4th of July in Jackson Hole

One of my favorite girls from college is Shelly Merrill. We lived in the same building Sophomore year. She was also from Alberta and cute, but had RBF, I didn't see her smile, she was my visiting teacher and I whined about how hard it was that Todd had just left on his mission so she thought I was one of those annoying girls. Anyway, for Junior year we needed a fourth roommate, I asked her if she wanted to move in with us and we got to know each other = we became great friends. She decided to go to Jackson for Independence Day, so we did too!

Road trips with kids looks like this:

On the 4th we went to the parade with my bffs, the Thorkildsens.

We walked around down town.

We ate at Persephone. The only breakfast/lunch place worth spending money at in Jackson.

Shels and I laid in the Gingery's (my parents' next door neighbors and wonderful friends) hammock while the girls played on their play set. We talked and snuggled. I miss having roommates and girlfriends close by. Someone move to Boise!

We rode bikes.

We watched the fireworks, played games and made s'mores (with candy bars rather than Hersheys).

We went rafting down a calm part of the Snake. My brother, Riley, was our guide.

We went hiking around Phelps Lake. It's my favorite hike because it's shady, not crowded, beautiful with wild flowers, and has a perfect jumping rock for lunching and swimming. It's also an easy hike if you're used to the altitude, buuuuuut I got altitude sickness and was ready to die/pass out for the last 45 minutes. Then the drive back into town to get water and medicine was another 30 minutes, so bring plenty of water and don't carry 25 lb. kids in a crappy carrier that hurts your body. Also, try exercising more than never before you go on a summer hike where you carry someone on your back at a high altitude. (photos of Shelly, Riley, Ivy, Regina, and me)

We were no-makeup-retainer friends.

And then we said goodbye. I miss you Shellballs. Come back soon. Or I'll come to Arizona and see you. I know your love language is gift giving/receiving, so I hope this blog post counts.