Two BOYS and a BIGGER BOY

What happens when you send your sons to Yellowstone alone with your husband and a camera?...

Oh my! Where is your MOTHER?!!!

Russ felt he was cheated out of his last trip to Yellowstone. You, of course, remember the post because you have been looking at it for the past month. So, over Labor Day weekend Russ and the boys returned to Yellowstone to fish Slough Creek. I did not go with them this time because I was already signed up to run in the Red Rock Relay. Anyway, it was a quick trip for them. They fished Slough on Saturday, went site seeing on Sunday, fished the Provo on Monday morning, and were home before 4pm.

Here are some of the better photos...

Yackity Yack- had to come Back

The latest chapter in the Hyde Family Summer...

Here's the quick version if you are not into reading details. We went to Yellowstone. Drove for 11 hours. Slept in a tent. Woke up and fished half a day before the the rain came. Got a new camp site. Drove around taking in the beauty of God's creations while it rained and hailed. Slept in a tent. Woke up to Russ puking. Packed up and drove 12 hours home, stopping in EVERY city so one kid or another could pee while Russ YACKED his guts out!

The version for the family journal-
Every year Russ and "uncle" Chris take the boys fishing in Yellowstone around July 15th. I look forward to these four days all year. It is the weekend I tear the boys room apart, throw away all of the TREASURES that they have collected all year long. You know- every screw, spring, stick, rock, candy wrapper, bone (yes- animal bones), feather, etc., etc. The boys are collectors and keep anything they find interesting... which is everything!!! So every July I prepare myself to enter their room. I bring in the HUGE trash bags, put on the big rubber gloves, and begin the process of de-treasuring. The funny thing is they don't ever seem to know. They have never realized anything is missing. It is great. I love this time of year.
Well this year, the annual trip was not taking place. Uncle Chris and his wife had a little baby girl on August 2nd. We are very excited for them because they have been awaiting Kate's arrival for about 10 years. She is a miracle and we are so happy she finally decided to come to earth. Because of this exciting event, Yellowstone was out of the question for uncle Chris. Although his favorite fishing companion for Yellowstone was unavailable, Russ was bound and determined to still make the trip. He insisted that Gracie and I come along this year. I tried to reason that we were VERY INCAPABLE of filling Chris' fishing boots, but Russ assured me that it wasn't expected. I was going to miss my de-treasuring and home organizing weekend, but I agreed to go along.

We left on Thursday, after Russ and I each worked half of the day. We arrived to our campground at 12:30 in the morning. We very quietly set up our tent and VERY LOUDLY blew up our mattresses. Fortunately, the man in the campsite next to us was snoring so loud we could tell that we didn't wake him. We slept fairly well, stayed pretty warm, and woke up ready for a day of fishing. We drove to the Yellowstone River. There was an enormous herd of buffalo in Russ' favorite fishing hole. He went down to the river, trying to dodge the buffalo, then waded out into the middle of the river.

The kids and I were not so adventurous. Instead, we stayed by the car and laughed at the park ranger trying to keep the buffalo out of the road and trying to keep the millions of tourists from stopping in the middle of the road to film the buffalo. The kids thought this was hilarious. The buffalo would walk in front of the cars and stop in the middle of the road. The park ranger would then get on his loud speaker and yell at the cars to keep driving, but couldn't see that a buffalo that was bigger than the car was sleeping in the middle of the road. Then the ranger would drive to the front of the cars and yell at the buffalo to move. The kids loved this and it kept them entertained for quite a while. This guy was our favorite. He was the stubborn one that had traffic backed up for miles...The kids and I then ventured over to the Mud Volcanoes and hiked all around them. Even though they were STINKY, the kids thought they were so cool and made up stories of dragons living under the earth.

We started to get a little crazy. I think it was due too the high altitude... or maybe the sulphur smell. Gracie said it smelled "like Nana's deviled eggs or maybe Garrett". I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. She really says some funny things and this trip she was on a roll.

We went back over to Russ and picked him up. We drove around to check out two of his other favorite holes on the Yellowstone. The fishing didn't seem too friendly, so we decided to go and check out Fishing Bridge. We explored that area for a little while. Russ was checking out "the hatch", or what the fish were eating.

The kids were throwing rocks in the water and getting all muddy. While we were at Fishing Bridge we saw a Bald Eagle. It was pretty amazing when it flew. It's wing span was quite impressive.

When Russ and I first got married we went to Yellowstone. We drove up to Fishing Bridge and Russ could see these enormous trout in the water. He started salivating. He got his gear and raced down to the water. He had caught a few fish and was wow-ing the onlooking tourists when one man yelled down to Russ that he wasn't allowed to fish in that area because it was a protected spawning place for the fish. Russ had seen one sign that read, "Do not fish from bridge" and took that to mean he was okay to wade out in the river and fish. Russ left the water and it was then that he noticed ALL OF THE SIGNS prohibiting fishing.

Just a funny story I wanted to remember.

We left Fishing Bridge and were headed to get a campsite for the night. We drove along the Yellowstone River again as we were headed toward Tower Falls. As we were stopped in the road, waiting for a buffalo, I noticed a fish rising down in the river. Russ was able to back up and park. He quickly put his rod together and eventually caught that beautiful Cutthroat.We took a ton of pictures of this poor fish before I was able to figure out all of the camera settings. Russ is very patient with his non-photographer wife. This was my favorite picture.
We eventually made it to the Tower campground and got the LAST campsite available. We set up our tent and mattresses, threw in the sleeping bags and blankets and headed toward the Soda Butte for more fishing. That is when the storm came in. It began raining and sometimes hailing. We were unable to fish so we began traveling to Cook City for dinner (pizza). On the way, we saw a baby black bear. I took a short video of the bear, but have not learned how to download my videos yet (someday). We ate dinner while it poured rain outside. As we came back into the park, the rain slowed and Russ and Grant fished Blacktail Creek and caught a few "Brookies"- Brook Trout. The photographer was a little car sick and was napping- trying to settle her stomach. Later that night we snuck in some showers and then went back to our luxurious tent for some shut eye. We needed the rest because the next morning we were hiking into Russ' FAVORITE place to fish in Yellowstone, Slough Creek.

When we woke up the next morning, Russ said he was feeling a little dizzy. He left the tent and walked over to the "shut" (I'll let you figure that one out). Garrett and I crawled out of the tent just in time to hear Russ YACKING in the shut. When Russ came back to our campsite he said we needed to go home. ARE YOU SERIOUS? I knew he was in BAD shape if he felt too sick to fish. That NEVER happens. We got the kids breakfast, then Garrett and I tore down camp. Then we started our LONG journey home. As we were leaving the campground, we had driven 50 yards when Russ yelled, "Pull over!" I stopped right in front of somebody else's campsite who was taking down their tent. Russ opened his car door and Yacked again. (I'll bet she didn't stay there another night!). We made it to the bottom of the hill, about another 200 yards and had to stop for Russ to puke again. I soon found every time I turned the car 90 degrees or pushed on the brakes, it made Russ throw up. On the drive out of the park we saw a grizzly bear, a herd of elk and some antelope. We couldn't stop and take pictures because stopping = puking. Needless to say, it was the LONGEST drive home of my life. The kids had to pee in every city we went through. Each time we stopped the car for a kid to use the bathroom, Russ started yacking. He was miserable. I was miserable. The kids were miserable. But we eventually made it home, after 12 hours! The one day that we did have in the park was very fun. If you ask Gracie, she will tell you that we saw cows (buffalo), a brown bear with curly fur (a dog in the neighboring campsite), and a penguin (no clue what she was looking at)! What can I say? She's a city girl- just like her mom.

Today, Russ received a blessing from my dad and Brent. It is so wonderful to have men worthy to hold the priesthood in the family. Russ is much better this evening and was able to keep down a piece of toast, chicken noodle soup and some Gatorade. I think we are on the downhill side of what ever he had! Thanks dad and Brent. We are so lucky to live close to family that are willing to enter a house of Puke. You two are the best.

Wish I had it on film

This last week we had some really fun and funny things that went on. I have a great new camera, yet did I remember to bring it with me? NOPE- I am a lousy mom. Russ at least remembers to bring the camera- he just forgets to take it out of the case and use it. Anyway, I am going to blog about one of last weeks memories that I want to remember...without pictures.



THE BAT BOYS-



Garrett and Grant were asked to be bat boys at the Roadrunner's baseball game last Monday. They were so excited. They got to sit with the team. Take extra baseballs and water out to the umps. Of course, go and get the bats off the field. And fetch foul balls hit to left. The other big benefit was that after the game on Monday, they were having a CASH DROP. A helicopter was going to fly over the field and drop $5,ooo in cash and prizes. Well, the Roadrunners do not have a huge fan support. We go every week that they are in town and there are maybe 500-700 people there. Well the night of the cash drop- the stands were full. Over 2,500 people showed up for the game.



Okay, so the game is just starting. The stands are full. The umps are out on the field. The Roadrunners are out on the field. The first batter for Orange County is by home plate, taking a few practice swings. The home plate umpire hollars to the dugout for baseballs to begin the game. Out of the dugout runs Grant, with three baseballs in his hands. HIS BIG MOMENT. ALL EYES ARE ON HIM (Well probably just his parents, but...). He's two steps from the ump. He slips on some loose dirt and FALLS FLAT ON HIS BACK, the baseballs go flying. He jumps up, recovers the scattered balls, gives them to the ump, and races back to the dugout. I think he is going to be devistated. But he's not- HE IS ABSOLUTELY THRILLED. He finally has a cool MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT to share!



Way to look for the positive Grant. Wish I had it on film.



THE CASH DROP



The cash drop was hilarious. The helicopter dropped 3,500 one dollar bills and the rest were dollar coupons and free dessert coupons for Red Robin, free cupcake coupons for 25 Main, $10 off a purchase of $50 dollars at Sportsman's warehouse, etc. Needless to say, the adults were insane. My 9 year old son was trampled by 7 adults over a $1 bill. Russ and I stood on the side of the field and just observed the craziness of it all. Gracie was the big winner in our family. She walked away with $1 and a "Bird Buck". Grant was given a cupcake coupon from one of the adults that stepped on him trying to get a buck. It was pure MADNESS and I wish I had it on film.

White Trash Wonders

You know, we are what we are. What can I say? My mom and dad tried to raise me right. They took me cultural events. I saw Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast in Hollywood. They dressed me in designer fashions for the age. They provided me with an excellent education- BYU GRAD. I had cool cars as a teen, a VW bug decked out with the rims and mirrors, graphic equalizer, and fuzzy dice. Then a little Nissan truck that was great for taking everyone at CHS off-campus for lunch. My parents did all they could to bring me up in perfect conditions. I write all of this, because in no way do I want this next post to reflect on my parents. They are classy people. However,

Here are the Hyde's- in true form. The White Trash Wonders...

I told Gracie not to go outside, not with "the Waster" awaiting her arrival. But does she ever listen to mom? NO! She lasted 4.6 seconds before she was back in the house, sopping wet and in tears. "I wasted her, mom"- was all Grant had to say for himself.

Yes, we played a little golf. However, the highlights of the evening were drinking water from the water coolers and "snow cone cups" provided by the golf course, seeing who could get the closest to the green in 5 strokes (they are getting better), and washing the golf balls at the start of every hole. At the end of the night there is one thing we know for sure... the Hyde boys got clean balls.

We bowl. You would too if it were 112 degrees outside all summer and the local bowling alley allowed your children to bowl a free game everyday of summer. Man we stink when we are through, but it is cool in there. Now, if the object of the game was to see who's ball took the longest to go the length of the alley and hit no pins- WITH THE BUMPERS UP- Gracie would be the champion. It is painful to observe. The boys are pretty good. They are awkward and fall often, but they knock down pins. I need to learn how to post my videos. They are too funny.

We can make anything into entertainment. Here are our Mario and Luigi photos. We think we are so clever.

This was Grant's introduction to uncle Raleigh's dog, Skip. Let's just say that Skip REALLY liked Grant. Everywhere Grant went, there was ol' Skippy. When everyone began yelling at the dog to get away from Grant, my innocent little boy replied, "It's OK, I like it". Oh Skip, you really need to GET A GRIP.

Russ and Kaci... expecting about the same time. I think Kaci felt better after this picture was taken. Russ on the other hand... went home and worked out for two hours.

Well, this sums up more of our summer fun. We might be a little WT, but we sure have fun.

Seeing STARS

This year Garrett was selected for the 11 year old All-Star baseball team. We are so excited for him. As I have said in a previous post he really worked hard this season to prove himself. He practiced with his team and then practiced an hour longer with Russ or I everyday... by his request, not ours. He wanted to get better. And that he did. His coach called us the day after the championship game and told us that he had received phone calls all day long from other coaches regarding Garrett and how they hoped to get him on the All-Star team. He also talked about Garrett's work ethic and what a pleasure it was to have a kid on his team that listened to him and wanted to learn the game better. Those are the type of phone calls I like to receive.

Anyway, the boys won their first All-Star game 20 - 3. Garrett had two great hits (one to get on base and then a fly-out to deep center) and a walk. The mercy rule was enforced after the 4th inning. Thank heavens- I can't even enjoy those types of games, even if we are winning (Unless it is a BYU vs. Utah game and the Cougs are ahead). The following games were not as great. We played the Cedar American team who beat us 12-4. We were not playing well that day and could NOT hit the ball. Garrett played third base that game, which was a new position for him. He usually plays second. He had a fabulous game. He threw at least 5 kids out at first. Got a kid out that was stealing third. And caught a kid in a pickle between third and home and got him out. It was fun to watch him field that day. The following day we lost to Hurricane, a team we should have beat. Again, we had a couple of mistakes that the boys let get the best of them and couldn't get over them. It was too bad because we really had a good team.

Anyway, baseball is officially over. We are now preparing for football season. I think we have a 3 week break. Won't that be nice!

I love my job...

Last night I had a really cool experience. One of my neighbors called me around 10:00 pm. When I answered he said, "This is Gene. I am having a health problem. I felt inspired to call you. I know you work at the hospital, are you a nurse?" I explained that I wasn't a nurse, and that I worked in cardiac rehab as an exercise physiologist. I asked him what was wrong and that maybe I could get him in touch with the right person. He explained to me that he had been in the hospital this last week with rapid atrial fibrillation (A-fib)- a heart condition that I deal with on a daily basis at work. He said that he was just looking for someone that could check his pulse. Again, something that I do EVERYDAY. I told him that I would come right over and check his pulse. I was able to go over to his home and spend about an hour answering questions and putting his mind at ease. I could tell he just felt better when I was leaving. He told Russ today how much better he felt and how comforted he was just knowing I was close by. Now, I am not sure what more I could do other than just answer some questions... but I am glad that he feels better and that Heavenly Father put me in a position where I was able to help him.

I have the opportunity to help people on a daily basis. My job is truly one of the most rewarding jobs there is. We work with patients who were so close to death (some even having been brought back to life thanks to CPR and AEDs) and I get to help them return to functional levels much higher than they have been in years. Now, the wonderful part of my job is that the patients do all the work. They get themselves stronger. They are the ones to heal themselves (with the help of doctors and our Heavenly Father). I just get to point them in the right direction and watch it all happen.

I am so grateful for the education I have that has allowed me to find this kind of work. I am grateful for parents that encouraged me to go to college AND THEN PAID FOR IT so I could have this opportunity. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father that has given me so many blessings regarding my career. And I am grateful He inspired Gene to call me last night and remind me what a great job I have.

Oh, what do you do in the SUMMERTIME?

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you fish in a stream,

Or lazily dream on the banks as the clouds go byIs that what you do? So do I.

Oh what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you swim in a pool, to keep yourself cool,Or swing in a tree up high?

Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you march in parades,

Or drink lemonades, or count all the stars in the sky?
Is that what you do? So do I!