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Jackson Wyoming Day 4

The last day of events involved a stewaradship project arranged between Teton Science Schools and the rangers of GTNP. We were given a quick familiarization to the vegetation of the park, and we were let loose at an area of the woods in which an aggressive weed was invading and choking out the natural feeding grounds of the pronghorn and moose.

Our group cleared out millions (I don't know, it was a very large area though) of acres of the houndstooth weed, with everyone including the littlest ones chipping in to help. Another valuable lesson for the kids about taking responsibility and ownership of a natural treasure.

Dylan and Sophia especially eagerly participated, and even broke a sweat, taking part in this. They really got it. Now, the Grand Teton National Park holds a special place in their hearts. Every now and then, Soph would say, "Can you believe we saved the plants for the deer and pronghorn to eat?"
Because of this tasking, the kids were exempt from attending a junior ranger program (this was a much bigger deal after all) and were automatically given their Junior Ranger badges for the park.

Jackson Wyoming Day 3

The first half of day 3 involved a float trip down the Snake River and a hike. Again, the girls were left behind, not that they minded.

This is George the bald eagle, his mate Martha was flying around the area.

We saw a total of 6 bald eagles in the span of two hours during this float trip.

The minimum age for float trips is six years old. It was very very tame, no whitewater at all. I gather the only reason they don't let babies on is for insurance purposes. Beautiful again, of course, with the Tetons in the background.

We drove to the Gros Ventre area to eat our picnic lunches in Mormon Row. A road of old settlements in the area. We were able to view herds of bison and watch the ground squirrels scurry around us.

After a FOCUS discussion group, we drove into town to watch the local fireworks show. A long and tiring but otherwise perfect day.

Jackson Wyoming Day 2

Saturday was our first foray into the Grand Teton National Park. Our scheduled activities were not conducive to the safety of the little ones, so both girls were left behind at the provided daycare on campus. They were busy with arts and crafts and playtime with other kids their age. (Actually, Sophia was old enough to go with us, but she opted out since she is deathly afraid of the water because of a near-drowning incident two years ago.)

So what's cool about GTNP?

1) It's quite smaller than the neighboring Yellowstone, so it was not even close to as overwhelming.
2) The Tetons (the mountain range) are seen from every freaking where in the park. They rise up out of nowhere...with no foothills to block the view. They are breathtaking.
3) Because Yellowstone is right next to it and attract the brunt of visitors, GTNP is quiet with NO traffic. Great place to really appreciate the beauty of nature without dumb tourists doing stupid things like trying to pet the bison.
4) Bald eagles, moose, bison, pronghorn, marmot, beavers....I can go on and on. Yes, we saw them all except the grizzly bear (but I don't think I really wanted an encounter with one in any case).
Our first excursion was at String (er) Lake at the foot of the Tetons. Dylan took the front position and the Mister took the rear while I in my carpal tunnel syndrome glory took the position of "duffer," a glorified title for lazy-ass-sitting-in-the-middle-doing absolutely-nothing-but-taking-pictures-and-taking-in-the-view.


D was very nervous about taking the lead position, arguing he was not near as strong as his dad to paddle our canoe around. But after a bit, he caught on and was a natural, always good to cue his dad instructions on switching paddling sides. The Mister and I always lamented on the circumstance that we have not been able to have private bonding time with our oldest since we usually had to cater to the girls' interests most of the time. This day was fantastic time for us three without the distractions of little girls needing emergency potty breaks.

Look at that view.

We ate our packed lunches on the water, our canoes tethered to all the others in our group. Our fabulous and extremely smart group guide, Kelly, led us around the lake, pointing out beaver lodges and other geological features of the mountains in the forefront. I don't think Dylan would have cared what a glacial morain is if it weren't for our cute guide. :-)

We turned over the canoes to the next group, and we hitched our backpacks on and hiked to neighboring Jenny Lake.

Check out the bald eagle's nest in the background.

Back "home" playtime with the little ones began before a yummy dinner of beef tenderloin.

Liv ecstatic to have the family back to pick her up from "school."

Jackson Wyoming Day 1

What: Operation Purple Family Retreat

Where: Teton Science School Campus, Jackson, WY

Why: Rest, Relaxation, Adventure for families who have endured deployments

Fam Och had never heard of the Teton Science Schools until this retreat, but apparently, this non-profit educational center specializes in environmental science and preservation education for those eight years old and up. They host day camps throughout the summer, and have dormitories, I believe for in-resident studies throughout the traditional school year.

It is here that we stayed, in the dorms built from 100% recycled material, powered partly by solar panels stationed throughout the campus, which of course was a great thing because it gave us an opportunity to explain the importance of energy conservation to the kids and have them experience it firsthand.

The dormitories

The campus lay in the Coyote Canyon, nestled between aspen groves where pronghorn antelope can be seen grazing at the tops of the hills above us. Along with the excursions, all lodging and meal expenses were provided in this retreat. There was no cleaning staff, however, and so each family teamed with another each night to take over kitchen cleanup duties. I have never seen Dylan excited to wash dishes before this! He was in charge of rinsing with teenaged twin boys of another fam, while the Mister dried dishes. Sophie vaccuumed the entry rugs, while Liv and I sprayed and wiped the tables and chairs in the cafeteria.

The first day consisted mainly of checking in and getting settled in our room. A double bed and two sets of bunk beds, in our case. Being nestled between canyon walls led to a consistent and oftentimes chilly breeze, but this did not stop Sophia from partaking in some relaxing in the rocking chairs situated outside the dorms.

We got to know all the other families from different branches of the military. Some came as far as Georgia. We had icebreakers and family arts and crafts (one of them had us creating our family flag), followed by free time playing lawn games and romping around the playground.

It was a fabulous start to an even more fabulous weekend.

When to Let Go

I like to think (since I am a prideful sort) that I am open to try new things, even ones I am not completely comfortable in. And so, despite a bit of trepidation, I agreed to attend the neighborhood book club. Some members I am neighbors with, and of course all of you know how much I adore them. Others, I was only vaguely familiar of.

Our first book selection was excellent...These Is My Words, selected by our newest circle resident was a satisfying read. The second was an even better one, The Help by Kathrynn Stockett. I enjoyed these novels immensely.

The discussions were light and fun...up until they started to talk about subjects I had no vested interest in. It was a silent alarm in my head urging me to leave once it got started. At first, I shrugged it off, reasoning that it was only a natural path of conversation since they all shared that common tie. I, unfortunately (and only for the conversations' sake), just could not participate. Oh, well. But when it happens each time...really, I would think for simple etiquette's sake, a group should not discuss topics not everyone can partake in....whether it be bad-mouthing unseemly folk at your local gym (really?) or what is being taught at your church.

But, when I found out that my book selection A Reliable Wife was shelved a week after the decision was made because of its risque and disturbing nature, I was a bit put off. I DID give that disclaimer...this is not a tame smile-when-you-go-to-sleep story. It is dark and sinister, delving into the minds of the characters, all disturbed in their own sort of way. But, the one factor that I loved about it is the human condition itself. Everyone wants to be forgiven...everyone thirsts for redemption. But, regrettfully, this was TOO disturbing. Instead, The Giver was chosen, a novella my sixth grade son had read in school. Oooookay.

Conservatism is something I do understand to an extent. I can sympathize. But I do have to admit there are some aspects of it I do not agree with. To each their own. What I can't quite wrap my head around is: why shun a book that contains graphic (albeit realistic, yes, people, others have sex and have dirty thoughts outside the sanctity of marriage) material, and then turn around and rave about another that depicts an adolescent getting raped and murdered by her neighbor (The Lovely Bones)? I am confused. And what is not disturbing about that one?

Selections are veering away from the quality of books and their potential for discussion. Instead, they are being made based on their availability at the library. And of course, their G rated nature. I might as well ask my son for recommendations.

I was supposed to host the next one. Ummm, I think I'll have to decline. I have a stash of books I acquired through unbelievable bargains at the bookstore, and I'll just have to join an online forum or maybe another club from the base.

I tried it, I do not fit. It is okay. But let me cut my losses at this point and move on.