Zion's National Park

My mom, and my Aunt Evelyn and her friend came to town to see The Little Mermaid at Tuacahn and while they are here we did a little excursion to Zion's. I cannot get enough of this place. There really is something about the raw, natural beauty there that I find very grounding and peaceful. We had a great day together and I'm really glad we all got time with my mom and my aunt. 

Because I'm new, (and as I have previously stated; very busy and very important) I totally forgot a diaper. And as Jenna drinks more water than everyone else on the trip combined, she hard the largest, heaviest diaper I have every seen by the time we were done. So because it's just how silly Casey and I are, we stopped at one of the rock and gem shops on the way down so that we could weigh said diaper... 1 pound 1 ounce. Are you kidding me? 

Looks like this may become a tradition

For the second year in a row my dad has made the trek to St. George to come visit us in January. He's thinking this may have to become an annual thing. It's always fun to have him come for a little visit. While he was here we; played a lot with Jenna, took naps, and went to my first rodeo. You read that right, I went to a rodeo. My first {and more than likely last} rodeo. My favorite part may {after, of course, the 45 minute patriotic preamble...good night! If you have ever been to a rodeo you know what I am talking about. I think they played every patriotic song ever written and played some poem read by John Wayne. I'm telling you, I thought it would never end. But I digress, my favorite part had to have come about half way through when the announcer starts going into this schpeal that I swear they wrote for me. On and on about how well all the animals are treated, about how much they love their jobs, about what a human sport this is, etc. when out of no where a horse fully JUMPS THE RAILS and into the arena. Nearly got high centered. I just looked at my Dad like, you have got to be kidding me. He loves it so much he's willing to potentially get really hurt or stuck to get out of the pen. It was absolutely classic. We got a couple of pics. Nothing great.

We also my dad to see Zion's National Park. It was his first time and I think he really enjoyed it. He's trying to get to as many of the original lodges as possible so he was stoked to get a picture with Zion's original lodge. The ice and snow prevented us from getting to far into the trails but it changed the beauty of the place a little. And it was a great trip any way.

Zion's

 I love when we head up to Zions and go for a walk. There is just such a sense of peace and harmony while you are there. I wish we did it more often. Thought I would share a couple of shots from our afternoon stroll today. I won't tell you how many attempts it took to get a picture with all of us looking at the camera. That 11 month old of ours just would not cooperate.

Honestly...

I love how she crosses her feet. She does it all the time.

Casey's birthday & Father's Day

We had such a great day today. Casey's 38th birthday falling on Father's Day this year was an added little bonus for his first Father's Day as a Dad. Casey and Matt wanted to go up to Zion's for lunch and a little hike. It was a beautiful day up there. It was certainly hot, but not overwhelmingly so. Casey seemed pleased with how his day went. Jenna got her Dad book, and I made him a Weber State t-shirt quilt (with a tremendous amount of help from Kim and Heather). He also got some clothes from his mom and brother. Good times all around!

We also got a little video of Jenna playing peek-a-boo...cracks me up!

Casey's 37th Birthday

For Casey's birthday this year we went camping up at Zion's National Park. It was a great time! Very low key. We got up there late yesterday afternoon and set up camp. We brought our queen size air mattress and a tent we had received for our wedding. Don't think it had been used in 10 years, but our nice tent is in San Diego. Anyway, the air mattress BARELY fit in the tent and we couldn't even zip the door shut. It was hilarious. I guess Casey isn't getting any birthday whoopie! We went for a walk around the camp grounds. Then came back for fire roasted hot dogs and birthday cake and Casey unwrapped his presents. Casey got up early this morning and went for a hike getting back just in time to take down camp and check out!

Angel's Landing

Angel's Landing at Zion's

Casey and I took advantage of a free Sunday at home to go hike in Zion's National Park. It was a stunning day with perfect weather. I had never done this hike at Angel's Landing. It was kind-of crazy. To get to the landing you have to hike along the edge of the mountain holding onto chains attached to the side so that you don't fall into the abyss. The views were totally worth it though! What a gorgeous place. This hike has revealed to Casey, however, that he is a touch scared of heights. It didn't bother me at all however, and he felt I was a little lax in my grip on the chains. We finally had to change positions so that I was walking behind him so that he couldn't see what I was (or wasn't) doing. So cute.

Grand Canyon Stop Over

Grand Canyon

Casey and I took a road trip to the Weber State vs. Northern Arizona football game. It was a really fun game. They usually are when you win. On the drive home from the game, we made a slight detour and went to the Grand Canyon. It was the first time I had seen it. It was certainly beautiful and awe inspiring. But I was done after about 20 minutes. As much as I can appreciate the beauty in mountains, for me, they just don't compare to the ocean. I can look at this canyon that has looked pretty much the same for I don't even know how long and see the beauty. But I could never sit for hours and admire it like I can with the ever changing ocean. I am really glad we went. And as always had a fantastic time on the road trip. I am so grateful Casey and I travel so well together.