Grand Tetons and Yellowstone 2016, Part 1

It's been a July to remember. Last week, we spent the week in the Grand Tetons, with trips to Yellowstone. We loaded up the MAP and went camping in a big way. We met Mike's Mom and step-dad, sister and her family, and Connie and Herb Pierce there. It was a great time.

We left Saturday morning (I got back from Calgary Friday night) and arrived Sunday evening with an overnight stop in Deer Lodge, Montana. We've already decided we need to go back again in a future year to explore  the Coeur d' Alene Idaho area and the parts of Montana we went through. Gorgeous scenery and lots to do, but we didn't have time and just had to pass through. We did stop for dinner in Missoula and thought it was a cute town!

On Sunday, we came in through the North entrance of Yellowstone and drove south to the Tetons so that we could visit some of the northernmost attractions at Mammoth Springs. Jack thought it was cool that there were elk all over the lawn.

 We wandered by the cone at Mammoth springs

 and then walked the boardwalks to explore the terraces. We were surprised that there wasn't more water, but the formations are fascinating.

 We also had to stop and see the mud volcano on the way through...Jack was excited by the idea of a volcano!

 Walking back down, Mike pointed under a tree. I thought it was a big boulder at first. He told me to look again and then the tail moved...

On Monday, we were waiting for Kami and Jason to arrive so we mostly hung around camp at the Coulter Bay RV park on Jackson lake. We did walk down to the water for some wading for a little while too. Jackson just loves visiting with his cousins Katelyn and Alyssa. 

On Tuesday, we went down to Jackson Hole for the day. We spotted this mama and baby moose hanging out in a pond along the way.

 We had a great time. We started the day with a little breakfast at Dornan's where we ate outside.

 Then, we wander through a visitor center and town, then rode a horse-drawn stage coach, and met up with the Mandells for a bunch of shopping and an afternoon snack.

 That evening, all 13 of us met up at the Bar J Wranglers for a Chuckwagon dinner and some western music.

 These guys were quite talented. Jack got very into the music and jokes. He was clapping and dancing and having a great ol' time.

Tomorrow, I'll be back with Wednesday through Friday's adventures...

SEE Summit 2016- "Teachers are Superheroes"

Two weeks ago, I spent a week in Calgary with the SMART Technologies company at the Smart Exemplary Educators Global Summit. The SEE Summit is such an inspiring event.

The entire company seemed to show up to honor the 57 teachers attending

First, you have all these teachers from all over the world who are wonderful, creative teachers. They are passionate about education and using technology, and just as importantly are willing to share their ideas and learning with everyone. Within a few days, you make true friends in addition to building your professional network. I may not see many of them in person, but I have a wonderful network of people that I keep in touch with through Facebook and G+ and the SEE Community sites.

Geri from Minnesota, Jenny from NC, Greg Estell one of the SMART Exes,  Gerd from Finland, Beatriz from Chile, Mark from the UK, Sue from CT, and Ron from Utah.

Oivind and Kristin from Norway, Amy from Hawaii, and Jennifer from NC.

Kristin from Norway and Beatriz from Chile

SEES with the new Monsters from Monster Quiz

Mare, DAnielle, Amy, Gerd, Sarah, Lori, and Amber

Then, you have a company that truly values teachers. SMART has made it their business to really get to know education and the needs of teachers and students. SMART not only shows their appreciation for teachers during this week, but they are so responsive to their customer's needs, asking us what we'd like to see, asking about our ideas, and really listening to our feedback. In addition, they make us feel like important contributors to the success of the company.

Smart Execs answering questions from our teachers

My Hackathon team

From both SMART and the  other teachers, I learned a great deal, and I found energy to re-invigorate my teaching and learning and help inspire me to new goals.

In addition, they arranged for such a welcoming and fun filled week as well, with a welcome from the greater Calgary community when we were given our white cowboy hats and sworn in as "honorary Calgarians" to visits to attractions like Heritage Park and the Calgary Zoo. We also had wonderful food, and a Superhero themed dinner to celebrate together, along with lots of time to visit and socialize and make great friends.

Teachers are Superheroes!

The bowling night was very fun!

Smart says Thanks to teachers in a big way.

Finally, they've helped us establish lasting projects like Global Collaboration that will carry us through the year and continue to build on the work of the week. What an amazing group!

The whole SEE Summit Group 2016

SEE Summit 2016- "Teachers are Superheroes"

Two weeks ago, I spent a week in Calgary with the SMART Technologies company at the Smart Exemplary Educators Global Summit. The SEE Summit is such an inspiring event.

The entire company seemed to show up to honor the 57 teachers attending

First, you have all these teachers from all over the world who are wonderful, creative teachers. They are passionate about education and using technology, and just as importantly are willing to share their ideas and learning with everyone. Within a few days, you make true friends in addition to building your professional network. I may not see many of them in person, but I have a wonderful network of people that I keep in touch with through Facebook and G+ and the SEE Community sites.

Geri from Minnesota, Jennifer from NC, Greg Estell one of the SMART Exes,  Gerd from Finland, Beatriz from Chile, Mark from the UK, Sue, and Ron from Utah.

Oivind and Kristin from Norway, Amy from Hawaii, and Jennifer from NC.

Kristin from Norway and Beatriz from Chile

SEES with the new Monsters from Monster Quiz

Mare, DAnielle, Amy, Gerd, Sarah, Lori, and Amber

Then, you have a company that truly values teachers. SMART has made it their business to really get to know education and the needs of teachers and students. SMART not only shows their appreciation for teachers during this week, but they are so responsive to their customer's needs, asking us what we'd like to see, asking about our ideas, and really listening to our feedback. In addition, they make us feel like important contributors to the success of the company.

Smart Execs answering questions from our teachers

My Hackathon team

From both SMART and the  other teachers, I learned a great deal, and I found energy to re-invigorate my teaching and learning and help inspire me to new goals.

In addition, they arranged for such a welcoming and fun filled week as well, with a welcome from the greater Calgary community when we were given our white cowboy hats and sworn in as "honorary Calgarians" to visits to attractions like Heritage Park and the Calgary Zoo. We also had wonderful food, and a Superhero themed dinner to celebrate together, along with lots of time to visit and socialize and make great friends.

Teachers are Superheroes!

The bowling night was very fun!

Smart says Thanks to teachers in a big way.

Finally, they've helped us establish lasting projects like Global Collaboration that will carry us through the year and continue to build on the work of the week. What an amazing group!

The who SEE Summit Group 2016