THE ERICKSON FAMILY: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

End of Summer Roadtrip

Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons (Aug 2009)

Just before the beginning of the school year we took a little trip to Wyoming to see the most beautiful mountain range in the U.S. The peaks of the Tetons were majestic and dramatic, the foreground was green and lush, the lakes were clear and lovely. Every
scene around us was flawless.

Jenny Lake kept Tanner happy while Hailey and Dave paddled a canoe

The famous elk horn arch in Jackson

Tanner paid for the gas

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Contest Motivates Slow-Poke

For seven years I've looked out my back window, seeing an unorganized pile of boulders and dirt. Occasionally, I'd see Dave standing there scratching his head, shovel in hand. Not a lot was happening with this strange collection of various sized rocks, pipes and plastic sheeting. All of a sudden on one summer day, I resorted to the lowest form of human manipulation; bribery . I said, If you can get this thing done in a month I'll give you a hundred bucks, from MY account. The contest began. It wasn't about the money;
it was about winning and Dave is a winner.

p.s. It's a Waterfall!!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Where Did We Go Wrong?

Dear Dr. Laura,

I'm having a dilemma with my 11 yr old son. All he wants to do is sit and watch TV all day. He won't dress himself, he just lays around in an old stained T-shirt and his underwear. The most distressing of all is the programming he watches. He wants to watch American Gladiators, Nascar , Professional Wrestling and Bowling. I always had such high hopes for him; a doctor, a lawyer, a rocket scientist, but at this rate he'll probably still be living at home with his parents well into his 30's.
What am I to do?

Sincerely,

A High-Brow Mother

Professional Wrestling
providing great role models for young minds

NASCAR
just waiting for a catastrophic crash

practising for American Gladiator try-outs

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Last Minute Adventures Are The Best!

Beautiful Albion Basin

and

Cecret Lake

cold, high mountain lake

green meadows

Even grandpa took turns lugging Tanner up the trail

No hike would be complete without grandpa climbing a big boulder with the kids

My brother Jared is notorious for arranging last minute adventures. Somehow he manages to get the family together within an hour and we all take off to a scenic spot for a little hike.
The lack of planning and scrutiny drive Dave CRAZY!

Jared calls...."We were thinking of taking a little hike today, do you guys want to come?"

Dave asks..."When?"

Jared......" Oh, in about half an hour".

Dave....."What?!?, like right NOW?!?, just like THAT?!?

Jared....."It's just a little trip up the canyon, no big deal".

Dave....."Where?, I mean do you know where we're going? Have you researched it?

Jared...."I don't know, we'll just drive around , whatever".

Dave....."Well, I have to pack, I have to get stuff together, this is crazy!"

Jared...."Dude, we're not going to Siberia, we'll probably hike for like, 1 mile".

Dave...."Nobody told me anything about it! How am I supposed to be ready?

Jared...."Dude, chill.

Friday, August 14, 2009

I Have a Maid!!

I found this advertisement taped to my kitchen wall so I gave Hai-ley a call and she came right over. She went right to work doing a couple of "little jobs". After I complimented her on her work I gave her 50 cents and asked if she could come back tomorrow.

Next I'll give her a "median job" to do. But most of all, I can't wait to give her a "huge job" for $1.00!!