Tetons and AAC Climbers Ranch

We traveled with Lindsey throughout the northwest last summer during her first 3 months of life.  It went fabulously considering she was a newborn and we were new parents.  Afterall, how much trouble can she get into when she can't even roll over, sleeps a good portion of the day, and I'm her sole food source.

This summer we planned our week long family vacation to camp at Redfish Lake, stay in the bunk cabins at the American Alpine Club just south of Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, then stop in Ketchum for the night on our way home.  One big loop from Boise and roughly 20 hours in the car.  I was wasn't hesitant to try it, but approached the week with the attitude that this could really suck in Lindsey gets sick of the car or trying to camp with a toddler is just a complete pain in the ass. 

The picture below pretty much sums up Lindsey's opinion of the trip.  She loved it and we just made sure there was always food, drink, or clean diapers near by.  I shouldn't say Lindsey suprised me because she's a pretty easy going kid, but what I'm realizing is that she's incredibly adaptable and her needs are pretty basic.  So my attitude from here on out is (1) be prepared, (2) expect that unless she's hungry, thristy, needs a diaper change, or sick, she will survive missing a nap, quick cat naps here and there can be tolerated for a week long vacation, and if she doesn't get to be before 8, she and I will still be fine the next day.  We really had a fun time as a family and I think its just going to get more fun as time goes by.  So she better keep that smile on her face because we have big plans ahead.

Lindsey "bunk-surfing" in the Field House Cabin at the AAC Climbers Ranch.  She was so excited when we arrived, she climbed all over the bunk beds for at least an hour until we had to cut her off so at least we could get some sleep. 

On the deck of our cabin with Dad.

Hey there Hollywood, she finally likes wearing a hat.  She prefers that you wear her hat - she likes to put hats on other people's heads and the more hats someone has on their head at one time, the better.  Sunglasses are still hit or miss, but we're working on it.

These pictures are from String Lakes, just north and connect to Jenny Lake.  We found them on our last day.  Next time we will be bringing a water craft of some sort to play around on.  They were a great place for Lindsey to play with sticks and spot her first deer.

Don't look Dad, you just climbed that mountain a few hours ago.

Teeniwot Mountain on Mom's shoulders.  In the background to the left is Mt. Owen.

We hiked up Death Canyon.  Lindsey and I are above Phelps Lake.  We saw two bears and 32 kids (ages 5 - 6) on day hike through the Jackson community recreation center.  Watching 32 kids carrying their lunch boxes 1 mile up a moderate trail was quite entertaining.  I was very impressed.

Family photo in front of the range.  From left to right:  Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teeniwot Mountain.  Notice the glaciers...I wanted to get a picture with us and the glaciers knowing that by time Lindsey is a teenager, they are likely to disappear.

In the backpack with Dad in front of Mount Moran.