Final Days in JH!
July 13, 2024
Hey everyone, Janie and Rob checking in for the final time! First off, thank you – parents – for entrusting us with your kids this summer. We had the time of our lives with them and could not have done so without your support. We learned so much from them, and we hope that they gained memories, friendships, and some new skills from us! Thank you to Moondance for all that they do for us, and thank you to our outfitters and guides for providing countless incredible experiences. Our hearts are filled with gratitude.
To wrap up the trip, we made the journey from Idaho to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to have a fun final day. From an Iron Chef lunch, to silliness while cleaning dishes for the final time (Carter, Emme, Sloane, and Anna can speak more on this haha), to Banquet Dinner at Pica’s Tacqueria, and a stunning sunset over the Tetons, our final full day together was nothing short of spectacular. We started our last day with a road trip, and our kids made sure to make it a fun one. Lots of good tunes, car ride conversations, and games made the time fly by. Once we got back to Jackson and set up camp for the final time, we broke into teams to start Iron Chef – a Moondance signature. Levi, Ava, Carter, Anna, and Sloane made a fantastic main course – spaghetti noodles, cream of chicken soup, grilled chicken breast, summer sausage, tomato sauce, and garnished with “trail spice”. Their team – Southern Love – took home the prize for the Main Course and props to them for their presentation. Ava made sure to present and explain their dish ever so eloquently, and she just might have a future on the real Iron Chef! Meanwhile, Austin, Emme, Margaret, Henry, and Frances crafted another amazing Main Course with ramen, tomato sauce, and grilled chicken complete with a layered dessert that took home the Dessert prize. They used tortillas, peanut butter, honey, and crushed up graham crackers to create a delicious sweet treat. We loved seeing the kids get creative with different ingredients. Gordon Ramsey (aka Rob) and Giada (aka Janie) were very impressed.
After Iron Chef, the kids broke into teams to complete the final cleanup of camp, gear, and the van. With their fun-spirits and quick wits, cleaning turned into constant laughter and chatter. Everyone even chipped in to shave Rob’s beard too! We completed all of our tasks in record time, and were able to spend all evening in downtown Jackson Hole. We went to Pica’s Tacqueria for dinner, and everyone enjoyed the mexican meal. We tried all different types of Jarritos sodas and devoured chips, salsa, and guacamole. With tacos, burritos, and quesadillas covering the tables, we filled our bellies up and shared stories and memories from our trip. Carter made sure that everyone was in the clean plate club! After dinner, we filmed one last video on Anna’s camera to document our last day. Next up was some souvenir shopping and ice cream! We all tried on goofy beanies and hats inside of Lee’s Tees and everyone walked out happy with their purchases. To cap off the evening, we went to Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream for homemade, local ice cream scoops and big waffle cones – nothing beats it! For the final Moonup, we headed out of the city center and stopped to enjoy the sunset over the Tetons, take some fun pictures, and share some laughs. Levi caught some great pictures with his camera, and the girls constantly had photo op ideas. Hopefully the jumping pictures turned out good! Henry and Anna started Moonup with an epic story to open the Nug Jug, and boy was that Nug Jug full of both goofy and sincere Nugs. It’s been such a fulfilling and enjoyable thing to see all of our kids really buy into the experience of Moonup and relish in the time together. We shared our favorite memories with the person to the left of us – and it was so enriching to hear everyone speak so positively of each and every person. Our group had bonded from day 1 and everyone made sure to get to know one another on a personal level. As leaders, we’ve loved seeing that throughout our trip. Once the Moon was up, and the sky was speckled with stars, we headed back to camp with full hearts and teary eyes. Margaret and Frances made sure to queue some real tear jerker songs. Once we got back to camp, we all sat around the picnic tables late into the night to soak up every last minute together. Sloane, Carter, and Austin made sure to keep spirits light and everyone laughing with funny stories and witty comebacks. After hours of chatting, we finally settled into bed for an early morning of airport departures.
The final day at the airport was so bittersweet. Though everyone was excited to shower, sleep in their own beds, and be in clean clothes again, no one wanted their phones back or to leave each other. With many hugs, group cinnamon roll handshakes, and tears, we all finally had to say “Bye” or more appropriately, “See you later” to each other. We know that they have already started planning their reunions with one another. We are so immensely blessed for this incredible experience with your kids, and thank you for raising such incredible, independent, inclusive, thoughtful, adventurous, and funny kids. We are so lucky!! Thank you to Moondance and all our guides and outfitters for making this trip possible. And one last thank you to the parents for sending your kids on this Big Wild Moondance Adventures trip – it was truly big and wild!!
Til we meet again,
Janie + Rob
Howdy from Wyoming!
July 10, 2024
First off – thank you for letting us spend this time with your awesome kids and create many long-lasting memories! Rob and I have enjoyed getting to know your kids, and we are pumped for what’s to come in the second half of our Big Wild adventures!From the very first day, our group has enjoyed exploring and hanging with each other – after setting up camp, we all ventured down to the Gros Ventre river for some sunbathing and creek walking. Levi demonstrated his bravery and tolerance for cold water early on by floating down the river – lazy river style. It was evident from the very start that our group would have a ton of fun together. The girls also all bonded from the moment they met, and shared their friendly spirit with our campsite neighbors – saying hi to each person we passed haha! Between camp games, nights spent around the campfire, and positive, can-do attitudes all around, we have been seizing every opportunity to LITMO (your kids will be able to explain this one) and enjoy every moment.
Our first activity was fly fishing, and our group definitely has some fishermen & women in it! Carter was on Cloud 9 as we floated down the Green River on drift boats and learned how to fly fish. Austin and Henry reeled in 3 fish each, making their boat the lucky one of the day! At our campsite that evening, Anna and Levi made a delicious dinner and showed their culinary skills early on. Frances curated our trip playlist and made sure to put some bangers on it – shout out to her great music taste. As we prepped for backpacking and hung out at camp that evening, it was so evident to everyone that our group demonstrated great Expedition Behavior with each and every member looking after each other and the group as an entirety. From riverside and campsite exploration to cooking and cleaning, everyone has pitched in and made and every part of the trip fun and memorable.The next morning, we woke up early with the sun to start backpacking! Austin and Margaret made the most delicious cinnamon toast pancakes, scrambled eggs, and hashbrowns to fuel us up for the big day. As we hit the trail, we were all in awe of the beauty of Bridger Wilderness and excited for the backpacking adventure. The girls all adopted new trail nicknames: Sloaney B, Margot Robbie/Moogs, Emme Lou Who, Frannykins, Anya, Aves, and JB. Trail conversations and sing alongs made the first day of hiking fly by. Emme and Ava sang All Too Well (10 Minute Version) on trail; John (our backpacking guide), Anna, Margaret, Frances, Ava, and I shared our perfect day from sun-up to sundown. Everyone mentioned spending the day with their family, which is always so heartwarming to hear. Carter was such a trooper that day too as he had packed his backpack to the brim with group gear – a real team player! Once we got to camp, we set up our tents for the next couple of nights then made our way over to “The Country Club” – aka the Bear Cabin Creek pools. With dips in the cold water and lying out on the warm rocks in the sparkling sunshine, I don’t think any of us noticed a difference between the two! We spent our evening around the campfire playing Mafia and sharing stories – including an epic Cinderella-spinoff story to open the Nug Jug during Moonup. Once we all headed to our tents for our first night in the backcountry, Rob and I overheard the kids all conversing on when and where their first reunion would be after the trip.
The next day, we enjoyed a slow camp morning complete with oatmeal, blueberries, and of course a campfire. We hiked to Chateau Lake for an afternoon by the water, and for Levi and Austin – an afternoon in the water. They spent close to an hour in an epic battle of who could endure the cold water longer. Margaret and Emme also braved the cold water and went for a swim. A highlight of the lakeside afternoon was the cuddle puddle nap – the girls all basked in the sun and got a little shut eye. Rob and Carter went fly fishing that afternoon in the Gros Ventre river and even saw a beaver flap its tail at them. Ava and I (Janie) shared some special trail conversations about traveling and worthwhile/rewarding experiences. We are so lucky to be able to share these special moments and have incredible experiences with your kids. That evening we were hit by a surprise hail storm – like Chickfila pellet ice raining down on us yet strangely enough blue skies above – Wyoming summertime weather! It was magical to see. Henry and Emme made jambalaya for dinner over the fire followed by some backcountry brownie batter. Sloane and Emme entertained the group with their funny emoticon impressions and Frances kept the jokes flowing. We played trivia by the fire later and Emme and Margaret walked away as the Meat Eater Trivia Champs.On our last day of backpacking, we packed up camp and hiked out in record time – shout out to our speedy and fit group of hikers! Ava and Carter were our Leaders of the Day and led our group in such a positive and encouraging way. Once we finished the hike out, the kids were met with the joyous surprise of a shower and a trip to Burger Barn. Though we passed many, many cute cows and calves on the way out (and for Emme – the extremely disappointing news of not being able to pet them), we all indulged in some good burgers, fries, and shakes at the roadside establishment. Margaret even said, “I love cows, but I just love eating them more.” After Burger Barn and a trip to the Pinedale Aquatic Center to shower, we hit the road to go to our next activity. With sing-alongs, song requests, and the occasional nap, our van rides have been nothing short of fun. Anna, Frances and Margaret may be heading to Broadway after Big Wild with their top notch performance of “Ex-Wives” from The Six and “Waving Through a Window” from Dear Evan Hansen. At camp that evening, we all pitched in to organize and clean gear post-backpacking, and Frances impeccably organized the gear and duffels in the U-Haul. While organizing the U-Haul, Emme found Rob’s cowboy boots along with my cowgirl hat and convinced nearby campers that she was born and bred in the great state of Texas complete with a thick accent.
Yet another day full of laughter and excitement.We then started our 2-day climbing school with Exum Mountain Guides in Grand Teton National Park. Rob gave lessons in burrito rolling that morning as our LODs (Frances and Austin) prepared Chicken Caesar Salad Burritos. We spent our first day in Teton Village and some took advantage of the mountaintop delicacies – Henry enjoyed a croissant that made all of our mouths water. As for climbing, our kids soaked in all of the climbing tips and techniques from our guides, and did a multi pitch while belaying one another on the first day. Levi conquered his fear of heights and Sloane, Emme, Ava, and Margaret nicknamed their guide, “Arthuritis”. Smiles and laughs continued, and each kid took advantage of trying something new and seizing the moment. That evening we went to the rodeo, and the kids were shocked with this exciting news – they have become LITMO pros and not knowing what’s to come next. The rodeo was truly a hit, and Carter and Margaret proudly walked away with cowboy hats!Fourth of July was full of climbing, dancing, singing, face-painting, hair-dos, and fireworks! Rob made sure to wake up camp with the National Anthem, and patriotic songs filled our Spotify Queue all day. We climbed in Grand Teton National Park, with an incredible view: Jenny Lake! Our kids were all eagerly excited to rappel and climb – it’s so fun seeing them challenge themselves and really embrace every experience. Carter and Ava really took to climbing, as they would plan out their routes before they started each climb and worked to improve their speed and technique each time. After climbing, we all enjoyed some Red, White, and Blue Bomb-Popsicles followed by camp games, silliness, face painting, and a dance party. Anna entertained us all with her wheezing belly laughs and Austin was a champ at finger jousting. Carter even painted his whole body blue and red in a deal with a nearby camper. The girls all put on their best red, white, and blue apparel and got the dance party started. Anna and Sloane made sure each girl was patriotically decked out in festive clothing & face paint. Henry surprised us all with his awesome dance moves in the dance circle. Austin was an excellent sous chef to Rob as we grilled burgers, hotdogs, & Frances, Anna, and Emme prepped the watermelon and sides. Carter and Ava made Puppy Chow / Muddy Buddies over the fire for a roadtrip snack – a genius idea thanks to Carter. After an Americana cook out, our campsite became a full on disco and social – Emme and Sloane taught us all the Cotton Eyed Joe, and the Dish Crew (Ava, Carter, and Levi) made some friends from other campsites and they joined in on our Fourth of July fun. We ended our day with fireworks at Snow King and a parking lot dance party in the van. From early 2000s pop hits to country classics and even a few House Remixes, our kids sang every lyric and shook the van with their dancing.
Now, we’re en route to rafting on the Lower Salmon! The first half of the trip has been nothing short of spectacular, and we are all so excited for what’s to come. Thank you again for sharing your kids with us – they are all such a pleasure to have in our group – brave, encouraging, fun, helpful, funny, and well-mannered to name just a few of their wonderful attributes.
Some notes from your kiddos:
Carter – Hey you guys, hope you’re having lots of fun on the lake, can’t wait to you tell you guys everything!
Austin – I’ve had the time of my life, so excited to tell yall everything!
Margaret – Hey I miss y’all, but I’m having the best time!! Can’t wait to see our new dog and get a new hairbrush!
Henry – Hey yall, miss you! Having a ton of fun here and am looking forward to the beach!
Levi – You got it, Buddy!
Sloane – I miss and love y’all and can’t wait to see y’all and all my friends!
Emme – Miss yall and the beach lots! Happy Birthday Colin, hope you catch lots of fish!
Ava – I miss you so much and I love you! I hope Olivia had fun at camp!
Frances – Miss y’all and can’t wait to see you and tell you everything!
Anna – Hey Mom, Dad, Will, John, Rand, and Alice! I miss y’all! Hope y’all are having the best time at the lake and tell Bailes and Henry they’re going to have the time of their lives!
Update from the Salmon River!
July 10, 2024
Hello from Idaho! Your kids can add a few more states to their “visited” list as we just finished rafting on the Lower Salmon through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington! Since the last time you heard from us, we finished up the journey to Idaho & are already making our way back to Wyoming. We had 4 full days of rafting, rapids, games, goofing off, friendship bracelet making, cliff jumping, and countless “I can’t believe we get to do this” moments.
On the first day on the Lower Salmon, the kids learned how to paddle and some even took the reins of the hefty rafts – shoutout to Levi and Ava for rowing us down the river for a bit! We hit some big rapids and laughed harder than you could imagine. Our incredible guides – Masen, Kyle, + Jaden – showed us the way of raft guide games with the infamous paddle & stick game, volleyball, and the raft slip & slide. Austin and Henry caught some serious air! When we weren’t rafting, slip n sliding, or testing our core strength, we were nose deep in friendship bracelet making. Shoutout to Emme and Anna for teaching the rest of the crew how to do candy cane and Chinese staircase knots! We created countless bracelets for our whole crew and our guides. Our first day of rafting was nothing short of a dream and I’m pretty sure we all went to bed with sore cheeks and bellies from smiling and laughing so much.
Day 2 of rafting featured even bigger rapids – Half & Half, China, Snow Hole, and Bodacious Bounce to name a few! The splashes from the rapids was such a nice way to cool off in the hot, hot, hot Idaho sun. We spent most of the day on the rafts and in the sun, so much so that almost everyone took naps as soon as we hit the beach for the evening! Naps, beach reading, and friendship bracelet making were just what the day called for as it was probably 110 degrees!! While some were snoozing, Carter and Austin fished – and caught! Austin had the first catch of the trip, with Carter following with 3 back to back catches. The boys lit up with excitement, and even got to clean, gut, and cook one of their catches! Speaking of food, Margaret tried her first ever pineapple! Good thing she loved it (the next day she tried a blackberry for the first time too!) Meal times were a hit throughout rafting, as our guides prepared the most delicious riverside meals. We enjoyed S’mores Pancakes, Bacon, and Scrambled Eggs, Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps, and Pork Tenderloin with Glazed Carrots, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Cheddar Garlic Rolls, and Peach Cobbler that day! Hearts and bellies full all day long! While our Wild River guides whipped up the meals, our Leaders of the Day ran the dish crew. Each day, our LODs would draft a few friends to help out “splooging”, scrubbing, and rinsing the dishes. After dinner, ghost stories ensued – Emme, Ava, Anna, Janie, and Frances sat captivated as Rob told ghost stories. We finished up day 2 just like every other day – Moonup in a breathtaking location. Our LODs have done a fantastic job at picking out inspiring quotes and meaningful questions. These moments have been so special seeing each and every one of our kids think deeper and connect on a more vulnerable level. Parents and loved ones reading this – you should be so proud of yourselves for raising such incredible teens – we’re so lucky to spend this time with them.
Day 3 was nothing short of a dream – rapids, cliff jumping, fishing, more games, cliffside conversations, a breathtaking sunset, and our last night on the Salmon. We woke up to the smell of French Toast, Sausage, and Hash-browns! After fueling ourselves for the day and refreshing our threads on Nalgenes (for new bracelets), we took to the water for a big day! First up was cliff jumping! Sloane and Emme perfected their synchronized jumps, while Ava challenged herself and leveled up her jumps with each time she went. The girls have it all captured on GoPro and digital camera vlogs – so we’ll all be able to relive the experience in time to come. After our cliff jumping excursion, we rafted through Blue Canyon, Slide Rock Rapids, and the Confluence of the Salmon and Snake Rivers. Blue Canyon made all of our jaws drop as we were struck by its beauty. The shiny, dark blue Serpentinite rock adorning the towering mountains spotted with sagebrush, contrasted with the deep blue Salmon River looked like a scene from a priceless oil painting. Wow – are we a lucky group or what! Through the canyon, we played the T-Grip game and tested our balance. Emme and Anna were pretty successful in leaning back, but ultimately fell into the water. Janie and Ava experienced a similar fate – though no one complained about jumping in the water as the Blue Canyon felt like a sauna. We also passed countless big horn sheep and even a few babies!! We were close enough (and safe!) in our rafts to see their GPS collars which look like Invisible Fence dog collars! The Wildlife Service does this to track the big horn sheep population and where they’re living across the riverside mountains. After a hearty sandwich spread lunch, chicken fights in the Eddy, and the girls managing to pull everyone into the water, our guides tied the boats all together and we motored to our campsite. We reached it only to realize we were in a different state – Oregon! Our campsite was yet another playground for games and memory making. Frances led us all in jumping off a mermaid-perch rock, and we spent the evening between climbing the cliffs above and running + jumping into the water. Our campsite was also the perfect spot for heart to hearts and reflection time, as we all sat around in circles and shared stories of experience and learning lessons. We were already thinking of the sadness that’s to come in the airport but quickly pivoted back to LITMOing and planning reunions to come. Our final dinner we feasted on fajitas and strawberry shortcakes alongside our guides. We had the best time with them and were all so grateful for their guidance, fun spirits, and culinary skills to name a few! Thanks to the Friendship Bracelet Girls, they all have a momento to remember BGDubs 4B! Later that evening, Carter performed a late night concert on top of the same cliff – just above everyone safe and snug in the sleeping bags. Let’s just say there were giggles all around late into the night. Our crew keeps everyone entertained – themselves, us (Rob + Janie) and the guides!
Our last day of rafting featured the last riverside camp morning with an egg scramble bake, pineapple upside down cake, and fresh fruit complete. I know we’re all going to miss the Wild River meals, and we all took notes on their skills in the kitchen. With rafts tied together, we motor boated to our take out point and experienced the thrill of going over some rapids all together with an engine on the back to beat – definitely made for some big splashes to wake up our raft-nappers! We said our thank-yous and goodbyes to our guides and loaded up for an afternoon in the van. As the cheesy, age old saying goes, we are so sad to leave our rafting adventure, but so glad that it happened. Rafting was for sure a main highlight of the trip and we will all have countless memories for years to come of the past few days. Thank you once again for raising such incredible kids and sharing them with us for these 2 weeks. We have had such much fun together, and will be soaking in every moment of our last couple of days together!
All the best,Janie + Rob
Update from Big Wild!
July 10, 2024
Howdy from Wyoming!
First off – thank you for letting us spend this time with your awesome kids and create many long-lasting memories! Rob and I have enjoyed getting to know your kids, and we are pumped for what’s to come in the second half of our Big Wild adventures!
From the very first day, our group has enjoyed exploring and hanging with each other – after setting up camp, we all ventured down to the Gros Ventre river for some sunbathing and creek walking. Levi demonstrated his bravery and tolerance for cold water early on by floating down the river – lazy river style. It was evident from the very start that our group would have a ton of fun together. The girls also all bonded from the moment they met, and shared their friendly spirit with our campsite neighbors – saying hi to each person we passed haha! Between camp games, nights spent around the campfire, and positive, can-do attitudes all around, we have been seizing every opportunity to LITMO (your kids will be able to explain this one) and enjoy every moment.
Our first activity was fly fishing, and our group definitely has some fishermen & women in it! Carter was on Cloud 9 as we floated down the Green River on drift boats and learned how to fly fish. Austin and Henry reeled in 3 fish each, making their boat the lucky one of the day! At our campsite that evening, Anna and Levi made a delicious dinner and showed their culinary skills early on. Frances curated our trip playlist and made sure to put some bangers on it – shout out to her great music taste. As we prepped for backpacking and hung out at camp that evening, it was so evident to everyone that our group demonstrated great Expedition Behavior with each and every member looking after each other and the group as an entirety. From riverside and campsite exploration to cooking and cleaning, everyone has pitched in and made and every part of the trip fun and memorable.
The next morning, we woke up early with the sun to start backpacking! Austin and Margaret made the most delicious cinnamon toast pancakes, scrambled eggs, and hashbrowns to fuel us up for the big day. As we hit the trail, we were all in awe of the beauty of Bridger Wilderness and excited for the backpacking adventure. The girls all adopted new trail nicknames: Sloaney B, Margot Robbie/Moogs, Emme Lou Who, Frannykins, Anya, Aves, and JB. Trail conversations and sing alongs made the first day of hiking fly by. Emme and Ava sang All Too Well (10 Minute Version) on trail; John (our backpacking guide), Anna, Margaret, Frances, Ava, and I shared our perfect day from sun-up to sundown. Everyone mentioned spending the day with their family, which is always so heartwarming to hear. Carter was such a trooper that day too as he had packed his backpack to the brim with group gear – a real team player! Once we got to camp, we set up our tents for the next couple of nights then made our way over to “The Country Club” – aka the Bear Cabin Creek pools. With dips in the cold water and lying out on the warm rocks in the sparkling sunshine, I don’t think any of us noticed a difference between the two! We spent our evening around the campfire playing Mafia and sharing stories – including an epic Cinderella-spinoff story to open the Nug Jug during Moonup. Once we all headed to our tents for our first night in the backcountry, Rob and I overheard the kids all conversing on when and where their first reunion would be after the trip. The next day, we enjoyed a slow camp morning complete with oatmeal, blueberries, and of course a campfire. We hiked to Chateau Lake for an afternoon by the water, and for Levi and Austin – an afternoon in the water. They spent close to an hour in an epic battle of who could endure the cold water longer. Margaret and Emme also braved the cold water and went for a swim. A highlight of the lakeside afternoon was the cuddle puddle nap – the girls all basked in the sun and got a little shut eye. Rob and Carter went fly fishing that afternoon in the Gros Ventre river and even saw a beaver flap its tail at them. Ava and I (Janie) shared some special trail conversations about traveling and worthwhile/rewarding experiences. We are so lucky to be able to share these special moments and have incredible experiences with your kids. That evening we were hit by a surprise hail storm – like Chickfila pellet ice raining down on us yet strangely enough blue skies above – Wyoming summertime weather! It was magical to see. Henry and Emme made jambalaya for dinner over the fire followed by some backcountry brownie batter. Sloane and Emme entertained the group with their funny emoticon impressions and Frances kept the jokes flowing. We played trivia by the fire later and Emme and Margaret walked away as the Meat Eater Trivia Champs.
On our last day of backpacking, we packed up camp and hiked out in record time – shout out to our speedy and fit group of hikers! Ava and Carter were our Leaders of the Day and led our group in such a positive and encouraging way. Once we finished the hike out, the kids were met with the joyous surprise of a shower and a trip to Burger Barn. Though we passed many, many cute cows and calves on the way out (and for Emme – the extremely disappointing news of not being able to pet them), we all indulged in some good burgers, fries, and shakes at the roadside establishment. Margaret even said, “I love cows, but I just love eating them more.” After Burger Barn and a trip to the Pinedale Aquatic Center to shower, we hit the road to go to our next activity. With sing-alongs, song requests, and the occasional nap, our van rides have been nothing short of fun. Anna, Frances and Margaret may be heading to Broadway after Big Wild with their top notch performance of “Ex-Wives” from The Six and “Waving Through a Window” from Dear Evan Hansen. At camp that evening, we all pitched in to organize and clean gear post-backpacking, and Frances impeccably organized the gear and duffels in the U-Haul. While organizing the U-Haul, Emme found Rob’s cowboy boots along with my cowgirl hat and convinced nearby campers that she was born and bred in the great state of Texas complete with a thick accent. Yet another day full of laughter and excitement.
We then started our 2-day climbing school with Exum Mountain Guides in Grand Teton National Park. Rob gave lessons in burrito rolling that morning as our LODs (Frances and Austin) prepared Chicken Caesar Salad Burritos. We spent our first day in Teton Village and some took advantage of the mountaintop delicacies – Henry enjoyed a croissant that made all of our mouths water. As for climbing, our kids soaked in all of the climbing tips and techniques from our guides, and did a multi pitch while belaying one another on the first day. Levi conquered his fear of heights and Sloane, Emme, Ava, and Margaret nicknamed their guide, “Arthuritis”. Smiles and laughs continued, and each kid took advantage of trying something new and seizing the moment. That evening we went to the rodeo, and the kids were shocked with this exciting news – they have become LITMO pros and not knowing what’s to come next. The rodeo was truly a hit, and Carter and Margaret proudly walked away with cowboy hats!
Fourth of July was full of climbing, dancing, singing, face-painting, hair-dos, and fireworks! Rob made sure to wake up camp with the National Anthem, and patriotic songs filled our Spotify Queue all day. We climbed in Grand Teton National Park, with an incredible view: Jenny Lake! Our kids were all eagerly excited to rappel and climb – it’s so fun seeing them challenge themselves and really embrace every experience. Carter and Ava really took to climbing, as they would plan out their routes before they started each climb and worked to improve their speed and technique each time. After climbing, we all enjoyed some Red, White, and Blue Bomb-Popsicles followed by camp games, silliness, face painting, and a dance party. Anna entertained us all with her wheezing belly laughs and Austin was a champ at finger jousting. Carter even painted his whole body blue and red in a deal with a nearby camper – I think he made a few dollars haha! The girls all put on their best red, white, and blue apparel and got the dance party started. Anna and Sloane made sure each girl was patriotically decked out in festive clothing & face paint. Henry surprised us all with his awesome dance moves in the dance circle. Austin was an excellent sous chef to Rob as we grilled burgers, hotdogs, & Frances, Anna, and Emme prepped the watermelon and sides. Carter and Ava made Puppy Chow / Muddy Buddies over the fire for a roadtrip snack – a genius idea thanks to Carter. After an Americana cook out, our campsite became a full on disco and social – Emme and Sloane taught us all the Cotton Eyed Joe, and the Dish Crew (Ava, Carter, and Levi) made some friends from other campsites and they joined in on our Fourth of July fun. We ended our day with fireworks at Snow King and a parking lot dance party in the van. From early 2000s pop hits to country classics and even a few House Remixes, our kids sang every lyric and shook the van with their dancing.
Now, we’re en route to rafting on the Lower Salmon! The first half of the trip has been nothing short of spectacular, and we are all so excited for what’s to come. Thank you again for sharing your kids with us – they are all such a pleasure to have in our group – brave, encouraging, fun, helpful, funny, and well-mannered to name just a few of their wonderful attributes.
Some notes from your kiddos:
Carter – Hey you guys, hope you’re having lots of fun on the lake, can’t wait to you tell you guys everything!
Austin – I’ve had the time of my life, so excited to tell yall everything!
Margaret – Hey I miss y’all, but I’m having the best time!! Can’t wait to see our new dog and get a new hairbrush!
Henry – Hey yall, miss you! Having a ton of fun here and am looking forward to the beach!
Levi – You got it, Buddy!
Sloane – I miss and love y’all and can’t wait to see y’all and all my friends!
Emme – Miss yall and the beach lots! Happy Birthday Colin, hope you catch lots of fish!
Ava – I miss you so much and I love you! I hope Olivia had fun at camp!
Frances – Miss y’all and can’t wait to see you and tell you everything!
Anna – Hey Mom, Dad, Will, John, Rand, and Alice! I miss y’all! Hope y’all are having the best time at the lake and tell Bailes and Henry they’re going to have the time of their lives!
Safe Arrival in Jackson Hole!
June 29, 2024
Hello Big Wild Families!
We heard from our leaders last night that the group has landed safely in Jackson Hole and made it to their first campsite! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure!
Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next two week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
