Star Valley

Even though I felt overwhelmed about planning Jourdan's Eagle Court of Honor scheduled for July 7th, I decided at the last minute to drive with the kids to Wyoming.  We didn't get a chance to visit Star Valley (Afton) last summer, and I was still feeling deprived...so I decided on a Thursday night to make the drive there by myself.  (If you read my previous post, you might have already figured out that I went to Wyoming.)  On Sunday morning, the kids and I were on our way.  We stopped in Hermiston, Oregon to meet my brother (in-law) Joel who brought us his daughter Makayla to go with us to visit Grandma and Grandpa Hale. 

We made it to Meridian, Idaho that day and stayed with our friends, the Olsen's.  It was so nice of them to let me make a pit-stop there....I don't think I could have made it all the way by myself in one day.  (I get so bored behind the wheel without another adult in the car that it's probably not the safest thing for me to do - I blame it on my self-diagnosed ADD.)

The next day we continued to Wyoming with a stop along the way to see Shoshone Falls.  After just being to Niagara Falls, it wasn't too impressive (size wise), but it was still beautiful.

Julia, Jourdan and Makayla at Shoshone Falls....day two of our drive to Afton, Wy.

The kids and I at the falls.  It was good to take breaks along this drive, or I would have been asleep at the wheel.  The girls insisted on watching movies (without headphones), so I couldn't even listen to the radio.  I tried using Julia's I-pod; but there is only so much Taylor Swift that this mother can handle in one day!

When we got to Wyoming, Grandma was surprised to see Makayla - no one knew she was coming but us!  I was surprised at how well Jourdan and his cousin Michael got along.  They haven't seen each other in 4 years, but they hit it off fantastically.  They played with this racetrack, chased each other around the yard with water guns, did something (I don't know if I want to know what) down by the creek.  (Or, if you are from Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming....it's also known as a "crick".)

We hiked up to the world's largest intermitting spring in Swift Creek Canyon just up the street from Grandpa's house.  The spring comes from the base of the mountain behind us.  In the summer, it stops and starts intermittently (thus, an intermitting spring).  We were there too early, so the water flow was constant at this time of the year.  Notice how white and clear the water is as it rushes out of the spring.

The river was muddy, but the spring fed geyser water was very clear.  It's was easy to see the difference where the two meet.....

Unfortunately, the muddy, high water ruined my chances at out-fishing Uncle Brad on Friday.  That fishing competition will have to wait until another visit.  (I'll still win!)  Seriously....who wants to fish in this:

On Saturday, the town of Afton held it's induction ceremony for those being inducted into the Afton Hall of Fame.  Grandma Hale had worked endless hours to see Morris Hale (Grandpa's Grandpa) inducted.  I guess Marie Osmond has other things to do....(just as well), so our niece, Miranda, got to sing in her place at the ceremony.  She did a wonderful job.

Here's the girls at the parade in their home-made fleece ties.  They spent the week creating all kinds of accessories.  Miranda helped them make flowers for their hair from yarn.

Afton is home to the World's Largest elk horn arch....just in case you are interested in that sort of thing.  (You should file that tidbit away for some trivia contest later in your life!)

Grandpa Hale is riding in the buggy on behalf of his Grandfather Morris Hale who was inducted into the Hall of Fame.  He's next to the representative from the Osmond family.

Jourdan and cousin Michael got to carry the Morris Hale banner in the parade.  (I think Michael's hat is too big...I can't see 1/2 of his face.)

All 7 of the Hale children were able to attend the family reunion at Grandpa and Grandma Hale's rock house in Afton on Sunday afternoon.  From left to right:  Darrel Hale (our Grandpa), Charlotte Elliot, Arlene Sharp, Allen Hale, Margene Warren, Duane Hale, and Nedra Alleman.  It was fun to have them all together for the occasion.

Here's the misfit collection of our piece of the Hale family. From left to right starting in the back:  Grandpa Hale, Grandma Hale, Uncle Joel, Jonathan Voter, ME, Jonathan, Jourdan, and Uncle Brad.  In the front (sort of): Makayla Hale, Miranda Voter, Beth Voter, Michael Voter, and Julia.

Julia and Makayla made their own "Prize Girl" sashes to hand out door prizes at the reunion lunch.

We set up several tables in the yard between the rock house and the white cabin for the family gathering.

Jonathan, Joel, and Robert Hale having a chat:

It's always sad to come home from Star Valley.  Until next year.....