My August Birthday

Jarod left for a nine day climbing trip the morning after my mom and my aunt boarded a plane to go home. While I was catching up on rest and recovery from a pretty big past month, Jarod was in Central Cal climbing the Sierra's.

Unfortunately he was gone over my birthday :(  However, I did get this photo in my inbox that day.

My wild flower birthday bouquet.  Happy Birthday to me.

After Jarod got back from his trip, we did celebrate with dinner and my first 3-D movie experience.

Sam's Throne, Arkansas

During our visit home, we set aside time for a day trip to Sam's Throne in Northwest Arkansas to do some climbing.  This year, my brother and sister-in-law got to come with my parents and us.   It was so fun to have them along!

Of course, we brought the dogs too... 

and those wild things loved it!  

Crazily enough, Austin had NEVER been climbing.  Here he is on his first route!

 Then Amy took her turn for her first send as well.

(Side note - gotta love that BLUE sky!)

Nice job.

Of course Jarod's laps up and down Windy Arm Buster. Where's Waldo Jarod?

Sam's is just too gorgeous.

The overlook is incredible from the top of the ridge.

 

I like that Amy and I have matching Marmot down jackets :)

Aww, Mom and Dad.

This is Jarod and I from our day trip in 2009.

 

And this is Jarod and I from the recent trip in 2010.

 

Aww, Sam's.  You make us so happy.  

A High Altitude Vacation - The Grand Tetons & Yellowstone, Part II

The second part of the vacation took place in Western Wyoming, right near Idaho.  We said our farewells to the Schultz's and drove 7 hours to The Grand Tetons.  What a gorgeous place!

The original plan was for Jesse & Jarod to do the Grand Traverse - hitting those seven peaks of the Tetons (above) in one go - a 24 hour endeavor.  However, upon arrival, it was clear that spring had come late and the peaks were too snowy and most faces covered with black ice.  The adventure would have to wait for another season.  The guys were bummed, obviously, however they did climb a nice route called 'The Snaz'.  Here's the guys right before they left on the approach:

Moments after the guys set off, I was getting into the car when I heard Taiga growling.  Not 20 yards away was a full on GRIZZLY BEAR!!  It was gorgeous and huge.  Amongst the wildlife, we saw a buffalo and a mama moose:

While the boys were having their fun, I decided to have a bit of my own.  I drove 30mi north to Yellowstone National Park.  

This place is huge!  I only had about 6 hours, so I spent my time near the geysers; what a bizarre place.

After Yellowstone, we all met up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for dinner before setting off to Rocky Mountain National Park.

A High Altitude Vacation - Wyoming, Part I

We rolled into our LA apartment at one am last night, physically exhausted, yet emotionally refreshed from a two week trek thru Colorado and Wyoming.   It was a fantastic venture.  Phase one of the trip included:
- a nonstop drive to Denver (during which I finally stayed awake through ALL of 'Fellowship of the Ring', pat on the back to me).
- an overnight stay with Nate & Julie Hoag
- continuing the journey to Laramie, Wyoming (yeah - a new state to add to my "been there" list!)

- meeting up with old friends the Schultz's [which I can NOT believe I didn't snag a picture of all of us together!!  :(]

- climbing in Vedauwoo with Jesse & Nate & Clayton

We spent three days climbing and camping and hanging with friends.  It was so great to spend time with Molly and Clayton and the kiddos.  We really miss the Schultz Family!!