Wilsons in Wyoming

 

Wilson Reunion Part 2:

 

In addition to enjoying Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole (see here), we did plenty of hanging out around base camp.  The Lynches (Erin's parents) were so kind to let us use their home as a home base sort of place.  We could meet there for excursions, have meals, play games or simply enjoy their back deck and their beautiful back yard.  We also hung out at the campground for campfires, s'mores and a little swimming. 

 

Cooking in the trailer still doesn't seem like camping to me.  Most of our meals were on the
road or at the Lynches, but we did have breakfast one morning with the Reeds. 

Uncle Duane helped out after one of his thousand mile runs.  It's always fun to hang with them.

The campground we stayed out was not bad.  It was the Star Valley RV Ranch
and Resort.  Half of the spots were people living there.  Everybody was very
friendly, but I worried that they would be annoyed with us coming and going
late at night or hearing me constantly telling Dax and Leah to "Keep it down".
  One thing we've enjoyed doing when we go camping in the RV is filling
out our camping journal that Scott and Cynthia gave us. 

After breakfast we played "Heads Up" with the kids. 

Dax loves Emerson, but it doesn't stop him from blaming everything on him...even when he's
not around.  Emerson loves Dax, but it doesn't stop him from tattling on him at every turn.

It doesn't matter where we go, the highlight of the trip will almost surely be
the pool.  Such was the case this trip as well.  They are like their Dad, a natural
fit for the water. 

Leah catching some of the last remaining rays of sunshine before Summer ends.

Elijah found this hairy merman.  Swimtime is always more fun with Uncle Josh.

Coley Oley Ole!

Sarah and Marie.  Marie is Josh's girlfriend.  We all liked her right away and hope that things
work out.  We jokingly (but seriously) tease because we naturally want to refer to her as Aunt
Marie, but....anyway.  As long as they're happy. 

Me and Cole chillin' out. 

Our little water bug.  She had fun helping the pool lady gather up all the toys that were
provided for our use. 



This kid.  He keeps us on our toes for sure. 

This year I got a water camera for my birthday.  This is actually the first time we've ever
trusted it to go underwater.  It works pretty well. 

It didn't take us long to realize the floating noodles can double as a water cannon.



 

Leah was excited that I let her drive to and from the pool at the campground. 



 

Is there anything better for a family's happiness and well being than camping?

Leah's favorite past time is stealing either my phone or Sarah's and taking a million and one
selfies. 

We divided up dinners and breakfasts between families and took turn cooking
and preparing and cleaning up.  It made the work minimal and during the other
meals we could enjoy everybody's company.  Here is Aunt Lisa and Mom
preparing dinner with baby Reagan watching on.

This little girl is the cutest.  She seems to always be happy and smiling. 

Cookies and ice cream.  Jake, Leah and Cole are in heaven.  Thanks, Aunt Lisa!

In the backyard, the kids would explore the creek behind the house or play on
spacious lawn.  Here is Aunt Lisa showing off her futbol skills.

Lisa playing with Daxalicous.

Maybe another natural soccer player in the fam?

Uncle Jake, Aunt Erin and baby Reagan.  A family that blows bubbles together
stays together.

Emerson blowing bubbles with Uncle Jake practicing his dance moves in
the background. 

I think you can judge by this picture that the kids had a blast on this trip.  They
love their cousins so much. 

Aunt Marie, Cole and Grandma Tine roasting some mallows.

Leah and Aunt Lisa enjoying eachother's company while making s'mores.

As mentioned in the previous post, Leah took a bad spill on her scooter going
down our hill the day before we left.  Uncle Josh treated her up good with some
medical tape which was magical for Leah.  She was convinced only Uncle Josh
could help her heal. 

At one point, Erin borrowed her parents'  golf cart and gave rides to each of
the cousins. 

Reagan jumped in for this pic.

 

One morning, most of the gang got together to go on a hike.  Josh, Marie and
Uncle Tim went golfing instead and I stayed behind to get some work done
in the trailer.  I really wanted to go, but as it was, I was feeling really good
and my arthritis was not bothering me much and I felt like it was probably
better to not push it.  We still had some hiking to do at Yellowstone, so I
stayed behind. 

 

Of course you have to have a goofy pic too.

 

Elijah found himself a walking stick.  I wonder how many times it became a weapon used
on his younger brothers?

Stopping for a break.

I think Dax is riding his imaginary motorcycle down the trail. 

Cole hitching a ride on his Dad's shoulders.

Finally the Summit.  6890 ft elevation.

Sarah loves her nephews.  Here she is with Emerson.

Uncle Jake, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Duane and Sarah.



It warms my heart to see these kids willingly and happily outdoors.




Sarah and another of her nephews, Jake the Snake. 



Leah and her cousin, Cole.

Grandma enjoying the view with the Grandkids.  Aunt Lisa enjoying the cell
service from this elevation.

Uncle Jake and Aunt Erin

Aunt Lisa loves these kids as her own.  Even Cole and that face he's making.

Everybody acting creepy so Cole fits in. 

Time to  head back down.  Dax hitched a ride on his Uncle Jake's shoulders.

Uncle Jake helped everybody cool off afterwards

 

Is this thing on?!

 

You can always tell a Wilson is a Wilson.  They have that certain look that only a Wilson has.  I don't know how to explain it.  Here.  Just look at these pictures and you'll get it. 

 

Drinking water while wearing this contraption...do not try this at home.

Chinese Wilsons?

Aunt Lisa was the most fun to watch during this game.  She spent most of her
time laughing, gaining her composure, only to lose it to a fit of laughter once
more.  Hilarious!

Poor Reagan is thinking, "What on earth is going on?  Of all the families I could have been
sent to and I got this bunch of goofballs?!"

Uncle Tim

Looks like Marie fits in perfectly.

Dax is not sure he wants to be recognized with this group.  He's going incognito.

The kids also enjoyed a game of "Pie Face"

 

The last night we were all together we had a fun campfire.  Many s'mores were
consumed and many funny and scary stories exchanged.  Here is Uncle Tim
telling a story about the time he was hunting polar bear in Alaska.  Next time
you see him, be sure to ask him about it. 

 

We had a fun time with our family.  I am truly blessed to have the in-laws I do.  They are all amazing individuals and full of love.  Stay tuned for the final part of the Wilson Reunion in Wyoming.  Coming soon.