The last days of summer are here. School is starting. My first born is going into Kindergarten and although I should be sad, I am happy for him and for all the new discoveries that are ahead of him (not to mention, the 2 hours that I will have to get a few chores done). Since the end of summer is upon us, we have been trying to get as much fun into our days as possible.
One of our latest adventures involved going on a little expedition to see an old grave. The grave of Old Ephraim-the grizzly bear, it is one of the major attractions in Logan (Cache Valley). The bear was a giant--it stood about 10 feet tall and weighed about 1,100lbs. It loved to eat, especially sheep and cattle. It is said that it could break a cow's back with just one single blow of his paw! Definitely a terrifying adversary!
The picture to the left shows the monument that was erected in Old Ephraim's honor. The slab of stone stands 10 feet tall to demonstrate his height. It is important to note, that although it is called Old Ephraim's grave, his remains do not reside at this place, the whereabouts of his remains are unknown.
All the kiddos in the picture are our little neighbors--as you can see, there are plenty of little friends for our kiddos, all of them around the same age, give our take a few months.
Here is a picture of the Conquistadores! They believe they have conquered this patch of land--boyz!
Our trek had a little eye candy for me too...now where are my shears!
Today we are taking our last expedition for the summer: a trip to the land of tigers and bears...and even an albino alligator will be spotted!
Special Collections in the Merrill Library had Old Ephraim's skull on display when I worked there. I don't know if they still do, but it would be worth a call. They're in the new library now and not the old one.
Posted by: Miriam | August 19, 2007 at 08:39 AM
My first born is heading off to kindergarten too! It's bittersweet, isn't it?
Posted by: Jennifer | August 18, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Wow - how fortunate for your kids that there's so many other children their age in the neighborhood! I have a 9 year old and a 4 year old, but most of our neighbors are either families with teenagers, or retired people. I wish there were more younger kids around. I understand about kindergarten. My daughter had been in daycare since she was a baby, but it was still sad to see her go off to kindergarten. My son will start next year, and I'll get to look forward to helping two kids with homework every night... : { My daughter's school has full-day kindergarten, and they start with homework right in kindergarten, 4 nights a week. It's amazing how advanced it is compared to when I was in kindergarten back in 1970 something.
Posted by: Laura | August 18, 2007 at 09:07 AM
looks like a lot of fun!!!
Posted by: Denise | August 17, 2007 at 08:58 PM
(((((Isela)))) You won't know what happened for the first few weeks and then you and Benny will fill up all of that time.
Posted by: Stacey | August 17, 2007 at 07:06 PM
It was a bitter-sweet feeling for me when the girls went to school.
Enjoy your free time!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | August 17, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Oh my gosh, I have no idea how I will handle it when Camdyn goes off to school... sounds like you are really packing in the fun these next few days!
Posted by: Alice | August 17, 2007 at 02:12 PM
I used to hear stories about Ephraim. I heard he was on display somewhere.. but I am not too sure thats true.
Sounds like an awesome adventure!
Posted by: jennifer m | August 17, 2007 at 02:05 PM
Look at all the little monkeys! :D
Posted by: Cookie | August 17, 2007 at 01:52 PM
What a sweet picture of all the kids:) Sounds like fun the expeditions. I'd like to see the albino alligator too:)
Posted by: Marisol | August 17, 2007 at 01:46 PM
When we were out in SLC for my MIL's hip replacement, I really thought I'd have time to get to the zoo. I was disappointed that that didn't end up being the case -- and that was before I knew an albino alligator was there. Bummer!
Posted by: sprite | August 17, 2007 at 12:32 PM