Sunday, October 31, 2010

Yellowstone

Back in September we were able to take a trip up to Yellowstone. Tyson's parents were living up in Montana this summer while his dad worked on a Dam. We decided it would be a good reason to take some time off and take another trip before the weather got too cold!

We had a lot of fun while we were up there. We were able to visit the Yellowstone National Park and saw some great things! We were able to walk around and see all the beautiful pools. Beauty Pool to be specific...

We saw a lot of wildlife while we were driving through. We actually got out of the car once and watched a bear cross the road. He was right by us, but I was not quick enough on the draw to get a picture! We did get some great pictures of Buffalo though!

We were able to visit Virginia City. It looks like a great place and looks like a lot of fun. Too bad we got there about a week late! They had just closed things up because tourist season had just ended. Didn't stop us from walking around and peeking in the windows though!

There were a few places that were open.....

When we were walking through the little town and peeking in the windows I noticed some of my favorite things across the street. I wanted to go over and play! I quietly waited for Tyson and his dad to finish peeking in windows and we crossed the street to see the......

CHOOCHOOS!!!!! I love trains and I was so excited that there were old run down trains we could climb in! It was AWESOME!

Who needs wildlife when they can run around on trains?

We were able to see a lot of beautiful places and wore ourselves out with all the walking we did. It was a perfect vacation for the two of us. Not just because of the beauty all around us, but we really enjoyed visiting the Ellis parents. We have so much fun when we get to hang out with family!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Kyle Landon Crown

I have been thinking a lot about my little brother lately. It might be because he is leaving on his mission soon, It might be because I just adore him. Either way I wanted to write a post about him.

Kyle is going on his mission to Mexico City, Mexico! He reports on January 5th and the whole family is going to miss that boy (okay, maybe he is a man). I don't feel like my little brother is big enough to be a missionary! I do know he will be the best missionary ever. Kyle has great skills when talking with people and he can really relate to those around him. These skills are going to help him in the field!

I am so proud of Kyle for making the choice to serve a mission. He has done a lot in the last few years, but he is willing to put things on hold to serve the Lord and the people of Mexico City. He is sacrificing so much for what he believes and knows is true! I am so glad to know he has a firm testimony and is acting on it each day.

Kyle has a way of making me happy no matter what. I am pretty sure he has this effect on anyone around him, but I have seen it first hand. If I am having a hard time in life I am always able to just talk and cry to my brother. He knows how to make me feel good about myself and shows me how to look at the bright side of things. He always sees things for the best that they are and takes the high road in life.

Kyle is one of those people who just has a light about him. When he walks into a group of people you can tell he is there and you can feel his presence. This light is something that attracts many people and makes everyone want to be around him.

The light he has not only brings a lot of people in, but it shines when he is on stage. When Kyle is performing you can't help but be transfixed by him and his sheer skill. My little brother was born to be in the limelight! He is just too good not to be! He has been in plays, musicals, choir groups and even sang during Conference once! He is just amazing.

I would say that Kyle is one of my very best friends. Our whole family is close, but Kyle and I have a special bond. We can talk about anything. We share jokes just by looking at each other. He is just the best pal and a great brother!

I am so lucky to have Kyle as my brother. His presence has blessed my life in so many ways. I am glad to have him around! He is going to be a wonderful missionary. I know while he is out in the field he will bless the lives of those around him, just as he has blessed my life.