Wyoming Vacation 2011 (part 3-canoodlin' edition)

"Camping opens and cleanses man's senses, just as a warm bath opens and cleanses his pores. Campers see more clearly in the woods beyond the cities and suburbs. Ears dulled by the endless clatter of machines pick up subtle and soothing sounds. The sense of smell, jaded by exhaust fumes, is awakened by the tingling odors of lakes and forests and meadows. The skin gains a sharp awareness of warm sun, cold water, the soft pressure of wind. There is something basic about the acutenes of these senses. It has to do with being fully aware and alive." -Excerpt from "Complete Book of Camping" by Leonard Miracle, with Maurice Decker. published 1961.That quote explains in a few short words why being outside is so very great. I love it. So, we didn't exactly go camping, but the last night (with joy-to be headed home to Frank-and sorrow-to leave our loved ones-mingling, as the hymn says.) we headed to The Palisade Reservoir to eat our last meal together outside.

The Palisade Reservoir is normally much much deeper--they have drained it to accomodate the very swollen rivers flowing into it... the amount of water is remarkable.

We entertained ourselves for quite sometime throwing rocks, admiring the view and wandering around.

It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Then we worked together to put dinner together.

But, mostly Uncle Cowboy actually did the work at this point.

There's just nothing quite like having a great meal outdoors.

Aren't you glad I cleaned up my plating for you in this picture?! Yes, you can tell I took very careful pains to make sure my plate was properly clean, and the food arranged just so for this picture. Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Pineapple, Grilled Asparagus (alternatively titled green licorice, or green stick food), grilled onion rings and beans cooked in the fire. Topped off with a spectacular 2004 Russell Creek Syrah that was a gift for us to enjoy together from Grandad and Gramma. It was an amazing meal.

Then we entertained ourselves watching the kids play, and enjoy the outdoors.

I miss this sweet, sweet baby!

Finally, one of the reasons we headed for the reservoir in the first place was so that we could go "canoodlin'." It should be noted that we DID NOT go "canoeing" or even "canoodling". No, we went "canoodlin'" as had been discussed and planned all week long with Uncle Cowboy, who deemed it "canoodlin' in the first place, and the term has stuck for all time.

Unloading the "canoodle".

Ah, my heart, the view. These mountains were glorious.

Headed off in the Canoodle.

Debris tends to be a little bit of a control freak. Therefore she wasn't too sure about this. However, since we came home she has announced over and over how much she loved it. Kiki, on the other hand, thought it was the most amazing thing ever, and kept saying, "THIS IS THE LIFE!" the whole time.

She was happiest of all when she was "oaring the canoodle". I'm pretty sure it shall never be known as a canoe in this household, ever again.

Do you see the forest, or do you see the trees?

I could have stayed and enjoyed this view for all time... alas, we headed home at the butt-crack of dawn the next morning. Thanks to my parents, my brother and sweet sis-in-law, and baby niece for such a wonderful time. Can't wait to do it again soon.

PS: Sunday is Father's Day! I will be doing the third annual Father's Day kids interview for our Happy Sanitarium. I thought I'd mention it now, in case anyone else wanted to do something similar--feel free to do the same one, or take just some of the questions. It makes for a fun, lovely keepsake. Here's the link to last year's!