Bryce Pines!

 One thing on my "to-do list" this summer was to visit Bryce Canyon with my family.  I went there often growing up, but haven't been there in about 12 years (!)  I wanted to share the beauty of the canyon with my kids.  We invited the whole fam to join us, and made a family adventure out of our trip to Bryce.

 It was Grandpa's birthday the day we traveled to Bryce, so we celebrated as soon as we got there.  He was really enthused as you can see in the photo.

 With the help of our great friend Brandi, we got a FAB suite at the Bryce Pines, which her family has owned and operated for generations.  There were three bedrooms, so our WHOLE family got to camp out in one big suite together.  It was a blast.  The kids played with the DS and iPods while the adults got ready for the day.  Oh...and if you're headed to Bryce and want great accommodations, check out www.brycecanyonmotel.com.

 We packed our coolers, backpacks, strapped on our hiking shoes, and headed into Bryce Canyon National Park for our first day of adventure.

 We parked and hiked up to the trailhead.  As the canyon came into view it was literally breathtaking.  I loved hearing everyone say, "wow" and gasp as the uniqueness of the canyon was suddenly before us.

 We loved spotting the strange and rugged root systems of the trees that have grown within the stone.

 The colors were brilliant.  The weather couldn't have been better.  The canyon was busy but not too crowded.  It was perfect!

 This cute little family shot includes a glimpse of Baby bump at 21 weeks.  Baby LOVED hiking!

 Another beautiful and enduring root system.  Isaac was especially on the lookout for the "cool trees."

 Handsome devils.

 Levi was so excited when we finally got to "Thor's Hammer" since he thinks he is an honorary member of the Avengers.

 The Navajo Loop hike was our favorite.

 The holes and tunnels we hiked through were so much fun.

 Viewing the hoodoos from above was breathtaking.  Hiking through them with the kiddos was oh so satisfying.  One of those mommy moments when you say, "This is why we come on family vacations..."

 How blessed are we to live so close to our awesome family?  These guys are my kids' very best friends.  It was so great to be able to create some of our best summer memories together.

 We had to pause for a short break on our hike.

 The Navajo Loop was a three mile hike and our little Isaac hiked the whole way.  He would get tired and say "Pause!"  We would all wait while he got a drink of water and then he was off again, giving himself (and those within earshot) verbal encouragement as he went.  "I strong!  I tough!"  We were all so proud of him.  He and grandma took this short break right before the last leg of the hike.

 The next day we stopped at Ruby's Inn for souvenirs.  Daisy picked a pocket knife so she could whittle when we go to the mountain.  Levi picked an arrowhead necklace (which he is modeling in the photo) and Isaac chose a package of Chiclets.  Score.

 After a picnic lunch at the park in Tropic, we drove up the the Mossy Falls hike.  The adults were content when we got past the cave to the water, but the kids took off their shoes and headed right up the water.  Isaac took my hand and pulled me along.  "C'mon mom!  C'mon!"  So off I went, my bare feet killing me with every single step.

 Like a forced magnetism of nature, the kids were irresistibly drawn to the water.  Pretty soon they discovered a natural water slide. 

The kids spent the afternoon sliding down, climbing up, and sliding down again.  For them, it was the highlight of the trip.  When we were all exhausted, we hiked back to the car and stripped off our wet clothes.  Jeff even carried a lady out that hurt her ankle on the hike.  Bryce Canyon was all we ever wanted.  We loved the Bryce Pines Motel, and we hope to go back soon!

Sensational Stampede!

It was several weeks ago that Daisy was writing a paragraph about her favorite holiday.  In order to get started, she asked Levi, "What's your favorite holiday?" 
"Ummm, spring," he answered.
"Spring is not a holiday, Levi.  Holiday is like, Christmas, Valentines, Ute Stampede..."
I was laughing out loud.  Only a girl born and bred here would classify the Ute Stampede as a holiday, but I suppose that for classification purposes, the Ute Stampede is as holiday as it gets.  We really do look forward to it all year long. 

This year, Jeff's brother Brian and his family were visiting from Ohio.  Brian is a dentist there and we haven't seen them for AGES!  We were all thrilled to be able to spend some time with them.
 

 We went swimming at a campground up the canyon.

 Davis and Levi are only a few days apart, and they are the best of friends.  It is so fun to watch them play.  You would think they were next door neighbors rather than cousins separated by lots of time and states.

 Brian is hilarious.  I forget what a sense of humor he has when he isn't around.  And Reece is as girly as they get.  You should see this girl pose for the camera.

 When Isaac needed a break from the pool, he kept Grandpa company in his napping spot in the shade.

 The Ute Stampede was off and going with the first parade down main street. 

 Jeff rode in the parade with Ashlyn and Daisy while the rest of us watched. 

 We were so lucky to have Grandpa and Grandma join us this year!  Isaac decided it would be a great idea to share Grandma's snow cone with her.

 Rodeo burger: check.  Dr. Pepper: check. Best friend/cousin: check.  Levi was all set to go for the big rodeo.

 Isaac got to sit with the hottest cowboy in the crowd.

 These three cousins were simply enchanted with the sky-dive entry of the American flag.

 Levi got nice and comfy as the night wore on.

 And don't worry...before we could head home that night, we had to hit the sleezy carnival.  My disgust with this part of the Stampede was somewhat alleviated due to the complete and thorough satisfaction of each of my children, and we hit it right on "one ticket" night, where all the rides cost only $1 for 30 seconds of rickety thrill instead of $4 or $5 like the other nights of the carnival. 

 The best part about the carnival?  Cotton candy.  Yum!

 Daisy and Ashlyn rode in the parade again on Friday, this time with the high school drill team.  They made it through the parade route just before the big storm hit and all the parade goers bolted for their cars.

 That night at the rodeo, the kids participated in the "kid dig" at the end and each found some money!

 Then bright and early the next morning we were off to the Ute Stampede 5K and Kids Race.  The kids have been "training" for the race for the past month or so, and they were all set to go.  Each runner got a great running shirt, a hamburger from Burger King and a water bottle.

 After I ran the 5K, I got to cheer the kids on in their race.  We were all strong finishers!

 And Levi took first place in his age division!  We were so proud of him!  He took off from the starting line on a dead run and I thought for sure he would burn out, but pretty soon we saw him coming toward the finish line.  He was super fast!  The cash prize inside was no fun, so as soon as we left the park we were off to the farm store to buy a prize with his winnings.  He, of course, chose a gun.

 After the race, the Chuckwagon Breakfast in the park (one of my favorite parts of the Ute Stampede), and a stroll around the car show, Grandma and Grandpa had to head back home.  It was SO MUCH FUN to have them here with us.  They are a blast to be around and we are so grateful when we get to spend more than a few hours together.

 Davis got tired of walking around the car show, so Uncle Jeff gave him a hitch.  Isaac wanted a ride too, and Levi was happy to volunteer.

And here is a picture of Baby at 19 weeks just after the 5K.  I think Baby likes running!
Happy Ute Stampede!

Fabulous Fifty

 My parents both turned 50 this summer.  My mom's birthday was last week, and so we loaded up to head down and join the celebration.  We all met at Pizza Factory for lunch.  My grandma, great-grandma, and great-aunts were there.  AND the best news is that my sister and her husband that have lived in Korea for the past year flew in and SURPRISED my mom!  They finished their contract there and decided to come home in time for the new school year, but my mom didn't know they were coming.  It was the BEST birthday surprise ever.

 After lunch we headed to my parents house to open presents from Chelsea and Adam.  They brought us all some GREAT stuff from Korea...

 ...but mostly we are just glad to have them here!

 Me (and my baby bump) with my mom on her 50th birthday (doesn't she look great?!) and BOTH my sisters (it was SO awesome to all be together again!)

My grandma helped my sister bake this special 50th birthday cake for my parents.  They blew out the candles together. 

I am so blessed to have the amazing parents I do.  They got married young and had me right away, but they have always been in love, and they've shown me by example how to work hard, achieve my dreams, put others first, and prioritize my marriage.  Happy birthday mom and dad!  You make 50 seem fantastic!