Happy Easter, Keester

I've been told that Keester was a bird that Michael's family had when he was growing up. All I know, is I wake up every Easter to that rhyming greeting.

So, "Happy Easter, Keester."

I decided that a family photo shoot was in order. When Moose saw me pull the bunny ears out from under the bed, he ran out of the room, tail-tucked. Moose is pretty patient as long as he has a parent touching him, but he becomes increasingly more embarrassed with his outfit the longer he wears the bunny ears.

He started out pretty agreeable. "Dad, I love hanging out with you."

"Aw, yes. Belly rubs make wearing these ears worth it. I like Easter." 

"Hmmm. I'm starting to feel ashamed. Don't leave me."

"Um, Dad? Where'd you go, Dad?"

"Daaaaaadddy!"

Since the photo shoot wasn't going so well, we relocated to Moose's grandparents' house.

He was feeling very loving. 

 Best block against slobber kisses? Tackle hugs.

 Depending on who you are, you'll find the above photo either adorable or disgusting. Michael needs to learn about the tackle hug.

We'll take it. 

We got it. Cover dog shot.

Happy Easter!

Jackson Hole Adventures

We were lucky enough to meet up with Pat and Erin and posse in Jackson Hole last weekend. Well, that was a pretty place. We spent exactly no time posing for pictures under arches of antlers and a lot of time rambling in the Tetons, playing games, and eating. That's the recipe for a great trip.

I told you they were pretty.

Our condo was only about five miles from the South entrance to the Tetons. We ended up with a blue bird day for our hike. 

Michael, Tomas, Mandy, Erin, and Pat prove that physical appearance is an important part of any hiking expedition--snow gear can be both practical and fashion forward. Here they are at the Taggart Lake trailhead.

Because I have been rather lazy lately, with my longest hiking expeditions being the .5 mile walk from our house to the park, I was happy to hang back and play photographer. I mean...I felt so strongly about my photographic goals that I boldly elected to bring up the rear. I also fought off the bears that were following us. You're welcome, team. 

 The Tetons are so steep and jagged that they feel more imposing than the Wasatch range. They rise from the valley at such a dramatic angle.

Can you spot the intrepid trio marching below? 

The views on our hike changed with each step. 

 Bradley Lake. Needless to say, there was no swimming. We did eat lunch though, during which Michael spent a full twenty minutes complimenting the sandwich I made him with such comments as, "I didn't know you could make sandwiches!" and "Sarah, what the hell? This sandwich is so good." After the third time he asked me why I've never made him a sandwich, I replied--"This conversation is not inspiring me to ever make you another sandwich. Ever." My secret?

Bread

PB

Potato Chips

J

Bread

I might make Michael another sandwich. In eight years or so.

 On the lake. I did have a Little Women moment, where I imagined Amy slipping under the ice, but the ski and boot tracks across the snow-covered surface made me feel better. Plus, Laurie would totally save me and then Jo would forgive me for the manuscript burning. So, win win.

Still talking about the sandwich. Seriously. "Really. I had no idea she could make a good sandwich."

We spent a highly-enjoyable night filled with too many enchiladas and lots of Settling. The next morning we headed to Jackson Lake. I've never seen ice that color. Despite the overcast skies, the frozen lake was bright and beautiful.

I couldn't quite capture the color with my wet lens and cold fingers, but you'll have to take my word for it. Turning the corner and seeing the lake open up was my favorite moment of the trip. So beautiful. Ok, new rule--the next time I say "beautiful" I have to do 20 push ups.

Checking the ice. 

Our buddies, Tanner and PK exploring,  Samurai style. 

Thanks for the invitation, Pat and Erin! Maybe someday you could convince us to come back (wink, wink, hint, nudge, eyebrow raise). It was really beautiful. (Aw, crap.)

Disnextravaganza Day 2

We woke up with a character breakfast. My most Disney-savvy friends told me it was worth it and they were right. Spending some money to see all the characters up close, instead of waiting in lines for it? Yep, worth it. Ellie was over the moon, but the rest of us liked it too. Gotta love Mickey-shaped waffles.

A five for each twin.

After this high five oppotunity, Ellie followed Winnie to the next table. And the next table. And the next table. She was a fan.

Bones, Chip.

I love Lincoln's face. "Mom, are you sure we should be fraternizing with this guy? He seems suspicious."

I'm pretty excited about this twin photo. Chip and Michael had quite the rapport.

 Chloe met Cruella and told her that she had a yellow lab. Cruella asked what his name was and then declared, "Ah, Ollie the handbag!"

 We took a try with the sword. Brynn was particularly interested to hear that Michael had pulled the sword as a child. While we waited for the Peter Pan ride, Brynn kept asking if we could go to back to the sword so Michael could show us how to do it. How lucky is Michael though? He actually pulled the sword!

The girls went to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. It was kind of amazing. I think I would volunteer for this job if I had a Disney career aspiration - I especially like the glitter sprinkling at the end. 

There was some trepidation, on these young faces at first. Love Brynn's side-eyes. 

 I think they started to get used to the treatment though. 

She seems pretty happy with the final product.  

Look at this little peanut beauty queen.

When they were finished, the magical singing birds opened the curtains for the big reveal. It was pretty cute.

Love these princesses in their sneakers. Morgan went with Michael for some Jedi training, since he was a little too old and a little too male for the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique.

 The padawan approaches. 

Facing Darth Maul. Go Master Morgan!

We tea-cupped and then I put my camera away, which is probably a relief to my blog readers (thanks Mom and Dad, for reading my blog).

Notice how still they are?

Action shot --according to Michael, the spectator, they were going insanely fast. 

You'll notice that our picture is not quite as blurry, although we were spinning it up.

  

Love that Ellie action shot. She's hilarious.

I loved this trip. We should travel more, team.