Spring Break in Moab

We headed to Moab's Arches National Park for our spring break and can I just say "WOW!" How have I lived here 10 years and never partaken of this beautiful wonder?? We had such a good time hiking and taking in the scenery. We are thinking this may need to become a new spring break tradition. The weather was perfect, Sunny and Warm!

Half way through our first day of hiking, Jake decided he couldn't go any further since his feet hurt. This is the first time mom noticed that he only packed one pair of tennis shoes and they happen to be the shoes he wore the beginning of 2nd grade (he's a 3rd grader now). I didn't even know those shoes were still in his closet. Our hiking was pretty much over that day. There are no Famous Footwear, Payless Shoes, Target, etc. (you get the idea) in Moab so we had to settle for the good ole Dollar General store. Jake got a $1 pair of flip flops (still slightly small) and a $7 pair of shoes that made him look like Don Johnson in the 80's playing Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice. True Story! Between the shoes and his recent growth spurt that caused ALL of his pants to be about 2 inches too short, I kept giggling every time I saw him. He was truly a sight to behold. Hey, he looked awesome and at least he was back to hiking. These are memories I will always cherish.

2 Down 58 to Go!

So this summer I got a book from my job (for employee appreciation week) called "60 Hikes within 60 Miles." It shows all the great hikes in Salt Lake, Ogden, Provo and the Uintas. Two weeks ago I cracked the book open for my first hike up to Mt. Timpanogos and for FHE tonight the Weights and Holdsworths went on a 1.6 mile hike to Battle Creek Falls near PG. The weather was great, the kids were fun, and it was an "easy peasy lemon squeasy" hike! I love all the fall colors.

Jake is lovin' the picture takin'

Wendy and Susie trying to look so cutsie

Battle Creek Falls

Summit of Mt. Timpanogos

Susie, Jo (friend, not husband) and I started from the Timpanooke trail head at 7:30 am. You can tell from our smiles that we really had no idea what was ahead of us.

The scenery was gorgeous all the way up.

This is a small waterfall/stream just before you get to the turnoff for Scout Falls.

See the tipy top of that mountain? Yeah, that's where we were headed.

This was a beautiful area just north of the summit. I loved the moon in the sky.

We saw several animals including these Bighorn Sheep. We also
saw several deer, chipmunks and a turkey.

Best animal find: Rocky Mountain Goats. I've been trying to spot
these goats for 13 years at Yellowstone National Park and
have NEVER seen them. Who knew I'd find them
only 20 miles from my home?

Western view from the summit. Overlooking Provo, Orem and Utah Lake.Northeastern view from summit overlooking Deer Creek Reservoir and Jordanelle Reservoir.

The last 1.5 to 2 miles from the saddle to the summit were the most intimidating! It's all shale which slides underneath you, the path is not always well marked, and there is no ledge to catch you if you fall. You fall, you're a goner! I had to mentally convince myself each step that I was going to be okay. I distinctly remember thinking of the little engine that could and kept repeating to myself, "I-think-I-can, I-think-I-can, I-think-I-can." And finally, step after step, I made it. I just wanted to scream, "I am woman, hear me roar!" And finally, after 10 years of living in Utah, I feel like a local. My initiation is complete.

Family Camp Out

Well, 3 years have flown by and it was officially time to take the kids camping. We figure if we go at least once every 3 years maybe they'll remember camping as a child.

Joe and I told the kids on Wednesday that we would go camping on Thursday. We woke up Thursday morning and decided we just didn't have the time or energy. Well, Jake woke up later that morning and promptly got his luggage out and started packing. He came in to tell me he was getting ready and when I broke the news that we had decided not to go, his face said it all. It was SO sad that there was no way I could break his heart. So... a few hours later after grocery shopping and packing up, we were on our way to the Weight Ranch in Spanish Fork Canyon.

The weather cooperated with only a couple sprinkles here and there. Jake was running around the camp singing, "I love camping, yes I do! I love camping, yes it's true!" It was really priceless. Moral of the story: Do what's necessary to love your children and make happy memories. It was totally worth the sleepless night on the hard ground and the headache the next morning. :)

My Bleeding Heart

Seriously, this post isn't about a "broken heart," it's about my actual Bleeding Heart plant in my back flowerbed. The bleeding heart or Dicentra spectabilis (binomial name for weirdos) is bringing me such joy! Just call me a flower geek! This plant completely dries up in the winter and is cut to the ground. Then, amazingly, in the spring in only a month or two, it grows 2-3 feet tall and has these beautiful blooms. YES, this picture is from My plant. Spring does my heart such good.

Beatiful Sunset!

Joe called on his way home from work the other night to tell me to look outside. Check out what I saw! The sunset was gorgeous. Don't think I've seen one this pretty since our trip to Mexico in 2007. Thanks for the heads up honey.

Enough Snow Already!

Okay, am I living in the North Pole? I can't take this snow anymore! I took the yard stick out to the backyard today because I was sure there was at least 3 feet. I only got 11 stinking inches. I don't care if it's 11 inches or 1 inch, I need some green grass. Help!!!!!