Joni and Madison

For the 4th of July we wnt over to Rick and Cindy's (Joni's parents) for their annual Independence Day BBQ. We had a lot of good food and an enjoyable time. After dinner Joni's bro-in-law Tony brought a game similar to horse shoes and we played that for a while. It was actually pretty fun. I wouldn't mind having something like it one day.

Here I am taking a toss. It was actually a little harder than I expected.

And here's Joni taking one of her tosses.

After the game everyone gathered out front to watch me light off some fireworks. It was a lot of fun considering I was always the one to light the fireworks off for my family.

Here I am at my finest.

I like to light things on fire and blow them up.

The kids seemed to thouroughly enjoy themselves while watching the fireworks.

Here is a little parachute that was launched from one of the fireworks. You can't see it that well, but we tried to get the best picture we could of the little guy.

We decided to go somewhere on our Honeymoon that had sentimental value for both of us and somewhere we would never forget. We also wanted to go somewhere unique. Mexico, Hawaii, Disney Land, etc. has all been done and done before. On our wedding night we stayed at the Anniversary Inn in Salt Lake. We stayed in the Safari Room. It's a really cool place. When we woke up the next day we started our drive to the bulk of our Honeymoon. JACKSON HOLE!!!!

While in Jackson Hole we visited downtown and the town square several times. We ate some good food and went shopping there. It's such a fun and secluded town.

Sometimes the wildlife can get a little close to home. ha ha

We spent two different days up in Yellowstone. It's only about an hour drive north of Jackson Hole and it's a gorgeous drive at that.

Here we are with Upper Yellowstone Falls in the background. It was a little overcast and cool that day, but we still had a lot of fun.

We even passed the town of madison inside the park. Had to get a picture next to the sign.

Here is a pretty view down the Yellowstone Canyon from the top of the Lower Falls.

Here's Madison at the top of the Lower Falls.

And here's Joni at the top of the Lower Falls.

We hiked around so we could get a head on picture of the Lower Yesllowstone Falls that is recognized by many people.

This isn't a very good picture, but it's the back side of the Hotel at Yellowstone Lake. I have many a memory of this hotel from my youth and family vacations that were taken to Yellowstone.

Here is the famous yellow bus in Yellowstone, outside the Lodge at Old Faithful.

Here we are respectively with Old Faithful in the background. We were fortunate enough to not to have to wait very long to watch the famous geyser erupt.

Another view of the Old Faithful Geyser.

A mud pot close to Old Faithful.

Here's Madison goofing around inside the gift sore of Old Faithful.

On one of the days we went on a river raft trip on the Snake River. Mad River Boat Trips is who we went through. The day we went it had been strorming most of the day. We were told the water level was really high. Since the float trip was going to be three hours long, we were required to put on wetsuits to use for the ride.

Here is Madison in his wetsuit.

And Joni in hers.

While in Jackson Hole we stayed in a little cabin like hotel named Cowboy Village. Instead of a big hotel with many rooms in one building, the rooms were their own little cabins. It was actually a really cool place to stay.

Joni outside by the sign.

Here are the newly weds having fun and enjoying themselves.

And here we are outside our little cabin. Like I said, it was a cool, cozy little place to stay.

Joni in a bear chair that we found while shopping around the town square. It's like he's giving her a big bear hug.

The bear looks like he's in a little pain with Madison sitting on him. Madison seems like he's enjoying himself. ha ha

Why does he always have to get into mischief when he finds animals?

That is one big elk!

Ride 'em cowboy!!!!

Cool cowboy statue.

A look into the town square and a look at the famous antler arches of Jackson Hole.

Here we are under one of the big arches.

There is a horse drawn carriage that gives little rides to people around the town square. Reminds me of the Wells Fargo carriage.

This was a BBQ place right next to our hotel, and we could constantly smell it and it was delicious. We decided we had to go there and the food was sooo good!!!!!

We went to a Ripley's Believe It or Not and Madison found himself in belt buckle heaven. There were som many belt buckles. What is shown in this picture was only a fraction of what they actually had.

We crossed the Continental Divide several times during our exploration of Yellowstone.

We also had the opportunity to go to a chuckwagon dinner and the Bar J Ranch. Here is the entrance to the ranch.

Here we are near one of the wagons on the ranch.

We had a BBQ dinner and entertainment. The entertainment was a group of the workers on the ranch who tell stories, jokes, and sing a lot of old folk and country songs. There was a good time had by all.

One activity we particpated in together was a couples massage in Jackson Hole. We weren't able to get pictures of it, but it was very nice and relaxing. It felt very good to get a massage. It's been a while, and it was well needed.

On our way home we stopped at this restaurant in a little town in Wyoming. It was a good little place. We drove the rest of the way home to start our new life as a married couple. We were both very excited to get started.