Short People Ski Deeper Snow

Autumn!

2009-11-22T15:24:00.001-08:00

How many people have tried to capture the autumn colors here (and failed)?

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Anniversary Get-Away!

2009-01-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was our 2-year anniversary. Joel surprised me with a trip to Jackson Hole to visit the valley where I left my heart. The photos don't do justice to the experience.

Would you believe me if I told you that we were at Reagan at 4 in the morning? READY TO GO!!

Layover in Chicago:

Joel was thinking of giving the pilot a lesson in landing...

Arriving in Jackson Hole brought back a lot of memories. Especially all the elk antlers everywhere. EVERYWHERE. I had forgotten that mountain women can decorate anything if they just have a few antlers on hand.Like an old friend who had waited patiently for my return, here is the view from where we were snowboarding:On Sunday, our friends and we used cross-country skis to access some geothermal hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. On the way, we were reminded of how quickly a forest can repopulate after a forest fire: Can you see the cross-country ski tracks right next to this guy's "social bubble?" Needless to say, we took the LONG WAY around. We knew we were getting close by the sight of steam rising from the river.

Not much longer, and we were IN the hot springs! Do you notice the fading light? We didn't...

So it was a bit of an adventure getting the 3 miles back to the vehicle in the dark. Through the mountains. In the forest. Soaking wet. Thank goodness Laurie brought a headlamp! You know that on the way IN we had been making fun of her for bringing it. On the way out, we were all pretty quiet...

When we arrived back "home", we were blessed with hot showers and a beautiful suite. Our view alone from the McKay house was worth the entire trip:

The alpen glow not more than 5 minutes later:

Thank you to The Summit who made the entire trip a dream-come-true.

We'll be back, Teton Valley!!

Viral, baby!!

2008-08-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

You've never lived until you've seen this short video. Rate it five stars or we're not friends.

2008-05-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, hi. I know, I know. Leave me alone about how long it's been. I have news and photos! A few weeks ago (2?), Andrew and Katie and Jaden came to Washington, D.C. to visit us. Ah, yes, and to visit the Capital. Enjoy some photos from their trip:

Yes, there are copious amounts of photos of all of the monuments & memorials. However, I just like sharing the ones that best show the family's relationship. Jaden's sucker is in the shape of none other than our own space shuttle which we visited in the National Air & Space Museum.
They even learned how to navigate our metro rail system. Where's Waldo (and his family?)

Cutest kid EVER to ride the D.C. Metro.

This last weekend Joel and I traveled to Kentucky to attend the wedding of our wonderful friends Kweku & Laura. Joel drove the whole way there:

As soon as we arrived at the site, I began snapping photos. The site they chose is called "High Bridge Park", overlooking the Kentucky River and a beautiful bridge:

Thanks for the Heads-Up, Katie!

2007-12-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

I should just have a "links" section. For now, however, click here.

Our dog hates Christmas. He's a real Scrooge.

2007-11-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

I promise promise promise to post some meat-and-potatoes info on our new lives. Soon. However, to tide you over, click here.

!!

2007-09-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

Every winter for the last 6 years I've lived in the Rocky Mountains, working at ski areas and living at the resorts. It's been paradise. Folks across America pay thousands of dollars a DAY just to be where I live and I get paid for it! It's definitely been a time to remember. Well, in the summertimes, I get to choose my adventure. Depending on capricioius moods, I've chosen to live in Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Oregon, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. in the summertimes. However, when I fell in love with this farmer from Minnesota, I decided to stick around the Rockies for the last two summers. This means I didn't have to make the trek BACK out west to snowboard competitively. I was (am) already there. MEANWHILE, my parents have been in Baltimore, taking care of my mom's mom, aptly named "mommom" by all of us who love her. She's not young anymore, but has the mindset of a thirty-something, which means she'll get on a ladder if that's what it takes to clean the gutters. So my folks stay there to help. The most joyful people on earth are exploring ways of expanding the Kingdom of God and have fun all at the same time. OH, and I almost forgot -- they're making silly amounts of money flipping houses. No, they're not always engaged in a riot, "flipping" homes means buying them low, fixing them up a bit, and selling them quickly. You've probably seen the shows, "Flip This House" or "Extreme Home Makeover" or "This Wall Would Look Better Over There." They're all on prime-time TV. Two of them are, anyway. The other one I made up.
Recently Dad called us with an offer that's impossible to pass up. He wants us there to help! It might be drastic, but we're packing.
No, no, I take that back -- it's not drastic, that's the best part. Joel and I have been praying for months about moving closer to Brock and Esther and Reagan in Anaheim, CA. I want in on some of this family crap! When we got the offer to help my folks, we entered into prayer immediately. The valley looks different when you're not financially stuck here. Boy, it's beautiful. THE MOST beautiful place I've ever been. And the people seem flawless. I know that they're not, of course, but they've spoon-fed us to health spiritually, and that was not a small feat. The trainwreck that I was when I arrived hasn't been any reason for these people to shy away from giving us their entire hearts, along with employment, furniture, a fridge, encouragement, a bed, a wood stove, prayer, a dishwasher, wise marriage counsel, a TV, manpower at our wedding, recipes, a couch, use of a boat, and many more things I won't take the time to list. We asked the church to pray with us about this opportunity. I'm no expert on "hearing from God" or anything, I think it's kind of weird. However, I almost felt as if He could scoff at our pleas for direction. We asked for it nonetheless, and we also asked for release. To tell you the truth, I also asked for heart-callouses until I could break away and THEN grieve the distance we're putting between us and the Summit. I haven't received those yet.

So there we are. A new post. It might be a happy one for some folks to read, but it might be hurtful for others. If you're happy at the news, please pray for us as we break it to the folks we've learned to lean on.

And don't try to kid yourself. You came to this website for some killer photos. Who am I not to cough up some of those, while I'm here?

One of the things I'll miss the most is the view outside my kitchen window:

Same kitchen view, just a few hours later:

Also, folks who hear I'm going to a city seem excited for me that there will be "things to do." Truthfully, however, I'm going to miss the "things to do" here. The list is short, but good. It includes going to the drive-in:

...and watching the kids play on the lawn under the big screen at the drive-in before the films show.

And... well... that's about it. A few weeks ago Jake and Christin's best friends and relatives came here from Texas and we went camping for a few days. On the way up to the glacial lake, we got a flat tire.

Waiting for help to arrive, we were all SO bummed. Especially the men.
There was only one of us whose happiness couldn't be phased.

By the time we finally arrived and set up camp, it was dark. Joel began to tell ghost stories.

The next day...

You probably don't need explanation for THIS game:

The one thing I'll miss the very most is:

We'll be back, Teton Valley.

Things I Learned From Dad

2007-07-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

1.) Short People really do Ski Deeper Snow. My favorite lesson to date.
2.) The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of the ruler of fools. How many people on this earth can truly say that they never heard their father raise their voice in impatience, anger, or even emphasis? Brock and I truly might be the only ones alive who can say this truthfully. Dad's only reason for shouting was (and still is) for excitement or humor.
3.) If someone around you is hurting, drop everything and help. Even if you have to drop your "great" job or position.
4.) Old people rock.
5.) Everybody is memorizing SOMEthing. Better (for you) if it's scripture.
6.) Everybody is worshiping SOMEthing. Better (for you) if it's Christ.
7.) Everything that happens to us is at least a LITTLE funny. If it's not, just wait -- it will be.
8.) The best place to sing (ever) will always be a hotel pool. Accoustics "up the wa-zoo."
9.) There's no reason to talk to someone on the phone if you're trying to be the least bit quiet. Shout, or call him back later. It's true, Dad.
10.) Without naps, there is no David Sheets.
11.) To praise a child is to serve God. At dinnertime, I'd fill up, and then push my plate toward Dad. He would call me "generous" and "mature" and marvel vocally at how DIFFERENT I was than other kids, because I was "giving my dinner" to someone else.
12.) Teenage girls have more substance than we give them credit for. When I grew up and gave Dad NO reason to praise me, he never let up. He found the few little stitches of goodness left in me, and he brought them out into the light. Always. I'm amazed, Dad. This is a lesson that I'll be able to give BACK to the girls I'm getting to know.
13.) Endure a little pain; Have lots of fun.
14.) Diet Coke and Iced Tea really DO hydrate!
15.) Forgiveness rarely waits for the offender to apologize. Thank you for all of your forgiveness, Dad.
16.) You don't have to be more than one person. I've been about, let's see... sixteen people so far. My dad has always been one person, and unapologetically so.
17.) When life hands you lemons, sure, make lemonade. But first, give yourself 24 hours.

Thanks, Dad, for being the greatest. Happy Birthday!

2007-06-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday, we and a few couples spontaneously went hiking after church.

I'm impressed -- everyone made it to the celebrated wind caves:

They were walking on a steep slope, so I tried to tilt the camera to help them keep their footing.Do you see Pastor Scott in this photo?

What you CAN'T see, even if we'd photographed it, is that the water we're seeing above becomes, a few yards downhill, the tippy-top of a giant waterfall. So if the snow had been unstable, if the rocks had been slick... well... then our boys would have ended up coming out the south end of a north-bound waterfall:

See Pastor Scott and Jake underneath? See Joel climbing up to Torah? Billy-goats. All of them.

The best photos are the photos BEFORE the photo:
Even the dog got his act together and smiled when the cameraman told him to:

Three men and a baby:

My favorite kinds of friends are the new ones.
A good time was had by all.

2007-06-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, since it's been a few years since I posted FOR REAL, I thought I'd update. First, for those of you who have asked for photos from the National Championships, here we are! And for those of you who KNOW that nobody has asked for photos, just shut up.

Thank goodness it wasn't a "Big Air" competition. I would have lost:

Now, some few beautiful photos of where we live. Joel opened our door one afternoon and snapped these shots of the crazy mountains we live by. A storm had developed in the valley and we were being rained on and thundered at, but the Tetons were singing praises, as usual:

We live on the Teton River. Sonny, our good friend, has loaned us a boat to float in paradise. Below are our dear friends who adventure with us, Jake and Christin.

Last time we floated, we saw two moose. Moosen. They didn't seem surprised by us. This one might have been pregnant.

Joel did most of the work:

Inevitably, we all run out of things to point out or discuss. Joel is always prepared for these "down times" with a song he sings:

Captain Jake takes control of the situation, the Teton Mountains ever-present behind:

When we got home that day, there was a crock-pot-roast waiting for us. The women went inside while the guys finished the job.

Joel and I have one dog and one cat:

Last weekend was Joel's birthday. First, he opened presents:

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Then, we went over to Jake and Christin's (of course!) and played "Cities and Knights of Catan". It took us 6 hours. Here's a photo of a grain elevator the men climbed:

The next day, Joel and Torah helped me with "thank-you" notes.

He also was able to "finish the bench," something humanity has been pining for since about Christmas-time. This is the first piece of furniture Joel has ever made with the tools Dad (thanks!) got him for Christmas. I wish we would have remembered to take a picture when it was stained and distressed and in all its glory. The furniture that Joel makes is nothing short of perfect. Ever. He is more of an artist than a carpenter.

"I'm in luck. And wow -- they're right -- it reallly sucks."

2007-05-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

The most hideous plant on earth.

Is she serious?!

2007-02-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day Mom sent us "Leonardo," a romantic kitty cat with a wild imagination. He has a sweet cuddly face and purrs and even wags his tail. However, his voice is an unnerving baritone. He has a French accent and when you squeeze his foot (ew), he says suggestive things about love and romance. The dog didn't know what to think: The next day when we came home from work, Leonardo was sitting UPRIGHT on Torah's bed, unharmed, but shaken up -- and covered in dog slobber. The dog has a new best friend.

This is what it looks like to have $5 to spend on a home gym. If I told you all that I was training for the X-Games and the Olympics, you would email between one another, "Was she serious?" "Dude, I couldn't tell..."

Here's a video you'll love:

WIFEy

2007-01-28T16:41:00.000-08:00

Hiya friends and family, and welcome to installation II of my online-journal. Below are the pictures folks have been waiting for, losing sleep over (?!), and anxiously anticipating. These are of the HONEYMOON. Photos of the wedding day will come later -- I don't have any yet.
I have to first say that none of these experiences would have been had without the generous gifts we received from friends and families. Most importantly, we were able to pay for transportation to visit my great-great grandparents' gravesites on the Grand Cayman Island. Their lives and stories have been a great excuse to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth. But the best part of the visit is the church that is still thriving where my family planted it. This is why we live and breathe -- to throw parties in the name of Jesus; parties that last hundreds of years, so that our greatgreatgrandkids can visit on their honeymoon.

So the cruise... I'll start from the beginning! When we arrived in Tampa, our cab driver (bless his heart) told us that our "hotl reserbasuns" were in a part of Tampa where crime is the highest. Awesome. Great! We knew that we were on a bit of a budget, so we didn't want to stay at the Ritz, but Joel insisted that we take this character's advice and choose a different hotel. When we woke up in the morning, we walked to a Best Buy to best buy a camera -- ours had given up in Teton Valley while the temperature was oh, around NEGATIVE THIRTY DEGREES. The camera we bought is to blame for all of the pictures below and about 600 more that nobody will ever see! Don't worry, the photos below are all rated PG.

We didn't see the boat before we boarded. Boarding is a crazy process -- I didn't have the camera out at the time to document, but it was mayhem. 2,800 passengers were boarding the same boat WE were getting onto, and each person had about 2,800 pieces of luggage. So we felt a bit like cattle on the way to the slaughter, watching our luggage going the other way, not even SEEING the boat we were walking onto, all of this with more people than in Driggs, Victor, and Tetonia COMBINED!!! However, Red-carpet treatment was granted since I still had my veil on.

Once we boarded, we heard announcements of how to go to the great assembly where we all would learn how to survive if the boat went down. Joel and I, still giddy from well, "marriage", found everything hysterical.

This exercise probably reminded all the "snobs" onboard that everyone still needs a lifejacket once in a while -- so tip your waiter. Joel and I couldn't stop laughing.

Joel was asked to stand up and demonstrate what he would do if the ship went down: Just kidding. After the "great assembly" we were set free to explore. This is when we found ourselves on the top deck and realized that we were in motion -- We were on our way! How exciting! Punchy, Joel and I couldn't stop laughing -- probably the only sober people on board, when Joel spotted an oil tanker that read:
HA! It was all so exciting, being on a boat the size of Vermont, and being on our way! Oh, and what beautiful scenery to behold on our way out to the ocean:
You never know what you're going to get when someone offers to take a photo of BOTH of you. You're usually grateful until you get the photo back:

HA! Oh, and in the photo above, notice the tugboat turning back to port; "Welp, my job here is done... maybe the oil tanker will join me for a smoke." Below, Bethany and Tampa. It took Tampa about 6 hours to disappear completely. (42)
Back in our room, Joel and Tampa:

We arrived to dinner early; we were scheduled to have dinner at 8:30 every night. So with our new camera we taught ourselves how to you know, hold the camera out in front of our faces. Here, Joel was concentrating so hard he couldn't handle smiling at the same time: (39)

There you go, Joel! (38)
During dinner, yes, I was "that guy" who had to take pictures even of the PLATE presentations. I was just so enthralled with the high degree of excellence everything was prepared with. However, when I went to take a photo of Joel's fillet, it was gone! We learned quickly that when we play hard, then at dinner, we may order two of everything per person; two appetizers per person, two salads, soups, and entrees! The portions were small. This first meal, Joel lost about 3 pounds in disappointment alone.

After dinner we took a walk outside on deck. To see the water about 1/2 mile DOWN there swishing by at about 450 mph, is a good reminder that things aren't what they seem.

If it's cold out there, don't worry, I have my "Mrs. Johnson" sweater, thankyouverymuch. (38)
Then Joel wanted dinner again. No problem! There is 24-hour room service with a full menu, and a 24-hour buffet, but we opted for the Pizzaria. This look was in response to my inquiry, "Are you eating AGAIN?!"

The first night of our cruise was sensory-overload for me. Joel had to watch where I was walking so that he could apologize in advance to the folks I ran into. For example, check out this room! What is the point of all of this except to distract and dazzle me?

(35)Our hallway. It's approximately 6 miles long. Maybe a little less, but not much. Notice in the foreground the stained carpet. Joel and I loved how instead of investing in repairing the interior of the Carnival ships, they instead tried (SO HARD) to convince passengers that 'HEY! It doesn't matter! Because this is the... FUN SHIP.' If you asked an employee what time it is they would reply, "The fun time is..." So in the spirit of "fun!" we embraced the stained carpet and furniture, smelly room, and deteriorating structures. Service, however was exceptional. When the room Steward knocked to introduce himself the first day, we were more than pleased to hear his bit, "Call this number if you need anything, 24-hours a day!" Joel noticed his face fell when he heard that we were honeymooning. I can't imagine why! We got 18 fresh towels a day, and the room was cleaned TWICE per day. Check out the cute way he folded our fresh towels:

Joel discovered a fun little card by our bedside table. It had a list of breakfast food, and you just check off your favorites so that they know what to have at your door first thing in the morning! This is the happiest I'd ever seen Joel anytime before noon:
(29)

These robes were terribly rough and harsh-feeling. However, if you're on a cruise, you USE or CONSUME whatever is there for you. Here is our window looking out:

I don't know how well you can see this room, but it was so neat. It was a VIOLIN theme, where every thing your eyes fell upon had something to do with a violin. Of course there was a violinist playing at all times. This photo shows about 3 big windows of the 20 that made the room. How neat!

After that we went on deck to see "the views":

While Joel was lathering up (SPF), I noticed the anatomy of the ship, too.

And hey, if that ship can celebrate better than I can, then I'll be danged. (29)
Have you ever taken a picture of what you see when you're sunbathing with someone else?
I never understood why all the drinkers got the cool cups. So I ordered a VIRGIN pina colada. The cup ended up being the silent "Wilson" character in every adventure we had.

He even offered to take our picture once:

We passed Cuba:

And then we GOT passed! I guess we were in the "slow lane" for cruise ships. Took him about seven days to pass us. Everyone knew MY name. Especially when it was windy. Sorry to gross you out, Brock. (24)
Thanks Mom, for making sure we packed Emergen-C and AirBorne! Here's to you! (gag)
Stocked up on Vitamin A enough to last us another four years, we headed to dinner. The second night was "Formal Night."

I decided to attend with Kevin Bacon: (23)

The next morning when we woke up, we learned that we had snuck up on the Grand Cayman Island and were about to... dock? No. Anchor?

The only pirate ship we would see the entire time (thank goodness). Must have been resting, because I didn't hear screaming anywhere near it.

One-track mind, I guess.
It was a neat thing to see our boat from the outside for the first time (two days after we'd boarded). This is a photo of the folks all UN-loading at the Grand Cayman port into boats that held about 500 people apiece. Excuse me sir, but your Grand Cayman is showing...Those boats took us ashore where we got onto... ANOTHER BOAT!!! This one, however, was a sailboat.

Then we got into the water to swim with the stingrays. Joel managed to pull a few to the surface so that I could take pictures of them together. One couple had an under-water camera. Maybe next time.The feeling RIGHT before you're about to be sneak-attacked from behind by a HUGE sting-ray! Look at the size of it compared to him!

Male sting-rays are about 1/10th the size of the females. There are also 1 male to every 10 females. I brought one of the BOY stingrays up to the surface so Joel could take some photos. (22)The other boat was packed full. But ours had plenty of room to spread out on. I only ran into 4 ropes and was hit by one pole 3 times. Not a bad day.
Captain Johnson navigated us back to shore on the "Allura" sailboat.
Then we hopped into a taxi and headed toward my great-great grandfather and grandmother's church in a treasure-hunt for their stories. Are we on the correct side of the road?
...and is the steering wheel supposed... to...

We weren't the only folks visiting the Caymans that day. I asked one local who told me that they work ONE day a week: the days when the "boats come in." I asked what they do the other days, and he said, "We sleep." Oh. By the way, this photo is taken from the north side of the island looking South. The ships are on the South side. The island is between us and the cruise ships. Does that give you an idea of their size?
On our way to "Breakers."
Finally! The graves of Ezra and Leah Sheets.

I love this:
Here's the church they planted. This was the most peaceful time I've had in years.

Camdon Webster maintains the grave sites and the church. He is 403 years old.
Time to get back on the mother ship:

Joel's battle scar and good attitude:
I see squid in his mouth. Do you see squid in his mouth? I see squid in his mouth.

(19)

(18)
Styrofoam Mayan Ruins!

I can't even tell which one is the Mexican.

Centuries-old styrofoam.

(18)

You don't do horses without hats, so we blew a few hundred pesos in Cozumel.
While the Spanish version sounds beautiful and romantic, you NEVER want to hear the English version of this song:

Just DYING to buck some Americans!

Siesta time. (Naptime.)

Waiting for the Mayan Ruins by Horseback tour to begin:

Don't want a hat? 'Sokay. We have tequila. (Seriously?!)

Indiana Johnson and the raiders of the styrofoam ruins:

Godzilla couldn't make it for the tour. Fortunately, his cousin obliged.

Sir, stay still. Don't look now, but there's a MAYAN RUIN staring at you.
Shhh... he's not happy about something...

I'm just kidding about the styrofoam. Most of the structures were originals. All of the temples were real and un-touched.

The Mayan refrigerator/air conditioner/hiding place:

(17)

Muchacho drunkacho:
"Oooh, Joel, LOOK! The sale is 'just for today'!" (The sign looked like it had been there for half a century. This is Marketing in Cozumel. )

It has been so fun Cozumel, but my ride is here...

Chikita Drunkita! (16)
Just... waiting for... my ride... thanks, though.

It's a really great crane, I just wish the fancy boat, beautiful sunset, and in-love couple would get out of the picture...

No no, it's really okay, I don't mind. I'll just take another one when you're DONE YAWNING.

And of course, when we get back on board...

We had to stay in shape considering the all-you-can-eat all-the-time, so we ran on the olympic running track together. (15)
Joel and I at the FRONT of the boat:

Olympian in training: (11)

I don't care if you're on a cruise ship, you STILL don't expect a mouthfull of SALT water when you hit the pool at the end of a waterslide. View from the running track:

(7)

Our servers, Florian (left) and Ivan from Carnivalakistan:Joel in Tampa (solid ground!) talking with Grandma Aletha:

I had more photos to take, so while Joel ordered pizza... (3) Our last hotel stay before arriving home in Teton Valley:Ready to go home! Time to check-out: (1)