the viners visit: stuart, laura, and james

Paul and Stuart have known each other since high school. Being Paul's flat mates in 2005-2006, they were the first of Paul's friends that I met. While I was living in London, they moved and bought a house in Leeds, and we made several trips to see them there, even helping with some of their DIY projects. They came to see us whenever they were in London. Laura fell pregnant the first time just one month before me, and James is exactly one month older than Tim. She's pregnant again as well, due in April. It was great to have them here, to watch the boys play together, and to spend time with people who are so easy to get along with.

stuart and james on the suspension bridge at the environmental center

laura and james having a cuddle at the environmental center

in front of jenny lake


jenny lake again

stuart and james on the dock

laura and james on the dock

While we were at the cabin, we had a bonfire near Jenny Lake. We roasted marshmallows, and I introduced them to s'mores, which are a sandwich made with a graham cracker (sweet), three pieces of chocolate bar (Hersheys), and a freshly roasted marshmallow. A mess, but so good that you want some more. Stuart and I took the boys inside after they'd had enough, and just as Paul and Laura were about to come inside, they heard animals on the hill across the lake. There was just enough light to make out two moose walking to the salt lick that Dad keeps there for them and the deer and elk. They talked of coming to get us but decided the animals would leave as soon as they moved so they just watched them. However, more moose arrived, so they joined us in the cabin. It was nearly dark, but there was enough light that all of us, including Timothy and James, saw all seven moose: three males with huge antlers and four either females or young. It was too dark and too far away for the cameras, so you have to take my word for it.

No trip to America's wild west is complete without a little gun shooting.

annie get your gun

she took some teasing about the position of her legs but i think she looks stunnig

yes, that's a handgun in stu's hand

serious business

While the Viners were here, we had all four seasons. They arrived and departed in snow, visited the cabin in fall, braaied in summer, and hung out in old town in spring.

having a braai in the back yard

Thanks for making the the journey out here Stuart, Laura, and James. We'll try to get your way in 2010.