Another One Leaves the Nest

Just as soon as Mike was back, he was gone! Off to BYU-Idaho he flew. On the way to Rexburg, Steve, Mike, Chris and I decided to spend a short week in Yellowstone National Park. I had been monitoring the weather and fire conditions every day for weeks (months probably). And all was good. I knew we would have some very cold nights, but I didn't expect snow, sleet and rain. But the worst was I had a menu that was all set around a campfire and there was a fire ban put in place about 12 hours after we left Redmond. I didn't think to check while we were traveling there! What to do? What to do? 

We set up camp in a drizzle (and while I was crying), and then went exploring. It snowed on us, sleeted on us and we were a tad bit on the miserable side, but we talked through our menu and made changes so we could cook on a camp stove and went for it! That first night, dinner wasn't so bad. It wasn't the delicious Dutch Oven cooking I usually do when we go camping, but it was OK. Then came the sleeping--it was COLD! We survived and explored the park! Such a beautiful place. 

Because of all the wet, cold weather they had, they lifted the fire ban and we were able to finally cook in the Dutch Oven. YAY!! And we figured out how to layer blankets so the night wasn't so cold. We truly had a wonderful experience. 

Rexburg

We eventually had to drop Mike off in Rexburg, so we called our fun time in Yellowstone to an end and helped Mike get settled in his new place. Our last night in Idaho we spent in a crazy "honeymoon" suite in AmericInn in Rexburg. Let's just say, it was truly out of this world! Just look at the picture and see what I mean. 

It was kind of hard leaving yet another kid at school, but they grow up and need to build their own life.

In Other News:

Elder Matthew Blanding is still serving in Georgia and LOVING it! He has been working hard. He is learning new instruments while on his mission. He bought a guitar and is messing around with a banjo. 

School

This is the first year that I haven't taught school. Jessie has graduated from Helaman's Academy and is now enrolled at Bellevue College through the Running Start program. I'm left all alone. Kind of boring! So I got a job. I'm working part time as a bookkeeper at The Root Beer Store. I get to set my own hours (well, sort of) so I can continue to train clients and help the kids when I need to.