As we approach Cal's first birthday, it's only natural that he experience some "firsts." Like a couple weeks ago in Yellowstone, he had his first "falling out of the tub." The tub in Yellowstone was much smaller than ours at home, and he swung his leg over to climb out (he's a climber, much MUCH different than his sister). Next thing he knew he landed on his head on the linoleum. Don't worry, it was only about 10 inches. Where was I? I was there, but it happened so fast. He's a speedy.

And last Sunday at about 3:00 am Cal had his first milk bottle. We ran out of formula on Saturday evening, and I decided rather than buying more, we would wean him (overnight) to milk. It's been a week, and I think the coldness still surprises him, but other than that he seems to be doing fine.

And first steps . . . I've been uncertain as to what were "first steps." When we got back from Yellowstone I decided to start working with him on his walking. I've let go of his a few times, and he's taken a hurried two or three steps before either grabbing something or popping on his bum. But he definately doesn't like it, and as soon as he's on to what I'm doing, he just gives his legs out and won't stand up. So I'm not sure if I should count that as first steps. Thing is, he's SO good at walking around the furniture. He's so strong. He'll walk along the walls, bend down to pick something up (holding on with one hand), or pull himself up. All he wants to do is walk. He just wont. Yet. But we'll keep working with him.

Last week I wrote about Andi's wedding, saying: Wyatt asked earlier if she was going to wear hiking boots to her wedding, and I told him she was, and he just shook his head and laughed and said "She is SO YOUR FRIEND!". I decided to explain that comment a little further with this little blurb, which has actually been kicking around in my head for about six months anyway.

Here I am in Finland wearing my boots!

I wore them in college - trudging up the hill to class in the early morning snow. They were great in snow - never leaked.

I wore them every day on the Navajo Indian Reservation too. They have burns on them, scars, memories of nights in the desert playing "Flaming Soccor" beneath the hundred billion stars that you can only see when you live three hours from a town big enough to have a Wal-Mart.

I wore them across China. Starting in Beijing, they were on my feet as I traveled into the very heart of Asia, to Urumqi, where Wyatt and I spent another semester on grand adventure. They were on my feet when I slept out on the Great Wall of China, during a lightning storm.

You can barely see it, but I am wearing my hiking boots here, at a cabin we looked at buying.

They have been through many adventures. They have crossed states and continents. Now they are old. The leather is separating from the rubber of the sole, and they leak at the slightest sign of dampness. The laces (still original) are frayed, and I don't pull on them too hard anymore. The suede is varnished to a shine. I don't wear them unless I'm actually hiking these days. Somewhere around our trip to Thailand Wyatt convinced me to try "sneakers" as walking shoes. But they have a special place in my closet. They have a special place in my heart.

The Raven, a bird that can live up to forty years, mates for life and is an integral part of the Yellowstone ecosystem. It also was the theme bird for the wedding, and graced the invitations and wedding programs. The morning of the wedding, as we sat on the deck of the cabin and I did Andi's hair, we saw two ravens fly by. We took it as a good omen.

The wedding celebration officially began on July 2nd in Yellowstone, although we didn't leave until the morning of the third. The wedding wasn't until Saturday, the fifth, but in the mean time there was plenty of hiking, water rafting, horseback riding, and general site seeing to be done. It was Wyatt's first time in Yellowstone since his childhood, and he thought it was pretty amazing. He definately wants to return to do some fishing. Since we had the babies we were somewhat limited in our choices of activities. But we had a great time seeing all the wildlife and spectacular vistas to be found in the park.

On the morning of the wedding I awoke bright and early and went to help Andi make boquets, boutineers and corsages for the wedding. We used wildflowers--yellow snap dragon, blue lupine, white yarrow, and other various foliage found nearby to make the flower arrangements. Then I did Andi's hair while Lexi (Andi's sister) was on detail control--making sure everything that needed to go got in the car, etc. Finally we were ready to go. I drove with Andi (and her dad and Lexi) while Wyatt and the kids went with the rest of the wedding party to Artist Point. We (the Bride Party) went to the Outdoor Office at Canyon to change Andi into her dress and take down her hair. She looked so SO beautiful. The last charming touch was her hiking boots. Wyatt asked earlier if she was going to wear hiking boots to her wedding, and I told him she was, and he just shook his head and laughed and said "She is SO YOUR FRIEND!"

Since I was Matron of Honor/Photographer I ran ahead of her and the bride party to tell Dan to start playing the music (Wildflowers, by Tom Petty, only he played it live on his guitar), and then turned around to take pictures of Andi "walking down the aisle." Once they got to me, I just jumped in line and walked in with everyone else. 

The wedding was overlooking Artist Point, about a hundred yards from Lower Yellowstone Falls. It was so beautiful, although literally on the side of a cliff. I took turns standing on the side as a Bridesmaid and moving around to take pictures. But the whole ceremony was just lovely, especially because I knew how much it mean to Andi.

After the ceremony, and a day of driving around the park to get various pictures, we returned to the cabin rented by the Kierst for the reception. It was a lovely dinner and a great time enjoying the happiness of my best friend.

The honeymoon? Well, first Andi and Jeff are taking a severe back country hike to "Fairy Land" in Yellowstone, a hike Andi has already attempted twice. I hope this time they make it. Yellowstone back country is pretty rough.

Then they're rushing back to Dallas to catch a flight to Africa where they will be on Safari in four different countries for 19 days.

Congratulations Andi and Jeff, I love you guys!