Happy Birthday

My Mom's birthday is September 30th.
I know this will embarass her but she deserves it.
I don't know if you know how wonderful she is but, I will tell you.
She is a very kind, loving person. Her testimony is evident in how she lives. It is strong and in tact. She has a laugh that lights up your day and, the most beautiful smile. I can't ever get a "real" picture of her, she is so humble that she freezes. She isn't showy and is very resourceful.
On her birthday we took her to Rib City and I was sneeky and got this picture. Isn't she beautiful! I love you Mom! Happy Birthday and thank you for my life!!!

Close Encounters of the elk kind...

We had a tradition when we lived in Wyoming that this time of year we would go to the northern end of Yellowstone. There we would watch the elk and listen to them bugle. One year we had a very close encounter (it was not our fault). The next day the rangers had blocked off the area so no people could get close to the elk. My Mom's birhtday is September 30th and we decided to go on a trip to Estes Park. We stayed in some condos about 4 miles out of town. Then traveled into town to "view" the elk. At the golf course there were a few so off we went. We walked over the bridge and the trout were spawning and we watched them try to swim upstream. As we walked along the very populated path we came upon this little bull. He was taking his aggravation out on this little bush. Most of the party decided this WAS NOT a smart place to be so they went back to the cars. Dennis, Bay, Dad, Cameron, Hyrum and I all walked on. Then he turned and walked right to us. YIKES!! We ended up between him and his one cow that was laying at the side of the lake. He wasn't bothered by us and walked down by the trees to be with her. while we all stood there and watched.

A little further down the path there was this bull with a nice harem. He was putting on the show for us. He would whistle and then rake the ground a little. Then work his cows into a nice grouping again. I did get a little nervouse again when the little fella' we saw earlier started to come over and whistle toward him, very near us. Nothing came of it thought.
When we looked back the cow from before had gotten into the water. She had a hurt hind leg and was apparently soaking it. I was able to get some great pictures with the leaves and lighting!

We traveled up over Rocky Mountain National Park, It was beautiful!

We ended the weekend in Steamboat. We went to church and then drove home! Fun weekend! Thanks Mom and Dad!