July 8: Virginia City

The Rockies in the Distance

Virgina City

A real ghost town from the gold rush.

A Virgina City General Store

How is that for a taffy puller?

Montana Train Tracks

The Madison River

Where Joshua & I did some fishing
and Isaac found Gold. ;)

This man we met at the Madison River.
He was going from Mexico to Canada on Horseback,
living off the Land.

He asked us for a drink of water.

July 9: Yellowstone

The first elk we saw in Yellowstone.

Smoke in the distance.

A Hissing Fumarole

The Yellowstone River where the hot springs flow into it.

Old Faithful...not quite as we expected it to be.

Abyss Pool

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

July 10: Yellowstone Day 2

King of the Road

The smoke breathing mountain.

The leashes came in handy.

The springs claim all that is in their way.

One of the Yellowstone moons.

Mountain Top Beauty

Summer and winter fun all in one place...

Come to Yellowstone!

Beside the still waters.

July 11: Grand Teton National Park

Western Beauty

Peace and Tranquility

You will see more from this state in the next post.

Farewell until part 2.

Isaac & Philip

Catchup Time!

Good Morning,

Achoo! Wow, is it dusty in here! I have been getting so used to my new Wordpress photo blog that I almost forgot how blogger even works. :)

Well, anyway, I decided that now is a good opportunity to catch up on a few older events to make ready for my eventual post on the SoS conference. Believe it or not, I still do not have all my pictures, but I may just have to post without all of my pics if I don't get them in a few weeks.

Thanksgiving Day

This year we had a smaller than usual Thanksgiving celebration due to Sarah & Nelson visiting his side of the family and Benjamin, of course, being in Texas. Our one consolation was the wonderful addition of having Monique with us for the first time as one of the family.

As always the food was unbeatable! Jon digs right in. :)

Dad fulfills his patriarchal duty of carving the turkey.

After Mom, his faithful helpmeet, lays out the traditional instruments.

Karen, eldest daughter at home.

Abigail, joyful sister.

Jonathan & Monique

I wonder what they are thanking God for on this Thanksgiving?

Isaac shares a good laugh.

Philip, what did Mom tell you about playing with fire?

Timothy, youngest son and up and coming photographer.

Esther, who is becoming quite the young lady.

No, I couldn't find any pictures of myself, photography has it's downsides!

"I... don't.... think... I can take another bite."

Cider

After we finished eating dinner the Martin family came over to help us press apple cider.

First you put in the apples.

Then you grind them up while keeping a sharp eye to make sure none escape.

Finally, you press them for all you are worth.

If you aren't worth enough, just get a longer lever! :)

Once you are finished it is best to relax over a good game of Jenga.

And last of all, head over to this young lady's blog for some real coverage. As a bonus, you will even get to see yours truly teaching his younger brother how to use a sword.

Congratulations, you are now an expert at making apple cider!