Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Giggling

Benjamin had such a great time playing with Aunt Liz while we were in Wyoming. Every time I watch this video it makes me smile.

4th of July

This is the first year since we got married that Dennis and I went to Wyoming for the 4th - one of my favorite holidays to spend with my family. We always go to Tensleep (population: 310) and enjoy the festivities. The following is my ideal 4th:

Gearing up for the Tensleep parade!


It was sunny and warm - perfect weather.

Benjamin picking up candy

After the parade we have a picnic lunch in the park, then a family favorite: Pooh Sticks.

Basically we throw sticks off one side of the bridge and see whose stick makes it to the other side of the bridge the fastest, a la "The Winnie the Pooh Movie".
Swinging at the park after lunch
Can't wait for the rodeo!

Small-town rodeo with the Big Horn Mountains in the background.


This bull was so stubborn - it took three cowboys to get him back in the pen.

Benjamin didn't like loud fireworks, but he enjoyed the snakes!


A family of sparklers


The day ends with us lighting fireworks out of the city limits. There were so many people lighting off fireworks we really didn't need to light any of our own, but my dad set off a couple that were perfect. Just for the record, there are VERY few fireworks that are illegal in Wyoming; it makes for a great show.

La Pieta

In June and July there was a local art supply store that had a life-sized replica of Michaelangelo's "La Pieta" on display with free admission. We took advantage of this (twice) and were amazed by the beauty of the statue. The original is in The Vatican, behind several sheets of bullet-proof glass. This replica is made from a cast of the original statue. Even Benjamin appreciated the beauty - he kept pointing and gasping the whole time we were there.


The whole statue


Details of the fabric carved by Michaelangelo. He made this statue in his mid-late 20's and when it went on display nobody believed he had done it so Michaelangelo snuck back to the statue later and carved his name on the statue so there would be no doubt that it was his work. It is one of only a few pieces by Michaelangelo that is signed by him.

Remember, this was carved out of stone. The details of the muscles were amazing.


Just to prove we were really there!

Popcorn!

This is the first song Benjamin learned. He actually learned it just after he turned 1, but I have been slacking a bit in posting to the blog...