Yellowstone

Today was National Outdoors Day which means free entrance into Yellowstone National Park.  We had a blast today!  We saw tons of baby buffalo, a marmot, a momma and baby elk, and bonus: NO SNOW.  The forcast looked terrible when we set out, but while it was pretty cold, the weather was great.  We drove up to Mammoth Hot Springs, then down to Old Faithful, we loved the new visitor center, the waterfalls, and our all time favorite spot in the Old Faithful lodge with a perfect view of Old Faithful and perfect napping spot for sick friends.  We took pictures, snacked, played, napped, and ran all over the park that we have come to know so well.  Having done everything we can now be picky and go to our favorite parts.  Pizza at Pete's in West was delicious, and we made it home just before a very cool blizzard came through, I had fire down at this point so we didn't mind, we got cozy in our blankets and snuggled down into them as we watched Anne of Green Gables. 

Hebgen & West & Fires

 We drove up in Montana today and it was so pretty!  Quake Lake and Lake Hebgen were beautiful.  We found a Beaver pond that was pretty cool too.  A stop at Erin's favorite place per tradition was great, the water was really high this year so no dancing around in the duct going to Quake.  After our adventuring in the 'wilderness' we went into West Yellowstone and walked around pretty much all of the shops.  It was kind of weird to be there and have the town be so quiet.  We had dinner at the cabin and I got really good at maintaining a fire to warm up us and the cabin, it is cold up here!

We Made It!

Back in January before school had started, Erin and I had spent a long night chit chatting about all kinds of things, when it turned to what we wanted to do when we were done with Grad school we pulled out planners, pencils, and wrote down a few things, including a trip to Island Park June 7-11.  We laughed even that far in advance knowing it would most likely never happen.  However, after a long day of work and Erin arranging her clinical externship, we set off for Island Park.  We are here and it is wonderful, beautiful, happy, and fun!  Another adventure!

Marigold Hotel

JD & I were invited to go to a movie about India with his grandparents yesterday.  I was under the initial impression that it was going to be something of a documentary on the country.  On our way there, however, JD mentioned it was a flower hotel or something of that nature.  Having been a fan of Masterpiece Classic's Downton Abbey, I suddenly knew exactly what we were about to attend: a coming of age movie for people entering retirement.  JD and I were by far the youngest people present, and what ensued was hilarious.  Any time a character side whispered or said anything, there would be at least two people who would go, "what did they say?!?" followed by a loud translation.  It was just a funny, random experience all around. Movie was...interesting, but it was fun to see its depiction of India.

Sunrise

I woke up this morning around 5:40 because I noticed the room was pink, I thought it was strange, so I walked to the window, opened the blinds, and then ran straight for my camera.  I found myself in the middle of my street, in my pajamas, and 5:43 in the morning taking some pictures of the watercolored canvas.  Things like this serve as a reminder that my Heavenly Father loves me.

S.P.E.T.H.

These were all taken at different spots around Temple Square when JD & I went to City Creek.

The Speth surname is dervied from the Middle High German word "spath," meaning "late;" thus it is supposed it may have evolved from a nickname for a tardy person.

First found in Bavaria, where the name Spaeth was anciently associated with tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes in early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region.  Their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power.

Memorial Weekend

 

 
We escaped up to Bear Lake this weekend.  Crazy weather best describes our experience.  It was very rainy the drive up but sunshiney at Bear Lake.  The next day it seriously snowed all day long.  The only time it may have stopped was when we were in church because the rest of the day definately consisted of snow, and very muddy roads.  Then today was another beautiful day of sunshine and warm weather.  I even went out and read some Sherlock Holmes on the porch.  It was fun being up there with my cousins, JD, and relaxing.