Oil Well

We turned around on the interstate near Belfield, ND to take Emily's picture near this oil well. She was studying them last week and wanted a picture.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Mule Deer
Sharptail grouse

Wild Mustangs
Bison

Photographer
Prairie Dog

Jan.19, 2008 we left Dickinson, ND and our first stop was at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center (view into Theodore Roosevelt National Park) off I-94 near Medora. Unfortunately, it was closed (gated) for the winter. We went through the walk-in gate and walked a couple hundred yards in to see the view. It was minus 5 degrees out and windy so Sophie didn't want to hang out very long. The colors in the park were muted by the snow cover, but the view was breathtaking anyway (or maybe that was the wind chill). Next we went into the park (which was free since the park loop was closed) and saw many animals and pretty scenery.

Super 8 Sniggle

We woke to a family sniggle this morning. Someone had to take the picture so Emily did. The flash was VERY bright(Sams' expression sums it up the best). There wasn't enough room for Sam, so we squished together and he slipped in next to me and said "I always get the best spot". A great moment for Dad! That lasted about 10 seconds, and he decided that the north side of the bed was better than the south side. Oh well, it was great for those 10 seconds.

The Beginning

We started out from home today, January 18, at 6:00 p.m. We made it to Dickinson, ND by 11:30 and are spending our first night in a Super 8 Motel. When we left the temperature was -14 degrees F and here at Dickinson it is a balmy -6 F. Tomorrow we plan on driving to Bozeman, MT (about 460 miles). The forecast for Bozeman is for light snow (1-3 inc). Distance traveled today - 355 miles.

Home Brew

Add a little yeast,
some hops,

stir well, wait and
bottle.

Ahhh! Root beer floats.

Alex got this Root Beer kit from Janele for Christmas. He had to make it right away!

Paintball Anyone!

Alex used up some Fleet Farm gift cards and bought a paintball marker (most of us would call them paintball guns, but the correct name is a paintball marker). His friend Dylan stayed over last weekend and they tried it out. The mess was a lot less than I expected (unless of course you squish them in your hands!).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We spent the evening celebrating with the Schroeder's at Mom an Dad's. This is an annual event in our family where we spend the evening fondueing. We had a little champagne to toast the new year, but we left it in the snow too long and it froze.