Hi from the Ranch

It is almost a week since Kim reminded me about the blog and I am finally writing. Most of the pictures I have are from the road trip dad and I made at the end of July. I have alot of pictures, but I want to show all of you the great trip we had and the wonderful part of the country we saw. We left Monday morning the 27th and drove to Crazy Horse then on the Mount Rushmore. We stopped in Chugwater, Wyoming for breakfast. In case you don't know, Chugwater is known for its Chili. We had a beautiful drive to Wyoming, but when we got to Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore, it was raining, but it didn't matter, the scenery was beautiful. We spent the night in Rapid City, and drove to Devil's Tower on Tuesday morning. Devil's Tower was amazing. Geologist have three ideas of why it is there, but none are really sure why it is there. I personally like the Indian explanation. There were 5 or 6 Indians girls in the forest and a bear started to chase them. They climbed on a rock and prayed for help and the rock rose towards the heavens and they escaped the bear and they became stars. The marks on the side of the Tower are from the bear's claws trying to get the girls. When we left Devil's Tower we drove all the way across Wyoming to Cody, where we spent the night. The next morning we drove through Yellowstone Park. We stopped to see the Yellowstone Falls and ran into old friends from Houston, the Davis'. Of course we had to see Old Faithfull.

We had a wonderful time visiting with the John, Ann and their son Mark and his family. It really shows us how small the world really is.

When we left Yellowstone we drove to Jackson Hole, on to see the Tetons, to Swan Valley to see Grandma Mollie's house and the old Lodge. We ended up in Idaho Falls and spent the night there. In the morning, instead of driving right to Salt Lake, we decided to drove to Twin Fall to visit dad's birth place. We drove right to Shoshone Falls. Where dad learn to swim and to water ski.

While in Twin Falls we drove by the hospital where dad was born, the two homes he lived in and his elementary school and the high school where Grandpa McVey taught. On to Salt Lake and a wonderful dinner with goodfriends from Houston. It was so much fun to see our friends from Houston, who all now in Salt Lake, except the Rumseys who will return to Houston after their mission. Ford was also at dinner, but missed this picture.

The next night, Friday, we were able to celebrate Pi'ikeas graduation.

We had a great trip. And it was wonderful to see family and friends and the beautiful country we live in. Another wonderful time was had at my 40th High School Reunion. Mom and Dad pick me up at the Burbank Airport and we drove to Charlie and Maria's for a delicious lunch. Later that afternoon Charlie drove my to Neka's parents house. It was great to see her parents and the house where we had so much fun growing up. Sue pick us up there. Shortly before I flew to LA, I realized my camera didn't work, so only one picture of the reunion and none for the rest of August. We reunion was fun. I think that out of class of 700, there were 60 there, but we were still able to catch up with friends and find out about others. And the best part was visiting with Neka and Sue. To end the month of August, I have to mention that Mollie is with us and busily looking for a job. She can tell you all about it.