trip. I think there were two things that were really hard: we had just finalized phasing out baby food, so I had to make sure I brought along plenty of food the boys would like to eat if the restaurants fell short. Secondly, no where is baby-proof. I tried to arrange the luggage and hotel furniture as soon as we finished unloading, but even the logistics of making sure someone was keeping tabs on the boys while we were hauling in the luggage was tricky. All in all, the trip went well and I apologize to my wonderful parents, brother, and sister-in-law for being a stressed/crazed mama at times.

My ma, who did a great job keeping the boys entertained with books and Cheerios during our 900-mile trek.

Waiting out a hail storm in Wheatland.

Arby's in Wheatland. Through all the years of driving this route, I can't remember ever eating anywhere else.

Dave Johnson Power Plant on the North Platte River. A welcome sight indicating that Casper is not too far away.

Aiden- are we there yet?

Reid- are we there yet?

While Montana is known as Big Sky country, I think Wyoming is a worthy contender.


We later found out these were tornado-producing clouds. Luckily, they stayed north of us. Also in this picture, dozens of new windmills. I can't think of a more appropriate location for windmills than Casper.

Guess who had never stayed in a hotel before.

More exploring. They've just recently discovered the drawers in our kitchen. Time to continue the baby-proofing.

My little monkeys, none too eager to go to bed the first night.

We took a picture in front of an airplane at the Casper airport to send to Eric.

Uncle David was busy herding the youngins and keeping them from leaving the airport. This was also a good chance for the boys to finally stretch their legs.

Reid's new trick, drinking without his hands.

Aiden reading a fascinating book on numbers.

Brother David served as a relief driver for me from Casper to Thermopolis. That was nice of him to give me a break. Secretly, I think he just wanted to drive the minivan.

Another important landmark, the beginning of the three tunnel series in the Wind River Canyon.

The Wind River (and every other river in Wyoming) was the highest I've ever seen.

Approaching Thermopolis. I love the contrast of the beautiful red rocks and lush green fields.
My grandpa's church.
Downtown Thermopolis. I liked this sign for the Thermopolis Cafe which included a buffalo. There is a herd of buffalo just outside of town which are amazing to see.
After dinner on Thursday night, I sprinted across the street with the boys to avoid being soaked in the downpour. I had to laugh when I realized I hadn't even taken the time to take off their bibs when I left dinner.
My mom, Uncle Bill, Aiden, David, Reid, and Kelsey before my grandma's memorial service. This was the first time I had been to her church. They had beautiful stained glass windows.
I spent most of the service in a back "crying room" with the boys. They had a speaker in the room so I could still hear the service. I was thankful to have a place to take the boys when they started getting too restless. This was when my dad was speaking about my grandma. He did a wonderful job and it was touching tribute to one of my favorite people ever.
At the cemetery. We were so lucky to have such a beautiful, sunny day.
Aiden loved exploring in the grass. Apparently he had overcome his dislike of touching the grass from when we had been to the park during the previous week.
I didn't realize this until the other day, but Reid just stayed near the stroller and didn't crawl through the grass at all. I figured this out when Eric and I took the boys out on our lawn the other night and he did the same thing. Finally, after Eric showed him how much fun crawling around was, Reid joined in.

My grandpa's World War II plaque. Whenever I feel sorry for myself for not having Eric home all the time, I think of all of the military families, past and present, who are without their family members for months or years instead of just days.
I hindsight, I realized it was very appropriate that the boys ended up wearing their hoodies during the service, as that was one of my grandpa's main clothing staples.
Went to the golf course for lunch. I took this picture for Eric- golf course on the left, airport on the right. A pretty good combo. Right?
Our hotel pool. The boys were initially ok, but then started crying. I think they were a little cold.

Reid warmed up with me by the side of the pool, but eventually went back in. He loved splashing around, as we knew he would.
Grandpa worked on warming up Aiden and he too ended up having a good time.
The boys loved spending time with Auntie Kelsey who is so good at giving them lots of sugar. (Seven months pregnant and looking fabulous!)
The view overlooking Thermopolis. This is where the buffalo roam.
On the way back to Casper, we stopped in Shoshoni (former home of the BEST malts ever; our family always got the chocolate marshmallow malts). I loved Aiden's grin.
Reid, who fell asleep first. Most of the time, Aiden's the first one to drift off.
Back in Casper, supper in bed.
Good morning, Casper. Time to go home.