Country Roots and Cowboy Boots

Jefff and I just spent the last week with the entire Reitsema family in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There are 31 people in our family which makes for quite the loud, busy,sarcastic, warm extraveganza when we all get together. It turns out that we don't get to be all together very often so it is a great treat when it happens.

We arrived on Saturday afternoon to a giant, fabulous home at the base of Jackson Hole ski resort. This was where we were to spend the next 5 days. We spent our time hiking around Jenny Lake, riding the longest tram (gondola-ish thing) in the United States up to some pretty spectacular views of the Tetons (a hike up there again, of course), meandering around Teton Village etc. A couple of highlights included riding on a grey hound type bus with all 30 of us to the best spots in Yellowstone, playing with the two new babies in the family (they are the best!), playing cards late into the night, spitting cheese balls at my uncle's shaving cream covered face, and for me, our big family dinners each night. Each family (my grandma had 4 boys) was assigned one night to cook a nice meal while the rest of the families got to relax. This was a really special time for me to catch up with my aunts, uncles, cousins, their kids and my grandma. While I have been fortunate to come home to Colorado for at least every Christmas time since I left, I really haven't spent much time with my extended family in the last six years. It was a treasure to really engage in real conversation and spend time with my family.

This confirmed for me again, the value of family dinners. This is something that has always been stressed in my family and I honestly believe that it is so important in relating and connecting with one another. I got to know my family again after quite some time of missing most of their lives. I am excited to one day continue this tradition with Jefff and our children.

Jefff and I had to part ways this morning as I got in the car to drive back to Denver, and he, Alex and Nathan got in the car to start their next adventure in the Tetons. They set out this morning to hike into the mountains and starting at about 5:00 tomorrow morning, they will be climbing the Grand Teton. This entails about 12 pitches and 8 hours of climbing before they rappel down and hike out all in one day. People always ask me if I get nervous when Jefff does this sort of thing and while part of me gets a little worried, I know that not only are they three of the most outdoors competent people I know, we also have a great God that is looking after them the whole time. With that said, if you think of it, maybe you could say a prayer for their safety, success and a great time. I am sure I married the right guy-he is passionate about the outdoors and loves my family well.

Thats all for now, I am looking forward to the next two days with not much goin on!