When it came time for Ronin to have his day with dad, he wanted to do a few things. The first part was going to the movie, Kung Fu Panda 2.
And also some eating and shopping.
A few souvenirs from the day.
The last part was doing an overnight campout. Connor wanted to come as well so Jed talked to Ronin. After a few minutes of thinking, he agreed to let his brother join the trip.
The boys know by now that any kind of camping with Dad involves roughing it a little. This time there would be no tent. They would make their own shelter for the night, starting with this:
This is the beginning of what is called a "Debris Hut."
After some ax chopping and twine tying, the main support or "skeleton" is now finished...
Next came the insulating layer with whatever debris can be found - pine needles, grass, leaves, etc. Hence the name "Debris Hut."
Completed shelter and getting all moved in, not too shabby:
The night was warm for Ronin but Connor got cold. They were able to get a fire started that night but because of all the rain, it was difficult to find dry wood for the morning. Course, I should mention that Jed starts all his fires with a knife and flint - no matches.
Ronin's words when he first woke up in the morning: "Dad, this was the best day of my life."
For Connor's "Day with Dad," he chose to go to the batting cages.
Jed took some cracks at those balls too.
Afterwards, Jed and Connor ate and then went and saw this movie (which Connor had been hounding us for weeks to go to):
As I mentioned before, while Jed was home during leave he took a day to spend with each of our kids. Aubrey was first. They both decided that a day in Jackson Hole, Wyoming would be a great place to hang out and do some photography.
The first part of the day was spent in the downtown area wandering through all the shops, galleries, and eating. Jed bought Aubrey a leather pouch that she had been eyeing.
You can't go to Jackson Hole without getting your picture by the Elk Antler Arches - it's one of those "must do's."
You can still get around by stagecoach if you want.
One of Aubrey's favorite animals - elk.
The rest of the day was spent photographing the wilderness area outside the town. The mountains in this area are famous for their grandeur and beauty. Many movies, particularly westerns, have been made with those mountains in the background.
Jed and Aubrey hiked to the spot where a famous photo of the Grand Teton Mountains and Snake River were taken from.
The trees have grown taller since the previous photo so it's harder to see all of the river but it's still just as breathtaking to look at.
Here I think Jed's wishing he brought his sunglasses.
The hiking trail to the outlook:
Checking out the scenery.
This area is brimming with deer, bison, elk, moose, wolves, mountain lions, and all sorts of other North American wildlife.
This was a perfect "Aubrey Day": photography, hiking, mountains 'n forests, shopping, funny faces, laughing, and most importantly, a day with dad all to herself.
Coming home and showing mom just how much Dad spoiled her. She didn't just get the leather pouch, but also a replica of Hermoine's Time Turner. It turns and rotates the same as the one in the movie. :) Pretty neat.
