A Summer of Firsts, Seconds and Even A Third!

     As one of my fictional role models, Lucy VanPelt, would occasionally lament, "AARGH!!"  Logging on to this blog just now, I realized its been over TWO MONTHS since the last posting!  How can that be?  After winter finally and begrudgingly released its clench on our weather (it snowed here on June 9) summer has disappeared faster than a snowflake on a hot sidewalk.  Noticeably, my time has gone with it.

     For those returning and somewhat consistent readers, Mae Elizabeth arrived on May 3 (see older post) and with her a cyclone of activity.

     First, a second!  Glenn's mom, Rita visited for the second time (her first being in 2009).  She arrived on Saturday, June 18 and stayed with us through July 4th.  We didn't do nearly as much sightseeing with her this trip for several reasons.  Helping out Meg, then on maternity leave, and learning the various angles of double-duty parenting (two grandbabies now!) we hung close to help her out.  But more than that, we hosted a family reunion here in Inkom for Glenn's family.  When I pitched the idea to him last December he told me to send out the invitations for a Fourth of July gathering with these words "Go ahead, no one will come."  To his great surprise and my pleasure every single person except brother-in-law Neil Robelli (who had to work) showed up for the weekend.  And, a few folks arrived early!  Consequently, Rita was only here eight days before her grandson Adam, his wife Renee and their son, Simon (just six weeks older than Miles) arrived.

     I'm quite pleased to report that all of our planning, preparing, organizing and agonizing paid off!  Everything went off without a hitch and, in the vernacular of small town papers of days ago, "A good time was had by all!"

(06/29/2011) Simon Elijah Davis and Miles Lee Jurgen became best buds during the first "Rita's Clan" family reunion.  Simon is only six week older than Miles, so they were pretty much equally matched in all aspects.  Here, they take a breather on a chair at the Aspen Lift at Pebble Creek Ski Area.  They'd just finished a long hike (?) which involved much curiousity and the throwing of rocks in every stream and puddle encountered.

     On Saturday evening, July 2, we arranged for a professional photographer to record the family get-together.  As the self-appointed family historian, I was determined to get a few good photos for posterity's sake.  Plus, everyone received the opportunity to have their own group pictures done, especially the four-generation shots with Rita, her kids, grandkids and great-grands.

  Rita's Clan Family Reunion.

(Front row kneeling/seated) Joshua Jurgen, Miles Lee Jurgen, Meghan Davis Jurgen with Mae Elizabeth Jurgen, Rita Fulton Vogel, Tyler Hughes.
(Second row/standing)  Jeanne Lynn Davis in front of Davawn Peterson, Matthew Stephen Davis holding son Kru Stephen Davis, Kamie Lyn Davis, Vicki Vogel Robelli holding granddaughter Celia Grace Robelli.
(Third row)  Adam Lee Davis holding son Simon Elijah Davis, Renee Gonzalez Davis, Jennifer Hughes, Glenn Steven Davis, Linda Valeck Davis.
(Back row)  Alvin Ashley, Gayle Vogel Davis, Rorik John Robelli, Erik Neil Robelli.
(Not pictured - R. Neil Robelli)
Photo used with permission.

  The departure of our last "Rita's Clan" guest serendipitously coincided with the arrival of our next round of visitors.  We drove nephew Rorik Robelli to the Salt Lake City airport on Wednesday, July 6 for his 1:55 pm departure.  My sister Brenda and niece Layne arrived at 1:45 pm that same day for their one-week and first-time visit!  Although having two houseguests was not quite as intense as the Jurgens' and we hosting 20+, the seven days filled to the brim with activities, sightseeing and quality family time.

     Despite her certainity that grizzly and black bears encircled the toll booth at Yellowstone National Park drooling at the chance to eat her, we previously talked Brenda into a quick-trip to the area.  We spent one day "doing" the Grand Tetons and Jackson, WY and then a brief encounter with YNP as we entered through the south and exited at West Yellowstone, MT.  Ironically, not a bear to be seen!

(07/11/2011)  We are all that remain of our nuclear family now, so Brenda and I do, indeed, remain "old faithful" to each other.  I was delighted to show both her and Layne even a small part of the park Glenn and I hold so dear.

     Sadly, the time with Brenda and Layne came to a close quickly when I helped them board the Salt Lake Express at 8:30am on Wednesday, July 13.  The time too short, the "want-to-dos" too many, but the time together priceless.

(07/09/2011)  Couldn't let the opportunity pass to show off niece Layne Hillesland.  Wow!  What a beauty she's become!  Now 16, Layne excels academically (ranked in the top 5% of her junior class of 600+ students).  She also played Varsity Badminton last school year and is pretty much a shoe-in for a spot on the Varsity Volleyball team in the fall.  Additionally, she's landed the role of Lead Anchor for her school's in-house video news broadcasts for 2011-2012.  And, just prior to her visit in Idaho, she completed a two-week, all-expenses paid summer camp/internship in the field of journalism at Eastern Illinois University, one of about 20 high school students selected from over 150 applicants.  After returning to Plainfield, she took up her summer job -- teaching swim skills to preschoolers!  Way to go, Laynie!

In this picture, she poses with Brenda near the Snake River at Idaho Falls; the Mormon Temple spire is in the background.

     No photos of our next guests as I pretty much was running out of steam.  However, on Friday, July 15 we hosted three Altrusans from New Zealand for one night.  They were headed in the direction of Rapid City, SD for the Altrusa International Convention the weekend following.  Having helped out with tips and ideas for their three-week itinerary while in the States, I invited them to stay here.  After all, I can see I-15 out my window; how could they not stop by?!  What a delightful, albeit short, time I had with my Altrusa friends.  Sad to see them go, not just for the camraderie, but because I'd be missing the Altrusa convention as well.

     The Kiwis left on Saturday and Glenn and I bolted out Monday morning, July 18 for a one-week camping trip near Island Park, Idaho.  We stayed at the Buffalo Campground on the Buffalo River.  Most of our time was spent fly fishing and looking for places to go fly fishing.  A happy occurrence:  while fishing along Moose Creek we looked up to see an actual moose!  Glenn is by far the more talented fisher, and he landed far more fish than I.  However, my week's highlight -- I actually hooked (but, sadly lost) a trout on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River just below Island Park.  For the not-in-the-know fishers out there, Henry's Fork is world-reknown for fly fishing of trout.

     Certainly, the highlight of the trip was the arrival of the Jurgen family for the weekend.  Two firsts in that regard!

(07/22/2011)  Another summer first as Mae Elizabeth joined us (as well as the rest of her family) for a camping trip near Island Park, ID.  She never let out a peep; slept incredibly well in the camper, ate just fine and didn't complain.  Consequently, she was voted "Best Camper."

     Grandpa couldn't wait for this next "first" but unfortunately Grandma's camera batteries died just before the event.  On Sunday, July 24, we all took Miles fishing at the Harriman State Park family friendly fishing waters.  Grandpa helped Miles catch his first fish --- a 10" rainbow trout!

(07/22/2011)  Miles clutches his cup o' worms along the banks of the Buffalo River. Although this fishing excursion wasn't successful, two days later we'd hear him exclaim loudly and proudly, "I caught my first rainbow trout!"  With Grandpa and Daddy's help, he landed a 10" rainbow near Harriman State Park.

     The weekend following the Buffalo River trip, Glenn and I 'slid out' to a semi-favorite spot at the Mackay Reservoir (Joseph T. Fallini) campground.  We just spent three nights, but most of our time involved either exploring some back roads of the area and/or fly fishing.  Only one unfortunate incident; we got a flat tire on the Forest Road 128 along the North Fork of the Big Lost River.  Fortunately, however, we discovered it on a portion of the road that was level and near a turnout.  Glenn changed it out for the spare without incident, and the next day we spent $30 for a replacement to act as a spare.  Tomorrow, an appointment for new tires!

(07/32/2011)  Although Glenn and I caught a nearly equitable number of fish during the Mackay trip, only he landed one big enough to eat.  Here, he cooks his 16" rainbow trout over our fire while holding a bottle of name-appropriate "Fish Eye Chardonnay."  Rounding out our meal:  noodles Alfredo, fresh broccoli, fruit salad.  Yum!

     Tuesday, August 2 Meghan's maternity leave came to a close and we took up duties again as owners and proprietors of "Davis Daycare and Spa" -- but now for two grandbabies!  So far, so good.  Obviously.  As I type this they're simultaneously sleeping!

     On the near horizon for us will be a week-long camping trip at Yellowstone for more hiking and fly fishing, made possible (in part) by a visit from Josh's folks -- to whom we will temporarily turn over the key to Davis Daycare.

     We hope to make a short weekend jaunt to the southwest corner of Yellowstone (where few tourists bother to wander).  The area is home to seven hikable waterfalls and some good fly fishing opportunities.

     Providing the DDR doesn't sell, Glenn plans to return to Michigan for deer hunting at the end of October.  We are now negotiating my possible return as well the week of Thanksgiving.  If it works out, we can take in both the historic UM vs Nebraska game on 11/19 and the UM vs Ohio State game the following Saturday.  Keep your fingers crossed for the 'Rines!

(07/02/2011)  Finally, just because I like it . . . Meghan Leigh, Mae Elizabeth and myself.

Photo used with permission.

   Oh!  And the "third" I mentioned in the title of this post?  Miles turns THREE in less than two weeks!