West Yellowstone Part II

Our Last day in West Yellowstone 

was the day our whole family (including Bailee) got to spend together.

Started out shooting.

We went to a range that you can shoot any kind of weapon.

Of course this attracted our guys.

The girls were game as well.

I would list the names of the guns they shot...

There were about 12

But I have no idea what they were all called.

We then went into the park again. 

Bought Bailee a season pass,

Hopefully she will get many chances to go see the sights with her Playmill Family.

Our first stop was the Brink of the Upper falls.

and as we were getting out of the van in the parking lot...

this came walking by.

 It looks scarier than it was.

We were not far from our van and there were a lot of people around.

That bear just came wondering out of the woods 

across the parking lot and back into the woods.

Then off on a 600 ft. descent down a lot of switch backs 

to the actual brink of the falls.  

What a sight.

 Then we drove to another over look and got a view from the other angle.

Isn't it beautiful.

 A few family shots...

 Ben has a little something in his eye and dad was helping him out..

He couldn't open it, it hurt so bad. :-)

This is what happens to the road when a bear is sighted!

Really people...

Your supposed to pull over so other cars can pass.

Instead major traffic jam.

Just shows you don't often really sight a bear.

 But.... lucky us we saw two in as little as two hours.

This one just came ambling over the hill.

These photos are all taken from our vehicle.

 The bear actually came within about 8 feet of the car.

 We also took Bailee out to Big Springs which is in Island Park

where the cabin we stayed is located.

You can feed enormous trout here and also a little 

Muskrat made an appearance begging for bread.

 The water is crystal clear and just comes from somewhere out of the ground.

It is amazing how much water this spring produces.

 A special thanks to the Lawrence Family in our ward

they allowed us to stay in there wonderfully cozy cabin

in Island Park

which is only about 25 minutes from West Yellowstone

where Bailee lives.

SO it worked perfectly.

 It was a darling place and we loved staying there.

Here's a cute one of my guys.

It was a great vacation!

I highly recommend it!

The whole experience of Yellowstone Park is so worth it.

The Playmill a must see attraction as well.

If you find yourself there...

Say a hello to our Bailee.

She loves to see family and friends.

West Yellowstone Part I

This month we took a family trip to West Yellowstone!

Our main objective in going was to see Bailee perform at the Playmill.

But, while there why not see the United States first

National Park, Yellowstone.

Our first day in the park..

The first animal life we saw...

Bison (Buffalo)

And we saw a lot of them.  Some even caused a traffic problem as they were crossing the road. 

It's amazing how BIG these animals are.

 Love this one of him scratching his neck on the tree.

 Next we were off to Old Faithful.

And after waiting about 90 minutes it didn't fail to amaze us...

 The ground rumbles and shakes as it erupts with steam and water.

It really is a sight to behold.

 That night we went and saw "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" at the Playmill.

It was our first sighting of Bailee as well. :)

She and the rest of the cast were amazing.

Day two started with Linc and the kids going Horseback Riding.

This was no easy riding they went on small trails way up into the high country.

They loved it.

 Then into the part again

Our goal today to see Biscuit basin.

An area full of active hotpots and all kinds geysers.

One of the most noteworthy pots...

The Sapphire Pool!

What an amazing shade of blue.

Linc and the kids then made a hike to Mystic Falls.

 On the way out of the park that evening we saw this...

along the Madison River.

Moose

Then we walked around the town of West with Bailee in her curlers..

Isn't she gorgeous.  She loves this look. ;)

Each evening before the shows open the cast walks the street singing

and inviting people out to see the show.

Here are a few pics of Bailee and her Playmill friends.

Bailee, Jack and Jenni

 Bailee, Addison, Dave, Bryson, Jenni

 The Theatre

We saw Bailee perform in "The Drowsy Chaperone" tonight.

I LOVED it!!

They do a Preshow and a Variety show that are both amazing.

This experience at the Playmill is one of a kind.

It's really family oriented.  The cast even sells you concessions in character.

We enjoyed it so much and hope to return later in the summer 

to see Annie Get your Gun.

We didn't really get to see much of Bailee except for her shows Friday and Saturday.

But Sunday is her day off so we have the whole day.

This will be Part II.

That's a Wrap

It's been a busy few months at our house

Benjamin has been wrapping up his High School Years.

He competed in the State Theatre Competition 

where he received Straight Superiors.

He had his MDT spring Musical "Working" where he played a fireman.

It was a very moving performance and he was amazing.

He directed a one act scene for Center Stage Showcase

called "Trifles".

He received the "Unsurpassed Performer" for 2011-2012 school year from the RHS Theatre Department.

This is the third year that award has been given.

Ironically enough Bailee was the first to receive it in 2010.

(they want a picture of the two of them with their awards in their sweaters when she returns from MT.)

He attended Junior Prom

Looking amazingly handsome...In a James Bond sort of way.

I only have pictures of him...sad day.  

That is the bad thing about having the son, they don't get pics when they pick up their dates.

We did a photo shoot for his Senior Pics in Memory Park

formerly known as Memory Grove.  

These are just a few of my favorites..

This is what he wound up choosing for the insert in his Graduation Announcement.

Things continued to be busy finishing up the academic part of high school on a high note.

He had some big finals for his Concurrent Enrollment (college classes)

and a few big papers due as well.

I am continually amazed at what these kids accomplish these days

with being involved and getting good grades.

He then had Senior Dinner Dance at Little America

I love that this is a "Stag" dance.

He went with a bunch of buddies.

I did send his camera... He came home with not one picture.

Sigh~boys.

Next, Seminary Graduation.

He was asked to sing in a group of 4 boys for graduation.

They had a few practices and did an amazing job.

Here are pictures from Seminary Graduation 

with his next door buddy since they were three.

The big day finally arrived.

The weather was beautiful and the ceremony just long enough to be good

but not so long as to drag on and on.

It was held at the UCC center at UVU.

A great place for Graduation because you can see the whole thing.

Grandma and Grandpa Pack came to share his big day with him.

I am so proud of him for making it to this point.

For a boy who spent 3 years in and out of the hospital

half of his sophomore year on Home and Hospital

and even more months going to school with IV's or Feeding Tubes

he's come a long way

and he did it with Dignity, Style and Kindness to others.

We are so proud of who he is and the example he sets for others.

He is an amazing young man with a bright future.

If you ask him what the future holds.....

Working as a CNA for the summer and fall

(the job hunt has begun)

One Semester of school in the fall

Serving an LDS Mission in the New Year.

The Future is Bright

and I know he will attack it with dedication and joy

just as he has everything else.

Congratulations Ben.   ~We ♥ you~

She's a Big Girl Now

Before I begin...

Forgive me for bragging...

But it's my blog and I am biased.

 Today my firstborn reached a milestone...

~20 years old~

She's a big girl now.

I couldn't be more proud of her.

Bailee is...

Beautiful

Loving

Spiritual

Kind

Happy

Smart

Motivated

Ambitious

and so so much more.

The thing about Bailee that most makes me happy is that she knows who she is.

She knows she is a Precious Daughter of God.

She has a strong testimony of the gospel that is her very own.

She has grown so much the last few years and really has found herself.

She is accepting of others and their differences.

She truly loves people for who they are.

It has been such an example to me in my life 

to judge less and accept more.

Bailee has a light within her that shines through.

She truly is an example to those she comes in contact with.

I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing our family

with her sweet spirit.

On a lighter note...

She is away from home for the summer

having the Time of her Life

making new friends, loving old friends and

influencing others for good.

We miss her but are so happy for all she is accomplishing.

Happy Birthday Bailee Boo!!