National Parks

So, on our big trip from Sep. 7 to 18, we visited 6 national parks and monuments. Originally we were going to only 5 but we added Devils Tower on our way to Mt. Rushmore. In order (with pictures) this is where we went:

Garden of the Gods (on the way to RMNP)




Rocky Mountain National Park (see the Elk?)




The Grand Teton National Park




Yellowstone National Park (first National Park created)




Devils Tower National Memorial (first National Memorial created)




Mt. Rushmore National Memorial




The Badlands National Park




We did a lot of hiking on our trip. That is, a lot for me. For those of you who walk several miles on a regular basis while heading up an elevation of a few hundred feet, we didn't do an excessive amount. But I discovered how out of shape I really am when half-way up a 2 mile hike (elevation over 200 ft) I was extremely tired. I did make it all the way up though, and it was worth it! It was beautiful up there! I also liked Alberta Falls.



And of course, the ever excited chipmunks.



At the on our way to the Tetons we drove through a snowstorm. I still am not used to snow. We also went on a hike and afterwards Phil was exhausted.



At Yellowstone the first thing we saw were Bison (not Buffalo!)



Then we proceded to Old Faithful. The earlier pic is from the second time we saw it, the first wasn't nearly that big. We also saw lots of hot springs. They all smelled like sulfur, which I think smelled like a rotten egg.



We only spent a little while at Devils Tower but you could see climbers on it. Some were at the top, but most were on their way up. The record climb to the top was made in 18 min unassisted.

Mt. Rushmore was totally amazing. We saw it at night first. The lighting ceremony was really cool. The next day we walked the President's Trail. We got to go right under the monument. Phil thought we saw a moose, and maybe we did. An albino pygmy moose!



We then saw Sylvan lake and climbed all over the rocks. It was really pretty.



Next, and last, we went to the Badlands, so named because an explorer said it was "a bad land to cross." They were actually quite nice to look at.

We saw lots of animals up-close. We saw Elk sparing, a mother Moose and her babies, Chipmunks, Mountain goats, Bison, Ducks, giant Crows and Fish. But according to Phil, if it had four legs, it was a Moosh.






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The day after we got home (Friday) we worked at the taco stand for the state fair. We worked 8-5 Friday and Saturday and on Sunday from 6:30 to 11:45, except Nat stayed till 2:30 to finish the clean up since it was the last day. I had class this morning, otherwise I would have stayed too.

Now, I'm going to have to work triple speed on school to catch up in everything, but the trip was well worth it!

~Ellentia

Home!

We're home! We had a great trip and saw all sorts of cool things! I can't post much now because we're terribly busy but I will post soon!

~Ellentia

Samantha Cinderella Scott

Narrator:

Samantha Cinderella Scott
was told she’d have to have a shot.
The doctor said,

Doctor:

“You’re somewhat sick;
I think a shot should do the trick.”

Narrator:

He said,

Doctor:

“You shouldn’t feel a thing,
except perhaps a tiny sting,
a painless prick, a poke, a pinch.
It shouldn’t even make you flinch.

“You won’t begin to bleat or bawl.
I doubt that it will hurt at all.
I don’t expect to see it bruise
or swell your arm and start to ooze.

“There’s little chance of bellyaches
or fevers, chills, or sudden shakes.
It’s not supposed to cause a cough.
Your arm will likely not fall off.

“I’m guessing that there won’t be lots
of itchy red and purple spots.
Convulsions, too, are fairly rare.
I think you’ll get to keep your hair.

“In fact, the chance is nearly nil
that you’ll become intensely ill
or grow a ghastly greenish hue
or turn into a kangaroo.

“It’s nearly certain that you’ll not
become a fish or flowerpot.
I’m quite convinced it’s fair to say
you won’t turn into mush today.

“But if you start to shake and cough
or if your head should tumble off,
if you become a moose or mule,
you’ll get a day away from school.”

Narrator:

Samantha Cinderella Scott
took just a moment, deep in thought,
then yawned the slightest little yawn
and told the doctor,

Samantha Cinderella Scott:

“Bring it on!”

The End

Adapted from the poem by Kenn Nesbitt in When the Teacher Isn’t Looking

~Ellentia

Rules for the Bus

Rules for the Bus


Child:

Said our driver in September
as we climbed aboard the bus,

Driver:

“There are rules you must remember.
Number one, you do not cuss.
Do not squirm and do not wiggle.
Do not squeak and do not squawk.
Do not laugh and do not giggle.
Better yet, don’t even talk.
Do not ever let me catch you
with your feet out in the aisle.
Sit as rigid as a statue
with a stiff and silent smile.
And you will not wear your mittens,
and you will not wear a mask.
And you will not bring your kittens,
and you shouldn’t even ask.
And you will not play with bubbles
or a yo-yo or balloon.
And for causing me such troubles
you will get them back in June.
Now the day is here. Begin it
with the words I have to say.
Kindly take a seat this minute,
and let’s have a pleasant day.”

Child:

Well, I listened very closely
to the messages I heard,
and, in all this time, I’ve mostly
followed each and every word.
I have tried to pay attention,
but of this, I must confess.
There’s a rule she didn’t mention,
and today it caused a mess.
It is not as if I planned it
with an evil attitude.
I am not that underhanded,
and I don’t mean to be crude,
but it causes quite a fuss,
and it might even be unlawful
to have climbed aboard the bus
when you have stepped in something awful.

The End


Adapted from the poem by Eric Ode in Rolling in the Aisles

~Ellentia

Time to go!

So, the eve of our big trip. Tomorrow we are leaving after church and we will be gone for just under two weeks. We are visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park, the Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills of SD. I have always wanted to see Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore so I am very excited! In honor of the trip, I got a new (and bigger!) memory card for my camera so I can take lots of pictures.

Today Jc and I worked at another OU game, but this time we worked selling programs. We made a lot more because we almost sold out and there was only three of us on a team. I am thoroughly exhausted now. Thankfully, it didn't rain and it wasn't too hot, although it was pretty warm in the sun. When we went into the bleachers to sell I got a lot of glares because people couldn't see over me. It's funny, they didn't glare at the food sellers. Well, I need to go now, lots of things to get ready before we can leave, but I will post while we're gone.

~Ellentia

Barcode

Enjoy! (and let me know if you want a more challenging puzzle, I have different pic's and cuts that are available)





Puzzle courtesy of JigZone.

~Ellentia