August 10, 2009

summer vacation '09

We waited until the summer was nearly over to go on vacation, but we were able to kill a bunch of birds with one stone this summer. Grandma's 80th birthday, family vacation, and boating all in one week... not that bad!

Ender and his cousin Brenden were reunited after several long months of living on opposite coasts. The first thing they did together was to fight over their great-great-grandma's 100 year old rocking chair that's been in the family for five generations.


There was food...


family...


A drum circle...


and birthday cake!
Happy Birthday Grandma!


Then we went to Island Park, where the kids had a ball!


Even in sunglasses and a neutral glare, it's impossible for Brian to look tough.


Ender hated his life jacket, and took a boat nap to avoid thinking about it.


Then he took a grandma nap to try and forget about the whole traumatic experience of ever having to wear a life jacket.


The middle generation spent a day in Yellowstone.


Some psychedelic bison was walking up the road and stopping traffic, so Amy ran after it with the camera.


Amy's very first hot-pot ever!
(color enhanced)


Taking a moment to enjoy a steambath at the hotpots.


Artsy-Fartsy picture that Amy took. Brian knows how to work the camera, but Amy knows how to use it.


Acting all touristy and taking pictures in front of everything.


Marianne at Old Faithful (which was running a little behind schedule).


Amy insisted on touching Lake Yellowstone.


We found another bison, but didn't have to chase it up the street this time.


We got stuck in road construction for about half an hour, and they wouldn't let us get out of the cars, so we played cards rather than enjoying Mother Nature.


Ender decided to give the life jacket a second chance, and found it wasn't as horrible as the first time.


Plus, exploring Grandpa's boat was fun!


Ender's first time riding on the tubes, and Brian's first time back on the tubes since he ruined his knee on one of them.


We give the ride three thumbs up, but Ender tried to play tough critic.


He was more interested in staying on the boat and watching Grandpa drive.


Don't leave her hanging, man!


Saying goodbye to Grandma & Grandpa at the airport. Thanks for a fun trip!

4 comments:

Lulu said...

Have I told you that you guys are a beautiful lil family!
Seriously, Amy you are gorgeous! These pics are awesome.
Glad to see that Ender was all smiles and giggles w/ the fam. He's so adorable.
Take care!

Grandma Cheryl said...

Looking at those fabulous pictures makes me even more homesick to see your family! It was a very fun week we had. We need to do it every year. I predict Ender will be a great water skier and even more awsome on the tubes. He has great tutors! Looking good, Brain & Amy...

Christina said...

Looks like SO MUCH FUN! And what a good looking group, Ender, keep working that hot life jacket.

Grandma Cheryl said...

Amy, you are one of the most photogenic people I know. I never get tired of looking a pictures of you. What an adorable family you are.