Big bear

This bear finished early, so she practised some of her tricks. She was learning how to blow kisses. The trainer put her treat in her paw and the bear wasn't quick enough to get it out for a few kisses. Then she stood up on the stump for Big Bear. I forgot for just a minute how dangerous she would be when she grows up. She was very cute and cuddley.

Boaz wanted to take one home. I regained my senses, and said no.

The bear cubs

Here are our cubs. They had a fun day watching the animals.

The best part was when Thea and Josh got to feed the cubs. They were 7 months old. Three in a pen. Two pens. So they rotated feeding each of the cubs.

Now really, how many kids can say that they feed bears on their vacation?


The cubs were darling. They of course knew it was feeding time. They waited in their spot for the pallets to be put inside the pen and then they climbed on and got serious about eating.

There were two, I think, that liked to put their paws up on the arms of the trainers, and kids. The trainers were gentle, but firm and put their paws back down. Thea thought the claws on the paws were a bit sharp.

Bear World

We drove through Bear World and had fun looking at the animals so close. The buffalo was camera shy and just walked away.

We loved the rack on the elk. He was huge, and eating his lunch. He didn't care how many people were taking his picture.


The kids thought the bear was dead at first, but he was just taking a nap on his back. He's cute with all four legs up in the air.

We were glad to be in the car with the windows rolled up, but it was fun to see the bears. We could see 8 bears at one time. We were surprised to know how close they could be with out us being able to see them. It made me wonder how many bears we passed in Yellowstone later that day.

At the lake

Craig was posing for the camera. I'm not sure why he chose that pose, but I had to post it. He was teaching Josh the joys of tubing.


I forgot to give Craig the camera when he got on the boat with the teens. So I had to take a picture when they got off the boat. They had fun on the tubes too.



Josh was taking it easy on the boat. You gotta love the feel of the wind in your face. And we had been out for a while. Once again, his mom loves to take pictures when she thinks he is asleep. He wasn't, just resting his eyes.



Boaz loved feeling the spray of the water. He didn't like the wind in his face so much. But he loved being on the boat. All in all, a great day.

Tired boys

You can tell it was a good day when the kids are totally wiped out. They were exhausted after the long drive and playing with cousins. Poor boys, their mother loves to take pictures of them when they are asleep.

brothers

Mark wanted to know if the glasses made him look smarter. I'm not sure, but it's definatly a Clark Kent kinda' thing going on.

Brad was the chef, the BBQ was melt in your mouth good.

Cousins on the tramp

It's amazing how many kids actually fit on the trampoline. Thea had tons of fun getting to know the Idaho contingent.

We all enjoyed Brad and Kris' backyard. The barbeque was yummy, the sides delicious and the company was great.