7 Year Anniversary

The timing of the Shepherd wedding was perfect for us to also celebrate our Anniversary, as our big day was the day after the Shepherd big day. So we booked ourselves a room at the Homestead and stayed for a wonderful night get away.

The Crater

My cute boys (before NQ kneeled at the waters edge and sustained muddy pants.)



Blowing bubbles in the hot tub




A very nice room at the Homestead (not the exact one we stayed in, but one pretty close.)

The Homestead - a band happened to be playing on the lawn that night, so we enjoyed it for a short time.

The Petty's in the Crater (we didn't have time to swim in it)

The ducks and gold fish of Fanny's Grill where we had our Anniversary Breakfast Buffet where Dad and Brooke joined us. Nathan ate 10 pieces of bacon, no kidding, and four slices of french toast. (He hadn't enjoyed the wedding dinner like Shane and I had.)

Some lovely Landscaping

The indoor pool where we had our pre-breakfast swim

I highly recommend the Homestead, not only because they have 24 hour service, a spa, an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tubs and a mineral pool, two restaurants, a gift shop, fantastic rooms and beautiful landscaping...but because they give you a large sample of fudge at check in. And it is the best fudge ever. Yes, we had a great little 12 hour (work free) private get away, with Nathan. And we wouldn't have wanted it any other way :o)

The Utah Midget Shoot

Nathan and I joined Shane in Salt Lake for one of those 48 hour weekend trips at the end of July...about the 22 ish. While there, I took some photo's of Nathan playing in the back yard. Here they are:

It took me three days to recover from this trip. I got too tired, too hot, and was too darn sick to be doing anything! Glad that weekend is over!

It isn't just me...this is how Nathan looks the day after we get home from our weekend trips too.

Sheridan Rodeo Days and Water Fun

The weekend after the 4th of July is when Sheridan, WY celebrates Rodeo Days. This is a serious holiday, businesses shut down to observe. This year Nathan, Shane and I went to see. Later in the week Dad and Lori also came to take part.

The Carnival was a draw to young Nathan who took turns riding on his first Carnival rides. Because Shane and I were a little unsure as to how he would do by himself, Aunt Brooke volunteered to take the first spin with him.

Aunt Brooke and Nathan in the Car

The Fam at the Parade



Nathan and Grandpa at the Pancake Breakfast



Nathan on Rodeo night two, flying Solo in the helicopter

Driving on Night Two with some passengers

Day at the park, before we headed home

Heated little Firetruck Driver


In Sheridan there is a water fountain for people to play in. Had I realized what a hit it would be we would have played in it several times during the trip. As it was we found it right before we would need to head home. Nathan LOVED the splashing. Every time the water stopped he would, in a very upset voice, say: Can we do it again?!! So we did. We played in the fountain three times. During the breaks we ate ice cream and ran in the grass. Nathan sustained the worse sunburn he's ever had at the splash fountain. He cannot go long at all without some sunscreen on his pale little body.

Splashing in a puddle awaiting the first splash session




Running amok in the water


A Very Happy little boy


Wes and Shane being taken by surprise by the random spray pattern

The Petty's were invited to stay at the Graham apartment. It was very nice to have a place all to ourselves. We had an excellent time at Sheridan Rodeo Days and recommend it to any who want some rodeo/festival time. Thank you to Brooke and Wes for setting us up!

Tid-Bits at the Petty's

Here are a few tid-bits about the goings on at Petty's Place:

Nathan (like all two-year olds) is very possessive about things. Shane was playing with him the other day with his trucks and said, "Well, I think it should go over here like this. That's my opinion." And Nathan, NOT to be outdone said "NO! It's MY opinion!" This cracked me up. We're so glad he has his opinion.

Yesterday, Shane went garage sailing. He found a Christmas tree. We set it up in the living room to see how it looked. It was the happiest thing that happened all week! I LOVE Christmas and was SO glad to have a tree set up in my living room to admire.

Nathan has starting to learn about similes. For the last two weeks, when he gets chilly, he gives a shiver and says "Momma, I'm cold like milk."

The family went to a whirlwind Utah trip last week. We accomplished little, and were a bit discouraged. Mostly for Autoplex. I did however, procure a few maternity tops...I need to go back and get some cuter ones from Motherhood Maternity (I'm 16 weeks along now, not showing too much yet) I only made it to Kohls. Came home and was really sick for a few days. The highlight was seeing Harry Potter at Thanksgiving Point. No offense Lander/Riverton but digital sound, Big Screen, stadium seating and a clean theatre do make a more enjoyable viewing experience. However, the water I bought was almost as much as my ticket.

I have photo's from Utah and some photo's from rodeo days in Sheridan that I need to get up, but haven't done so yet. They are pretty darn cute, and I'm excited to get them posted. Plus the accompanying stories.

Nathan starts swimming lessons again tomorrow, I'm looking forward to this diversion. And to see how NQ does in an hour swim lesson. Especially since we went to the lake last week and he jumped off the boat, I don't know, at LEAST 30 times. He loves swimming, and didn't even mind his new life jacket. We'll have to go again when Shane can come and help round him up and return him to the boat.

Ah yes, and returning from the lake was an adventure as the truck was filled with gas, instead of diesel at the Riverton Co-Op. Impressive we made it home.

Shane has courageously been cleaning the outside windows of our Northern View. This has terrified me. But they are looking much better! So long as I don't see him swaying around on the ladder, I do fine.

I NEED some new requests for good books to read. I'm not a fan of sad/crying/disturbing types. (Example: Did NOT like the Kite Runner)

Just thought I better get some updates posted! Thanks for waiting.

Barney and Graham Engaged!

Brooke Megan Barney

Engaged to

Weston Timothy Graham

June 27, 2009

Wes set up a very well executed plan to have the Barney/Petty clan meet up in Jackson Hole at Snow Bird on June 28th, for a surprise brunch in the honor of the engagement. Brooke had NO clue we would be there and was perfectly surprised to have her family waiting at table to celebrate a wonderful occasion. Hats off to Wes and Travis for the ring exchange without Brooke knowing about it and HUGE hats off to Wes for setting up a party for us to all enjoy some happy times together. Brooke and Dad cried. Brooke and Wes were animated story tellers. The babies were adorable. The Daddy's took wonderful care of their kidlets and the rest of us enjoyed presents, tasty brunch, stories and good times together.

CONGRATULATIONS to Brooke and Wes.

We're excited for you both!

Ahhh, the emotion (and the only photo of the ring I made it home with.)


The happy Parental Units


The Brother of the Bride to be, and the CUTEST niece EVER.



Sister of the Bride to Be, and the CUTEST niece EVER!


My Husband and NQ as the CUTEST present EVER!

My Best Mother's Day ever!

I love having my baby boy. I love that he has my blue eyes and my blond hair and that all the rest is like his daddy. I love that today, after about a million kisses, he said "Momma! Stop kissing me!" I love kissing that midget. I love that he takes books to bed, books to the bathroom, and books to the car. I love that he does this with cars and trucks too. I love that he tells me "Momma, I sure love you."

I love having a husband who says "Go take a weekend trip with your sister. You'll have fun doing that." I love that he gives me love and support and things to laugh about together. I love that he is unselfish and caring and helpful. I love that he is a Great Daddy who helps me be a Good Momma.

This weekend, Brooke and I went to Thermopolis to use the weekend trip she'd given me for my birthday. We shopped, we lunched at The Pumpernickel, we visited antique stores, we saw shirts that were "Dyed in the Dirt," we sipped Berry Mangalow smoothies from the The Crow Bar, we purchased new Yankee Candles, we ate prime rib dinners and we checked the museum times.

On Sunday, NQ and Shane drove over for a long walk in the park and on the swinging bridge, we ate delightful Mexican fair at Las Fuentes, (NQ loved eating the chips and salsa and then just eating all of the fresh tomatoes from Brooke's Fajitas. He thought the fajitas were ravioli's, he enjoyed those too.) We toured the Dinosaur Museum and the Wax / Teddy Bear / Train / Barbed Wire museum, we colored and played marbles, we splashed at the Fountain Of Youth Hot Springs Pools and had an excellent day all just being together. We all celebrated on a beautiful, warm, green day. Brooke and I also visited the resident park buffalo and the baby buffaloes with their little baby buffalo buttons! Oh! And we saw Holly and family there enjoying the beautiful park also! (Actually, they saw us first.)

It was a perfect little weekend get-away and a very wonderful Mother's Day. Thank you to my wonderful family for making it so special. I love you too!

P.S. Photos are coming.

100th B-day and Trip to SLC

Shane, Brooke, Nathan and I recently enjoyed a trip to Salt Lake. The Occasion, a family reunion to celebrate what would be my Grandfather, Quin T. Shepherd's, 100th Birthday. I learned much about Grandpa's childhood and what a great entrepreneur he was. A bunch of stuff I knew, but there were some surprises that I was happy to learn! He worked in his father's creamery had a feed store, raised turkey's and chickens (50,000 at one time!) bred registered Herefords, and hogs was on several boards (School, bank, irrigation, etc.) and associations and was a father, husband, and grandpa to a family who loved him very much. We watched old home video's and looked at pictures and scrap books. Two of his grand kid's share his name and then, of course, Quin is the 'Q' in my own NQ's name. I appreciate my Shepherd side of the family more than they likely know, and I'm glad to share time with them.

My biggest regret was not taking a camera with me. I didn't want to be the 'annoying cousin' flashing in every one's face. So I did my best to look around and see how everyone has changed and aged (especially all the little midgets! Some of them are just NOT so little anymore!) NQ had a great time with Lily and Anna. And we didn't see much of Avery because she is a wonderful blessing to her parents and sleeps a lot! Thanks to Aunt Annette and Aunt Carolyn (and husbands!) for the perfect 'low maintenance' meal and home to share time in. Thanks to Uncle Ed for the idea, and the St. George family for traveling down! Thanks to all the cousins and families for having us!

Also while in SLC we journeyed to Provo to have dinner with Aunt Betty and her new husband Garth. They are so happy. Garth is very sweet, very smart and quite a catch. (Then, so is Betty.) Again, I regret not taking a camera.

I'm proud of my husband and sister for car shopping together and finding Brooke a good deal on a Hyundai Santa Fe. I'm happy that NQ and I were able to spend time in the yard playing in a yard with grass, sticks and stones, everything a boy needs for hours of entertainment. I'm glad Shane very much enjoyed his first trip to "the Old Spaghetti Factory" at Trolley Square. I'm sorry we had to go so soon.

My Marvelous Weekend!

Saturday we went for a family ski day! Shane rented XC skiis, we hooked up the Kinder Shuttle, put NQ inside and went for two hours of lovely weathered skiing. Shane had his very first turn on the XC style ski, needless to say, he's like a pro already. WHY does he get to be so athletic?! I gave him pointers for about 10 minutes...then he was lapping me. So I hooked him up to the Shuttle, stole his newer skiis (I call mine "control" skis, as there is little slide on them) and showed him how it was REALLY done. (I know, in my dreams, right?) We spent two hours up on the mountain. Enough time to really get some ground covered, but not so long that it got to be grueling. Then we had the best lunch ever, breadboard sandwiches.

I spent last Sunday and Monday in Casper, WY with NQ and my sister. I think we both needed the break. For one, Nathan has had the stomach flu. Which means he went to the Dr. got a perscription and put potty training on hold. I haven't dared to return yet. This is VERY frustrating because he WAS doing well. Not any more. Brooke has had work stress too...go figure. So, we decided we should get together. Only I didn't really want to go all the way to Sheridan and she didn't want to come all the way to Lander. We compromised. We met in Casper, we ate Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies, we mall shopped, we Hobby Lobby'd, we dined out, we went swimming, we sat in the hot tub, we watched football...because Nathan wanted to, and generally we had a good time. (However, I don't think everyone slept too well. How do you put a kid in time out in a hotel room?)

Because I didn't have a camera for either event, I'll post a map of where we stayed in Casper. I highly recommend it: brand new, not busy, great facilities, free breakfast, all kid meals free, pool, hot tub, work out room, and glorious Casper Mountain views. (Yes, "glorious mountian views" was sarcastic.)

We stayed at the red dot on the right, out of town. The Holiday Inn, East Casper McMurry Park.