1. A Night at the Jackson Hole Playhouse – Family, Laughter, and Vanilla Milkshakes
There’s something magical about going to the Jackson Hole Playhouse — especially with family in tow. This summer, we saw Cat Ballou, and Cody absolutely loved it! (Let’s be honest — the homemade vanilla milkshake at intermission was a big win, too.)
This Playhouse holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been coming here since I was 4 years old, watching classics like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Oklahoma. I used to get chills when the actors would emerge, singing along the vintage banner of the old playhouse — and now, I got to see that same sparkle in Cody’s eyes. Watching her light up alongside her cousins was pure joy and filled me with that warm, nostalgic feeling that only small-town treasures can bring.
2. When You Can’t Buy a Piñata… Make a Pizza One
Living in the middle of nowhere has its quirks. Sure, Jackson bursts with tourists all summer long, but once the crowds clear out, it’s just us 9,000 locals — and good luck finding anything overly specific, like a piñata. So when my niece Jocelyn requested one for her birthday and I came up empty-handed, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
Armed with cardboard, glue, and a questionable amount of confidence, I crafted her a custom piñata — shaped like a slice of pepperoni pizza (because deep down, we’re still New Yorkers at heart 🍕❤️). Scroll down for the photos if you need a laugh — it was definitely a handmade masterpiece.
3. Sunset Sage Wand-Making with My Girl
One golden evening, Cody and I grabbed our scissors and set out into the open fields, where wild sage grows as far as the eye can see.
I taught her how slowly sage grows and why it’s important to gather it with intention. She listened closely, snipping only the tiniest, most respectful cuts. Once home, we bundled the fragrant sprigs with twine and finished them off with beads and handmade tags — making each sage wand uniquely ours. It smelled amazing, looked beautiful, and felt like one of those sweet, quiet mother-daughter moments that stays with you forever.
