Monday, August 17, 2009

I'm back! :)

Wow! What a perfect vacation we had in Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Jackson, Wyoming! The only research I did was reading on the plane ride going there. I didn't know much about what we were about to see.

Yellowstone definitely is surreal ~ sometimes you wonder if you are still on earth...


As you can see ~ I love photographing landscapes. I had to remind myself to take photos of my family every now and then.

I bought a photo album that holds 200 photos. I'm having a tough time purging the 680 that I took :)


A friend recommended that I buy a few more albums, but I rather have a smaller album of only my best photos. Besides how many photos of geysers can I force my friends to look at...
I really enjoy staying in the national park lodges - no t.v., no computer - just quality family time.
We saw a lot of wildlife - bison, elk, grizzlies, black bears, coyotes...
I really wanted to see a moose and trumpeter swan, but to no avail...
There were wonders everywhere we looked.

It was amazing to see snow on the Grand Tetons in the middle of August. (remember, I'm a flatlander from Illinois :)
We did a lot of hiking and enjoyed a full day white water rafting trip.

I loved this little chapel.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! -Philippians
4:4

How can you not rejoice when you see his wonders all around us.
And look what we found on the side of the road on the way to the airport?!
A pair of trumpeter swans! My own little miracle!
We arrived home and had just enough time to unpack, do laundry and hit the road again... This time to visit my parents in central Illinois - the heart of Amish country.

I am so terribly behind and overwhelmed - professionally (in my real job as an accountant), personally (all the catch up housework and getting ready for school to start) and creatively (with deadlines and commitments).

Actually, I think the visit to my parents was just what I needed. There is something about the clip clop of the horses hooves steadily pulling the carriages. It reminds me to take a deep breath, set my priorities, and accomplish one task at a time. Most especially, don't forget to slow down and take a moment to rejoice.

Blessings, Patti

9 comments:

  1. Wow, the pics are amazing. My husband has been wanting to go for a while now. I'll have to show hime these pics. Glad you had such a great experience.
    Blessings
    T

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  2. What wonderful pictures and I know you enjoyed your visit.

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  3. What AWESOME pictures! Yellowstone looks amazing. I have never been. Thanks for sharing your trip. I too,enjoy Amish country. We go to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I'm hoping to get up there this Fall.

    Judy

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  4. Great photos! Isn't it just wonderful there! I only live a hop, skip and a jump from Jackson and Yellowstone and it's one of our favorite places to visit. I on the other hand would absolutely love to get to spend some time in Amish country. Glad you had a great vacation.

    Cathy ♥

    PS--Yellowstone is awesome, but someday you should try Glacier Park in Montana. Fabulous!!

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  5. OH my! I have always wanted to go there and after seeing your pics I just know I have to do it!!! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. We visited Yellowstone & the Tetons
    a few years ago - amazing! Cathy
    is right, don't miss Glacier!
    This Oct. we are visiting Grand
    Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce &
    Zion - love those national parks!
    I really enjoy your blog - your
    stitching is lovely!

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  7. What beautiful, beautiful pictures....
    I've been to the heart of Illinois Amish country...it is one of my favorite places to visit :)

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  8. Would the amish picture be from Arcola?

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  9. Looks like you had a wonderful trip! : )

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