The Casper Cousins

Pictures Not For The Faint Hearted

2012-01-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

The only difference between a Chinese contortionist and myself is the expression that was on my face when I fell on the ice the other night. I was walking on the school track when the next thing I knew, I landed on my right leg and ankle driving my inside right ankle into the ice. The result of my contortion according to Urgent Care, created a fractured tibia bone down near my foot just above the heal. The next step in my process is to see an orthopedic surgeon. They will determine if more than a cast will be required.

Fun With Firecrackers

2012-01-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

Tyler and his friends were a little bored last Saturday afternoon so we decided since firecrackers are legal in Wyoming, we would have a little fun. We enjoyed making the following two videos.

2012-01-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

For a little fun, we decided to throw a whole string of several hundred firecrackers in the garbage can to see what would happen.

Boys and BB Guns

2012-01-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, the boys wanted to go play army in the hills just out of town. They had a blast even though it was a bit on the cold side. About half the way through the day, the boys decided to build a fort out of old car parts and other abandon junk. Looking at the truck picture, Tyler is in the drivers seat and his friend Gideon is to his right. They are "Two Peas In A Pod".

Jack Frost Pays Another Visit To Burlington Wyoming

2011-12-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

As you can see, Jack Frost paid another visit to Burlington overnight. Even though it's cold, it's beautiful. The frost builds up overnight when we have fog. Snow is in the forecast for the next few days. It is amazing country.

Julia's First Piano Recital (She has only taken piano lessons for a month)

2011-12-18T05:51:00.000-08:00

Tyler in the Christmas Play (look for the white socks)

2011-12-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

Julia in the Christmas Play (Green Dress)

2011-12-16T13:19:00.000-08:00

Burlington Elementary Christmas Play

2011-12-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

The kids had a blast. Preschool through sixth grade were all involved and the performance lasted two hours. Julia enjoyed playing several parts and Tyler got his picture in one of the local news papers in a role as a Russian Baker. The link is http://www.wyodaily.com/news.htm and then click on Area-News Northern Wyoming Daily News Worland Wyoming

Signs of Winter

2011-12-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

An Afternoon Drive

2011-12-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken on Friday December 9th about ten miles southwest of Burlington Wyoming on the road to Meeteetse. I have made it easy to make comments. Just click on comments and add your two cents worth. Enjoy!

The Drive from Burlington to Cody Wyoming

2011-12-09T23:27:00.000-08:00

These pictures represent a typical winter drive from Burlington to Cody (about a 35 mile drive one way). As you can see, we had received a little snow a day or two before this. The temperature at the time the pictures were taken was up into the teens from subzero weather.

Oh Deer!

2011-12-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

Nice Huh! What do you think of this deer. He is pretty typical for the area. I found him about twelve miles from the house. Did I shoot him? I wish but unfortunately no. I found him next to the road where he had been hit by a car. I did keep the antlers a nice 4X5.

Having Fun In The Fall

2011-11-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist. I came across this piece of footage shot in September after most of the leaves had fallen. It was cold and Tyler had fun being inside my warm camouflage coat. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Dinner in Burlington Wyoming

2011-11-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving day has been full of thanksgiving. We had plenty of good food to eat, a roof over our heads, shelter from the cold, and each other. The kids could not wait. Just after we finished cleaning up dinner, the kids got busy putting up the Christmas tree while watching Christmas Specials. It has been very fun.

The Fort

2011-11-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Julia and Tyler enjoy the coziness of a blanket fort against the cold. Tyler decided that he would build this fort by himself before Thanksgiving dinner. I thought that he was pretty clever by using laundry pins to hold the blankets together.

Tyler Making Snow Angles

2011-11-24T17:53:00.000-08:00

This was the first snow of the season and Tyler could not get enough of it. He played until about 8:00 pm. BED TIME.

Some Fall Activities of the Mortenson Family

2011-11-13T17:48:00.000-08:00

Finally a new update for our blog. Included are photos for the months of September and October. As the old saying goes, "Better late than never."

Julia's Sixth Grade Invention-The Pet Pole

2011-10-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

Julia's sixth grade class is learning all about inventors and inventions. Each student had to come up with their own invention and after brainstorming a bit, Julia decided on the Pet Pole. Good for catching dogs and cats on a fishing pole. Watch this video and enjoy!

A Family Favorite

2011-10-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

CLICK THE ARROW AND ENJOY

A few months ago, our family discover Shaun the Sheep. It is a take- off of Wallace and Gromit. Shaun now has a number of seasons and episodes. Each episode is is called " Who's the Caddy." segment is between five and seven minutes long. You can find many of them on You Tube or Netflix. Enjoy.

Gray Jay Birds and Kids of the Big Horn National Forest

2011-08-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Click on the video clip above to watch Robber Birds (Gray Jays) raid our camp.

Gray Jay Birds and Kids of the Big Horn National Forest

2011-08-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Working for Big Horn County spraying weeds in the Big Horn National Forest has its advantages. Sheila, Julia and Tyler came up and camped out with me for a couple of days. While camping, we made some new friendships. Gray Jay Birds came into camp after Julia and Tyler started to feed them. As you can see, they warmed up to the kids well. Some people call them robber birds because they will take all the food they can carry off.

Having Fun With A Kawasaki Mule

2011-07-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

Driving a Kawasaki Mule through streams can be a very fun thing. I was soaked by the time I got to the other side.

More Moose From The Big Horn Mountains Of Wyoming

2011-07-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Working for Big Horn County Weed and Pest has it advantages. Spraying weeds on the National Forest allows for some spectacular photo opportunities. These guys were only a few yards away from my vehicle. In the top photo, the moose was only about 30 yards away. He did not mind that we were sitting there in the open talking. In fact, while feeding, he came within about 20 yards. Amazing.

The Wildlife and Flowers of the Wyoming Big Horn Mountains

2011-07-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

The Bill Cody Museum

2011-07-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

This tile mosaic of Wyoming is on the bottom floor of the natural history wing of the Bill Cody Museum. Just to the right of the Y on Cody is about where Burlington sits. Pretty cool mosaic.

Movie "National Treasure Book of Secrets " Passage to the City Of Ebola

2011-07-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

If you have seen the movie "National Treasure Book of Secrets" there is a part when Nicholas Cage puts his hand into a rock to open the passage into the "City of Ebola" the city of gold. This stone perched above the lake is the stone they used to film that scene. It was very cool!!!

Sylvan Lake Custer State Park

2011-07-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

Day Four of Mount Rushmore "Different Views of Mount Rushmore"

2011-07-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

Day Three Of South Dakota "More Wildlife Custer State Park"

2011-07-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tunnel Near The Eye Of The Needle

2011-07-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun visiting the Mount Rushmore area. There are several scenic highways in the area. This video is part of the Needles highway. The Needles name comes from the granite spires sticking up out of the mountain side. A photo posted below is a piece of granite with a hole through one side. That is called the "Eye of the Needle" and is within a few yards of the tunnel.

Day Three In South Dakota "The Needles"

2011-07-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Day Two In South Dakota

2011-07-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

Day One of Our Journey To Mount Rushmore

2011-07-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

Drawings By Tyler

2011-06-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

After telling Tyler about spraying weeds and the equipment that we use, he drew these pictures during church. I couldn't resist putting them on the Blog. As you can see, he has added himself. He wants to ride on the Kawasaki Mule Soooooo Baddd. Can you tell form the second drawing?

My Summer Job With Big Horn County Weed Control

2011-06-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I have been working as an employee of Big Horn County Wyoming spraying noxious weeds along local canals and on BLM property. After driving to the appointed location for the day, we unpack the Kawasaki Mules and spray up to 300 gallons a day killing weeds. On one of the pictures below, you will see I have a Global Positioning System (GPS) to mark the weed types sprayed.

Spraying Noxious Weeds On Lovell Canal In Lovell Wyoming

2011-06-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

If Old Buildings Could Talk What Kind Of Stories Would They Tell

2011-06-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of the old buildings around Burlington Wyoming. They are amazing.

Ray Stevens - Come To The USA

2011-06-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

Ray Stevens Obama Budget Plan

2011-06-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Yellowtail Reservoir, Lovell Wyoming

2011-05-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

Yellowtail is about 50 miles north east of Burlington. It is like our own mini Lake Powell. Due to the canyon walls, there are only a couple of boat access points. The lake itself is 71 miles long with the dam in Montana. Yes, the water is muddy all year long due to erosion.Cliff diving anyone? The dark line along the bottom of the cliffs is the high water mark. It gives scale to the size of some of the smaller cliffs.

Domestic Buffalo Near Yellow Tail Reservoir

2011-05-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

Left Photo: As we were coming back from the lake, these domestic buffalo were walking down our side of the highway. They thought that WE were on the wrong side of the road. Maybe they are European cows?

Right Photo: Looking at the end of the dock, is what Julia and Tyler named " The USS Floating Flusher." Its a floating bathroom for boaters.

Boy's Will Be Boy's

2011-05-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

Tyler had no clue that I was taking his picture while stopping through a mud puddle left behind by spring rains.

Tyler's Zip Line Burlington,WY

2011-05-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Grizzly Country

2011-05-09T18:24:00.001-07:00

Tyler and I had the opportunity to go fishing with some neighbors to Upper Sunshine Res. just out of Meteetse Wyoming. We found out that the same day we were up there that the Game and Fish Department trapped and moved one of the largest Grizzly Bears in some time.

Cutthroat Trout Upper Sunshine Res. Wyoming

2011-05-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

These beautiful fish were taken in the afternoon using both gold and copper spoons. The largest fish measured 18 inches.

Where's The Paper?

2011-04-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

Tyler was kind enough to pose for me in this old two seater outhouse. I thought it was a great shot.

The next series of pictures were taken about sixty miles south east of Burlington near Hyattville Wyoming at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. What amazing country!

A Great Day Hike

2011-04-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

A Great Day Hike

2011-04-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

Petroglyphs Near Hyattville Wyoming

2011-04-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

A Great Day Hike

2011-04-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Playing In The Rocks Hyattville Wyoming

2011-04-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

Out On The Farm

2011-04-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

We were invited out to a member families house on Sunday for dinner and a look at the baby lambs and pigs. Tyler and Julia were in Seventh Heaven.

Out On The Farm

2011-04-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

Julia and Tyler get a close look at the pigs out on a farm here is Burlington.

Browsing Through Some Old Pictures

2011-04-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Washing Machine Elk Call

2011-04-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

Tyler found that this piece washing machine hose works pretty well as an Elk Call.

If Buildings Could Talk

2011-04-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

Old Buildings of Burlington WY II

2011-04-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Old Things Around Burlington

2011-04-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Entering the Mouth of Shell Canyon

2011-03-12T18:32:00.000-08:00

Entering Shell Canyon from the west. This area is about 40 miles east of Burlington, Wyoming.

A Frozen Shell Falls

2011-03-12T18:24:00.000-08:00

I went up to Shell Falls today expecting to see the water gushing over them due to our warm weather. As you can see, they are still frozen.

Shell Falls is about 20 miles east of Greybull Wyoming on the way to Sheridan.

Big Horn Mountains - Shell Canyon

2011-03-12T18:12:00.001-08:00

This rock formation guards the mouth of Shell Canyon 20 miles east of Greybull Wyoming.

March Madness Swimming In Casper

2011-03-06T16:53:00.000-08:00

Tyler Designed Crossbow Burlington 2011

2011-02-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

Johnny Mac Trick Shot Quarterback for UCONN

2011-02-10T18:17:00.000-08:00

Cold, Colder, Coldest

2011-02-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

We awoke this morning February 1, 2011 to some cool temperatures. Notice the windchill to the left of the temperature.Click on the photo to enlarge the picture.

Fort Burlington Wyoming

2011-01-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

Area Photos Near Cody And Meteetse Wyoming

2011-01-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Heading To Cody From Burlington

2011-01-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

Shots From Around Cody and Meteetse Wyoming

2011-01-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

A Herd Of Antelope Near South Pass Wyoming

2011-01-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

Snow Snow Everywhere

2011-01-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

Here are a number of wonderful things we saw on our way back to Burlington from Logan. The antelope were on the west side of south pass, the church was south of Farson, WY, and the snowy road was on the east side of south pass.

Tyler's First Time Driving A Snowmobile

2010-12-18T17:36:00.000-08:00

First Wyoming Pheasant

2010-12-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

I finally succeeded in taking a pheasant here in Burlington. They sure are beautiful birds. Julia and Tyler wasted no time putting the feathers to playtime use.

Find Julia and Tyler

2010-12-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

This photograph of Julia and Tyler's school Christmas performance is a little like the old "Where's Waldo" pictures. Can you find them?

An Old Barn Outside Of Burlington

2010-12-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

There are many old buildings around this area. Tyler and I decided to go explore this old Barn/Cellar. If you look closely at the picture with Tyler in it, You can see the walls are dirt. They have dug out a trench and built the pole barn over it much like an old potato cellar.

Tyler Mowing The Snow

2010-12-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

On December 10th we received a small amount of snow. It turns out that Tyler has been wanting to use the push mower on the snow for some time. He finally got his chance.

Tylers Baptism Burlington 2nd Ward

2010-12-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

Our First Cold Snap Of 2010

2010-12-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Old Homesteads of Burlington Wyoming

2010-12-04T18:38:00.000-08:00

Julia and the School Band

2010-11-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

Sunrise and Hay Field I deer Hunted In

2010-11-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I watched the sunrise and saw a nice 4x4 Buck at the top of the distant ridge. I followed him over the top but lost him somewhere in the pictures posted below.

More Deer Hunting Pictures Burlington Wyoming

2010-11-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

Other kitty pictures

2010-10-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

These are more pictures of Mittens and Theodore. The box is there temporary bed. They're very playful. They chase everything, even the leaves!

Hard At Work

2010-10-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

Tyler designed and constructed the pond. Julia joined in later on. Tyler reminds me of Grandpa Roy leaning on the shovel.

New Additions To Our Family

2010-10-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest members of our family, Theodore and Mittens. A member of the ward donated them to our cause. Julia and Tyler are so excited to have them as their pets.

Bugle In The Park (Yellowstone, West Thumb)

2010-10-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Bronze Sculptures In Jackson Wyoming

2010-10-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Julia and Tyler enjoyed having fun with the bronze sculptures. Below they got to sit with Benjamin Franklin and to the right, they were being attacked by a giant eagle.

Thirsty Riders

2010-10-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

While on our recent trip to Jackson Hole Wyoming we came across these western folk who needed a good stiff drink. I obliged them by handing over my soda. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Elk Elk Everywhere

2010-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

This big old bull decided to drop in for lunch as we were having lunch. Be sure to scroll to the bottom on this blog to see the video of elk sounding off.

Bear Country On The Way To The Park

2010-10-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

I couldn't pass up this opportunity. Fun photo huh.

Julia and Tyler

2010-10-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Near Oxbow Bend in the Teton National Forest.

What a View

2010-10-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

Teton National Park near Oxbow Bend.

Oxbow Bend On The Snake River Teton National Park

2010-10-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

Even though it was not the best time of day to take pictures. This was hard to pass up.

Barn In Tetons

2010-10-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

What a view. If this old barn could only talk what stories might it tell.

Elk At Yellowstone

2010-10-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

Elk Of Big Horn County Wyoming NEXT THREE PHOTOS

2010-09-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

The next three photos are of an Elk Herd just twenty miles south west of Burlington Wyoming on the way to Meteetse. This herd is around 300 animals. As I was taking these pictures, I could count at least 13 good sized bulls and you could hear them bugling. If you enlarge the photos by clicking on them, you will see a number of white tail deer in the fore ground. We counted over 200 head of deer this evening.

Elk Of Big Horn County Wyoming

2010-09-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Deer Of Burlington

2010-09-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

These are the same deer. I zoomed in the best I could to give you an idea of the typical groups of deer we have been seeing this fall. How many BUCKS can you count? (Click to enlarge the photos) These are pretty typical groups for the area.

Burlington Wyoming

2010-09-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

These two photos were taken from the bench just to the north of Burlington looking south into the community. (Click on the photos to enlarge the pictures)