Paiute Trail

Two of my favorite things to do, combined into one fabulous weekend - LUV IT!

My first favorite thing to do is a 3-day weekend away with Ira. Especially when it's a bit of a road trip, because then I get his undivided attention for however many hours it takes to get there. Then I get the ride home too! It's simply fabulous. I love that we get to hold hands, and actually walk together without both of us trying to round up kids. I love that we get to finish our sentences without being interrupted. I love that we get to laugh more and play more. I love that we are just relaxed and can enjoy each others company - even when it's silent between us - it's a comfortable silence. I love that my "emotional tank" gets to be refilled. I love that we can be ready to walk out the door in 5 minutes, not an hour and 5 minutes with getting everyone ready. And then when our weekend comes to a close - I love that I can hug my children and remember why it's good to be home too.

Yep...a weekend away with my husband is a "must-do". In fact, I "must do" it again...soon!

My second favorite thing to do is being in the outdoors - camping, hiking, swimming, boating...4-wheeling! We went to Central Utah on a trail we had never been on before, and we went with our 4-wheeling traveling friends.

helmet head! No one said this was a fashion show :)

Yes...it was THAT cold. We are warming our hands with the warm exhaust coming from the 4-wheeler. That's a new one - I've never done that before!

And yes...it was that muddy. But mud can sure be fun!

If you could zoom in on this picture, you'd see the rain pouring down.

Roger Douglas

The other couples who were with us.

Jen & Bryce Douglas

These two were new to our usual group.

LuAnn and Sheridan Peterson

Marilyn & Roger Douglas

Just the two of us.

Our 4-wheeling buddies. This is the third trip we have taken with this group (except Bryce and Jen). Every single trip we have taken with them, it has been unseasonably and miserably cold. We're beginning to wonder if our friendship is meant to be! Not really, because of course it is. At least we know we're not just "fare-weathered" friends! ha ha

It's funny how the age gaps between us goes unnoticed. I have loved traveling with this group, and we're already planning our next 4-wheeling trip to Moab - can't wait!!!

Labor Day Weekend

I love Labor Day weekend. It is the kick-off to my favorite month of the year. I also don't like it when Labor Day is finished, because in my mind, summer is officially over. I love summer, and love fall even more. Unfortunantly, in Cache Valley, both are short lived - especially fall. So when Labor Day rolls around - we gotta live it up to it's fullest.

We decided to take a camping trip to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. We headed on our way, with much anticipation of the adventures we'd have, and the wildlife we would see. Somewhere in the middle of Wyoming, THIS was our first experience with wildlife...Sheep - hundreds of them in the road, surrounding our truck.

We finally made it to Signal Mountain, where we set up camp, then headed to Jackson Lake, just below the Tetons, with our Kayaks. It was absolutely beautiful.

Later that evening, we went to Bar T-5 in Jackson Hole. We have always been Bar J fans, but Bar J was sold out, so we thought we'd try this other one. Here's my review of the two...For Ira and I as adults, Bar J is the winner. BUT, for Ira and I as parents, Bar T-5 won. Bar T was more spendy, so that wasn't so fun, but it was more kid happy. We started our adventure by taking covered wagons a couple of miles to where the dinner and entertainment were.

They had entertainment along the road, such as Indians and a trapper.

After dinner, there was a program with jokes and songs. Kam really got into dancing with the songs.

Our next day was Sunday, so we had a low-key day to try to keep the Sabbath Holy the best we could. So we went on a drive through Yellowstone.

Yellowstone wouldn't be complete without a stop at Old Faithful.

...and a few of the hot geysers.

It was the basic Yellowstone journey, until we stopped to see Steamboat Willie (below). Notice how Ira is sitting on that railing? We since learned that probably wouldn't be a good idea. Right after this picture was taken, we decided to head back up the path. There was a big group of people listening to a ranger, and I had to squeeze past some of them. I pushed against a rail (slightly, not with full force), and the thing gave out. I had my back to it, and I went falling about 3 feet (from the deck to the ground, plus my 5 feet of height) to the ground below, shoulders and head first. As I was in mid-air, I visualized the signs all around to not go off the path, because the ground below could be thin crust over a pool of boiling water. So, during my descend (which was probably only a second or two - but seemed like a lifetime), I was sure I was going to go crashing through the ground into the hot water. I landed with relatively little damage... so I thought at the time - just my pride was damaged. But as the minutes and hours wore on, it became apparent that I was going to be hurting for a while from that fall. As I remember the faces of people standing around, I was grateful that it was me that fell, and not any of the grandmas or grandpas that were there. It hurt me, but it could have REALLY hurt them.

After a few tears, I put on a smile and continued with our journey. We went to the famous Yellowstone Canyon. It really is spectacular to see.

As we were leaving the canyon, we saw a sign on the side of the road which read, "LDS Sacrament Meeting at 4:30." We looked at our clock, which read 4:28. As you can see from the pictures, we weren't dressed for what we were accustomed to wearing to church. But everyone else walking down the path was dressed like we were. So we joined in the crowd, and found ourselves in an open ampitheatre for a fast and testimony meeting. They chose priesthood boys out of the gathering to administer the sacrament. Then we had testimony meeting. The last man to stand up was a neighbor of ours, (small world!) Towards the end of his testimony, he saw us - and it must have thrown off his train of thought, cuz in the middle of a sentence, he exclaimed, "HI Bishop!!! I knew we'd see someone we know here." Everyone got a good laugh out of it. I was a bit embarrassed, because Kamden was being quite disruptive, and I didn't let it bother me too much (until that point) because no one knew us or anything about us. Now we were in the spotlight, and not being very good role-models! :)

However, it was such a neat meeting to be in attendance of. I'm so glad we were at the right place at the right time.

After church, we still hadn't seen any of the wildlife we had been telling the kids we would see. When this big boy came strolling down the road. We saw several after that, but this was the closest.

The Tetons and the sunset welcomed us back to Jackson Park as we were finishing our wonderful day at Yellowstone.

Back to camp...

This is one of my favorite spots for a picture. It is on Signal Mountain, overlooking Jackson Lake and the Tetons. I just love the Tetons - it is one of my favorite places to go.

Jarin

Brayden

Our last day in Jackson, we took our Kayaks out once again. This time to a different lake (don't know the name). But it only allowed non-motorized boats. So we felt a little more safe to explore all around. There is nothing like being right below the great, majestic Tetons.

Jarin

Nicky

Ira, Kamden, Jarin

Kamden - his smile says it all...it was a perfect vacation to end summer and start fall.

Cute

Jarin: "Mom, am I still cute now that I'm in Kindergarten?"

Me: "Of course you are."

Jarin: "When I was a baby, how many times did you tell me I was cute?"

Me: "Every day...a hundred times a day."

Jarin: "Now would be a good time to tell me again."

Me: "Jarin, you are the cutest 6 year old I know!"

Jarin: *smile*

***Note to self*** Don't forget to give words of affirmation to Jarin, and to each of my kids. Even though I don't think it's his #1 "love language" - it is clearly still important to all of us.

Say It Isn't So...

Because of our L O N G winter - it seems like summer just barely began. And the next thing I know...school is starting. Ask me if I'm happy about that? I have to admit that it is more peaceful around here with school in - but I feel cheated on my family time and activity time of summer vacation. But since I have little to zero control of the schools schedules - I took the kids clothes shopping, helped them pack their backpacks, and sent them out the door. Now that I have the luxury of having kids old enough to babysit - I like to take each of my kids on their own shopping date and out to lunch to some restaurant they haven't tried before. It's lots of fun for me, I hope they like it too (I think they do).

Brayden on morning number 1 of being a Freshman. Seriously??? When did this happen?!

Emilie ready to go to 5th grade.

All last year, and this summer - I have been anxious for Jarin to get to go to Kindergarten. He has a summer birthday, so he was technically old enough to go last year. After much deliberation and discussions with educators and other parents - we decided it would be best for him to wait a year. Now he's one of the older children in his grade instead of the youngest - I think that will work to his advantage. Anyways, You'd think I would be counting the hours for him to get to leave after having him home an extra year. But was not so. The day before school started, it hit me like a ton of bricks that this was my last day to have my little boy with me all day long...without school responsibilities. I didn't like it. I asked him if he would stay home with me instead of go to kindergarten. He thought and thought and asked me if he could do both cuz he couldn't decide. So I had to tell him how wonderful Kindergarten is, when really...I feel like they are robbing me of my baby! :) I know...we have to let our babies grow up - but it's not always easy. Until a certain age, then they don't grow up fast enough! ha ha.

This picture was taken while he was waiting for the right time to finally get here. He was up 2 hours early this morning, all dressed, backpack on, and ready to go!

He's waiting in line at the bus stop. It's almost time...

Woohoo!! The bus is here! Then he runs out of line, and gives each of us one last hug before turning to leave and get on the bus.

After a successful day of Kindergarten.

I only have to/get to go through this torturous day one more time of my babies going to kindergarten for the first day. I wanted to cry today - but I'm pretty sure when it's my last baby boarding that bus (3 years from now), I won't be able to hold the tears back.

God Be With You Till We Meet Again...

Ira and I had the privilege of going to the MTC with my parents to see one of the most sweetest girls on the planet. This sweetheart happens to be from Christmas Island, and we got to spend time with her when we were there. The short time we got to know her, we grew to love her. Her name is Lavendar - pronounced Lavinta. If I were to have another baby girl - that would be her name. I love it, and she couldn't have a better name sake.

Lavendar is serving her mission in Sacramento, California. She got to Utah, and is freezing cold (in our 90 Degree temps), and she's afraid of the mountains. I suppose they can be a bit intimidating.

I had to laugh at the picture below. Notice Lavenders feet - no shoes. They don't usually wear shoes on Christmas, because they don't have shoes. So she didn't like wearing shoes here, and she says they make her wobbly. So she takes them off every opportunity she can.

Till we meet again Lavender...

These two pictures are of Lavender saying, "Yes Sir...Elder Mosssaaa". The top one is at the MTC, the lower one is on the island.

This is Lavender digging up a clam - the very clam that I ate a raw piece out of it, and brought the shell home.

Crammin' in the Summer Fun

We had two weekends left to play before kids were back in school. What to do...what to do.... We just couldn't decide, because there are so many things we still wanted to do while it's warm, before kids get too wrapped up in school. So we did it all. On the first Saturday, we went 4-wheeling to Oxford Peak, then went and floated down the Bear River.

I love the view of Cache Valley from up there - and the ride up there isn't bad either. ;)

Jarin

Brayden

Floating the Bear River. I was a nervous Mama Bear again. I don't know what's gotten into me that I'm always nervous for these family activities. I've either gotten older and wiser and can make better decisions - or I'm getting panic attacks for no reason. But I was nervous with my two younger kiddos on this somewhat swift river, and even a few spots of rough water. And did I mention the waterfall? Ira had me nervous about this waterfall before we even got in the water. As it turns out, it really wasn't that big of a deal...IF you knew where to go so you didn't tip over. Hmmmm...maybe not such a good idea for a few more years - when Kamden is about 12. But now that we're all home safe and sound - it really was a fun adventure.

The second Saturday, we went to find us a nice beach at Bear Lake. Well, this tree used to be on the beach. So we found some rocks next to the road to load our Kayaks right into the water. I can't ever remember the lake being so full of water.

We even had to paddle through some of this marsh (which again, used to be way up on the beach).

20 Years

It has been 20 years... and counting, since I graduated from good 'ol Preston High School. I think there were about 120 graduates in my class. There were only about 40 of us who showed up to the reunion - which was a bit disappointing, but still lots of fun. I was really nervous to go, because Ira wasn't going to be with me (he was on the scouting trip). And my best friend in high school, and who I spent most of my time with, isn't who I married (ha ha) - so I just wasn't feeling very comfortable. However, one of my best girlfriends wasn't wanting to go, because her husband couldn't be there either. So...we went together. I was so glad I went. I loved seeing the people who came.

In Preston, for the most part - you graduate with the same kids you started out in kindergarten with. So by the end of 13 years together, we all know each other pretty well - or at least we thought we did. I loved seeing how different so many of them are now from back in the school days. I loved that we were all one big happy group, and those cliques from back in the day were no more. I love that after all these years, when we cross paths at reunions or around town, that we can call each other friend.

Lynette Turnbow (Jensen) - in the following picture - didn't graduate from Preston, but from West Side. But in about 7th grade, she and I became good friends through playing volleyball against each other. We stayed close, and became roommates at Ricks College for 2 years. Then she married a kid that I graduated with - so now I'll forever get to see her at my class reunions. Yay for us!

Three of my bestest friends. I missed my girlies who couldn't be there, but it was so fun to see these three.

Bridgett Burns (Knapp), me, Barbara Miller (Matthews), Julie Womack (Crosgrove)

Now...for the next 20 years............