... I thought to myself, 'Self-- THIS is what I do for a job...'

Seriously, I forgot how much I LOVE my job up here in the Tetons. The first week of having guests with us was an experience I'll probably never forget. The sheer nature of the trip we provide for people from all over the world is a life changing experience. Saying goodbye to those folks on Thursday was a heart-wrenching process. It's incredible to me how close a group of people can grow together in just 4 days. Even after miserable weather Monday (sheets and buckets constantly barraging our seemingly inconsequential campsite... it literally lasted for hours and hours) we pulled through with smiles on our faces and had quite the week.

The lake we camped next to on day 2 of our trip was absolutely breathtaking that night...
The guests were more than willing to help with chopping wood, packing up the trucks and wagons, and even cooking with us in the kitchen... we had a couple ladies super excited about learning their way around a dutch oven-- it fascinated them. :) Pretty cool to see a bunch of city slickers out in the forest having the time of their lives. We had a few teenage boys on the trip from Florida who, after the miserable Monday, eventually warmed up to the experience and even had a hard time saying goodbye.

Have I said that I work for the most incredible people? They absolutely LOVE what they do. I feel so taken care of as well-- I had the battery go out in my car this past week and every step of the way I had someone there by my side helping me know what I needed to do to get it taken care of. My boss even took time out of his insanely busy day to put in the new battery for me.

Let's see-- so the gist of my life up here in Jackson involves playing with horses (okay, not really playing... but it sure feels like it.), cooking in dutch ovens all day long, building fires galore (I promise, I am NOT a pyro...), sleeping under a brilliant sheet of stars with the magnificent Tetons towering in the distance, and interacting with people from all over the world as we share with them an experience they'll never forget. I'm a pretty lucky girl.
Oh, and also-- I'm getting to spend some quality time with my little sister this summer. I love her face SO much!! We went to the park close by today during lunch and just had a pleasant little chat, played with a Frisbee, sat on the swings for a bit, and discovered a prime cuddling spot on the playground... ;) hehehe. It's been so great having her here. I love my sister.

... The Mountain Crew says 'bon voyage!'

((A photo of the crew this summer taken at the Old Time Photo place in Jackson-- pretty fun.))

And the week has come-- The snow has finally melted enough up in the Tetons to allow the 'Teton Wagon Train and Horse Adventure' to get underway... the mountain crew at the Bar T 5 must now go their separate way during the week. I myself, being a cook, will have the opportunity of coming back every weekend to say hello to my wonderful coworkers here in Jackson. Last summer I didn't have the bonding time I've had this summer with the crew down here-- this year will be much different-- I'll very much miss the amazing peoples I've met and worked alongside. I mention almost everyday to one of the crew members how incredibly blessed we are to be working for the best bosses in the world! They truly are spectacular. I learn so much from them in various aspects- whether it be the respect with which they treat every person they come in contact with, or the honesty with which they approach every situation. I love being able to completely trust them, and have them show the same to me. Working up here in Jackson is literally a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I thank my Father in Heaven everyday for the chance I have to be here.