Day 1 - Teton Science School

The first day we spent some time in Jackson Hole before heading to the Science School. Here is my group of 4 boys under the Elk Antler Arch. They were not much fun to shop with unless we were in the candy store or the toy store!

In front of Wyoming's Largest Totem pole.

We had a long day that day as we left Casper at 5 a.m. Monday was pretty much a relaxing day and getting to know the instructors. Everyday started with wake-up call at 6:30 a.m., breakfast at 7:30, meet our guide at 9 a.m. to head out. We usually returned between 4 and 4:30, supper at 5:30 and then a final class at 7:00 - 8:45. We had some free time which was either spent in the dorms or playing outside. The weather was fabulous, in the 50's! Each day the kids had to clean up after either the breakfast or dinner meal as the Science School does not employ janitors. This really taught the kids about leaving a mess. They got the chance to use the big kitchen dishwashing system, sweep floors, wipe tables, etc. There is a private school for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, tuition is only $15,000 a year!! The program includes lots of field work in the outdoors, what an experience.

Day 2 Teton Science School

Day 2 started with a 6 mile hike in the Brider-Teton National Forest. Got to stop and see lots of Bison crossing the road. The spectacular Tetons

Dillon taking a break from the exhausting hike. The background captures much of the scenery.

Finally we reached the top. Sat and had a very quiet lunch as the kids were not into much talking. They were told by Chris, our guide, that there possibly was a Dairy Queen at the top. This put "pep" into some of the kiddos steps. I think we need to work on the gullibility phase.

Dillon and a friend taking a water break.

Day 3 of Teton Science School

On the way to Taggart Lake North of Jackson Hole. The kids studied decomposing trees at the burn site. They had to figure out how many years ago the fire happened by "reading" the whorls on the pine trees that were still there. They did pretty good, most guessed 30 years ago, it was actually in 1985. Dillon trying on the bear hide at the museum in Moose, WY.

Just finished eating lunch at Taggart Lake. Me and one other parent had half of the class, a group of 9, plus the guide.

As we were hiking back from the lake a couple of people on horseback warned us of a bear on the path. He was maybe about 30 yards away, too close. The kids did a great job of staying calm and staying close in their group. They were pretty excited that they were the only group that got to see a bear. A memory that will not be forgotten for awhile.

Pumpkin Carvin'

The annual tradition of pumpkin carving. Ideas always start BIG and then they go to the traditional face of a pumpkin. Dillon digging in! Quinn cleaning out his pumpkin.

Pumpkin guts no longer bug Devin.

On the other hand Damen CAN'T STAND the feel of the guts. However, I think this face was a little exaggerated!! He is our little actor.

More Sledding

Devin FLYING down the hill. He is a little dare devil. Everytime he went up a little higher and got a little faster. Of course I had to try it out. Mom can't let the kids have all the fun! Those kids really are brave as you don't realize how fast you get going until you go down yourself.
About 3/4 of the way down the hill someone built a little jump for you to take your sled off. Here Boo and Quinn are trying to make the jump a little bit bigger.
Damen needed a little help from someone to hold his sled still while he got on. Then he needed a little push so he could go FASTER!

Sledding

The kids were out of school on Friday so Boo and I decided to take them up Casper Mountain to go sledding. It was so nice out that they eventually had to take off their coats.

Damen enjoying the sunshine and snow.

Dillon after a crash at the bottom of the hill!
Devin working his way up the hill.
Quinn thinking he needs to climb higher up the hill to get more SPEED!
A view from the bottom of the hill. We had it all to ourselves for about an hour. This really is a great spot.

Denver Bronco Game

On Sunday Boo and I drove to Denver to watch the Bronco/Jags game. We left Casper with about 7 inches of snow and were unsure of what was south of us. We got about 30 miles out of Casper and had great roads! We got to the stadium about 12:30, had a bite to eat, and then up to the seats to make sure we didn't miss any of the warm-up! :) It was CHILLY! It started to mist (like a light rain/snow) with a breeze. BRRR Our seats are off to the right of where the fireworks come out everytime the Bronco's score, giving a blast of heat. However, we did not get enough of the heat, hence Bronco's just couldn't score :(

We had a great time despite the loss and the taunting from the Jags fans!

A couple guys sitting in front of us. Wonder if they were still friends after the game? haha
The stadium starting to fill up.
The Bronco's entering the field.