lessons i learned in idaho (long but worth it for points # 4 and 13)

so, imagine your brand new spouse says to you, "there are two back-to-back family reunions going on over the course of a week...wanna go?" while 99.9997% of people would say something to the effect of "umm...no," my brave and adventurous new spouse was actually EXCITED for such a trip.

so off to the eagle ridge dude ranch in yellowstone we flew* to spend a few days with my mom's side of the fam. here are some lessons i learned:

1. whenever possible, fly into an airport that's 50'x50'. you wont' be disappointed. maybe a little bored waiting for your ride, but not disappointed.


2. per aunt wendi's teachings, you should always take yoda along for the ride. because what adventure can't you find with yoda on your back??


3. some hot pots might look pretty and inviting and green...


...but stepping on them could cause lots of pointing and gasping from the people around you. also you might lose your cap


4. pickles with faces are the best



5. bring along a photographer who's not afraid of zooming in on the animals (nice work, the boy!)



6. always be sure to bring along puzzles to entertain the introverts of the family

i'd rather not talk about how long it took us to get that dumb yellowstone-map puzzle done... on the plus side, we sure knew our way around yellowstone after that!

7. only trust personal watermelon. even if you have no idea what that means


8. don't, however, trust any sort of stuffed animal bear that has a see through belly with other animals inside of it


9. don't try to take a picture that looks like old faithful is coming out of your mouth because it will just turn out looking like you're licking the guy's ear next to you


then off to idaho falls we went to spend the rest of the weekend with my dad's side of the family, where we learned

10. make it a point to take a spin in your uncle's "mid-life crisis"


11. take more pictures in idaho falls....

12. you CAN take raspberry and rhubarb plants on an airplane as a carryon. who knew?

13. families are fun, so we've decided to start one!


secret...and belly... is out!! we're due at the end of december and my favorite comment so far has been from my very own husband who said, "i sure hope you bake babies better than you bake other stuff!" thanks, sweetie ;)




* we were planning on driving up until the night before when we realized that it was a 10-hour drive instead of the measly 6 hour drive i made it out to be...i have a feeling that'll be the last time the boy listens to me when it comes to driving distances...