Pole Canyon Trail

Ava and I joined Gretchen, Nomi, Maria, Clint, and the kids on a nature hike last Saturday. It was a beautiful spring day. The temps were great. Later on the clouds rolled in, but not a drop of rain was felt. Which, by the way, rain is the forecast today and the next few days.
Pole Canyon Trail is one of the easiest routes to access in Great Basin National Park when there is still snow present at higher elevations.
There were early spring bouquets of flowers. All trees, except the aspens, had leaves on the their branches.
We stood on the bridge and watched the snow melt roar underneath our boots.......

Isaac was feeling under the weather that day. He stayed home with Bryan. Usually he's happy trailin' with his friend Emma (who was fashionably dressed for the adventure). 

Even the littlest hiker did a great job treading the trail. It proved to be quite challenging for his little feet after a while. He loved hitchhiking on his mom's back in comfort :)

Of course when you hike with kids ~ you got to keep 'em fueled with many snack breaks....... lol
Also, those who have little hikers know that you get a lot further with friends to distract you!
:)

Water striders are always so neat to watch walk on water.......

We made it to the meadow and eat lunch, play, and relax a little bit ...............

Looking forward to filling our summer up with hiking, camping, swimming and everything else that comes with the season!
X D

"Bratty"

My cousin, Ben, raises rats for his pet Boas. Bryan bought a couple of baby rats to feed to his snakes a couple of weeks ago. One went from the menu into the digestive tract of a snake pretty quick. The other ended in Ava's hands. We told her each time she held him that he was snake food. Well, it didn't take long before a beautiful friendship developed between the two. Bonded at first touch I guess you could say.
lol
So, now Ava has a pet rat she named, "Bratty."
She has to take full responsibility for her new pet. She's proven to be a good rat keeper; keeping up with the feeding and cage cleaning :)
The rat likes to lay on top of Ava's head. Between the hair and the warmth of her skull it probably reminds him of a nest and finds comfort up there. Since Bratty is a male, he's going to get pretty big. You may see Ava going down Baker Avenue walking her rat on a leash......... lol

Ava's teacher says that rats are one of the ideal school pets because they are social with people, intelligent, really fun and friendly. 

Ok, he's kinda grown on us all now.......

You know a house is somewhat harmonious when a rat and snakes live under the same roof........... Haha

Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become an enemy. And bring not all mischief you are able to upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend.

~~SaadiR

Teacher Appreciation Party

Sunday afternoon there was an "appreciation party"  for our wonderful Snake Valley teachers. This was a small way of showing our gratitude in all they do. The special occasion was held at the Border Inn; where a lot of people showed up in support! Of course, where there is a party there is great food & great company!

We love our teachers!

Nomi handed out special pins to June Rowley, Heather Yacapraro, Cecelia Phillips, and Leslie White for all their many dedicated years of service.......

Here is an example of one of the pins:

Kathy Rountree presented Heather with a wonderful, framed sketch ............

This next photo is my favorite  :)

The Best Teachers

Teachers open up young minds,
showing them the wonders of the intellect
and the miracle
of being able to think for themselves.
A teacher exercises
the mental muscles of students,
stretching and strengthening,
so they can make challenging decisions,
find their way in the world,
and become independent.
The best teachers care enough
To gently push and prod students
to do their best
and fulfill their potential.
You are one of those.
Thank you.

By Joanna Fuchs

It's May!

I can't believe it's already May! This means that Memorial Weekend is around the corner! That is officially when our speed gets geared into another level ~ at warp speed. lol
Seriously though, most weekends are booked for fun (usually)  ~ while the kids are out of school. This is new to me, but now I see how families take advantage of these precious days off! We planned some fun things this summer. Of course, many things happen spontaneously too.
The month of May of course (since we are living in the Great Basin) means that we have unpredictable weather patterns. Swimming one day; pulling out the coats the next day. Sunburns to runny noses..... lol
So, here are my first swimming pictures of the season on our first summer-like day:

Hopefully May brings you lots of refreshing moments!