1st Buttercups found

Courtesy Jill Christensen
The Christensen kids went for a hike in Union Valley on Feb. 7 to check how the development of the buttercup population was coming along, expecting they wouldn’t be ready to bloom for at least another 2 weeks. They were shocked to find a couple already in bloom due to the mild winter and the few days of 40 degree weather we had recently. However, Friday night, Feb. 12 into Monday, Feb. 15, Old Man Winter decided it is still winter and covered the valley with lots of snow.  From left to right: Joel, age 10, Damon, age 12, Avery, age 4, and Esther, age 6. They are the children of Kene and Jill Christensen.