Summer Vacation 2009

(Bryce Canyon)

We had a wonderful vacation at the beginning of May. We started out by spending a few days in SoCal with Aunty Pat and family. It was fun to visit with Chrissy, Ted, and Brandon. We were happy to see Aunty Pat doing so well.  We also made a stop at the beach (the kids' first time seeing the ocean).

(SoCal Beach)

Our next stop was Red Rock Canyon on the outskirts of Las Vegas. I thought it was a beautiful side of Las Vegas. After one night there we headed for Zion National Park.

(Las Vegas)

Located in Southern Utah, Zion is the middle step of the Grand Staircase made up of Bryce Canyon, Zion, and the Grand Canyon.  We were able to camp inside the Park next to Watchman Peak.  
(Bigfoot with our tent and Watchman Peak in the background)
Zion has a shuttle system that runs during the summer.  We got on a bus at the Visitor's Center (about 100 yards from camp) and it took us to all of the major scenic views and trails. 

After two nights at Zion we moved on (through a 1.1 mile tunnel) to Bryce Canyon.  This canyon was called Ebenezer Bryce's Canyon-- after an early LDS settler.  As the top step of the Grand Staircase, Bryce is 8,000-10,000 feet in elevation.  Following the advice of my father, we opted for the cabins instead of the tent for the two nights.  I think the morning low was about 27*.  Thank goodness for indoor heat.  As we went exploring David loved running from one lookout to the next.  Our campsite was fifteen miles from the Park, but it was only 3 miles from Red Canyon Park.  It was fun to let David look at the peaks from the ground instead of the cliffs.       

Ganon with the kids pretending to be mountains.  This is a shot of the Three Patriarch's-- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob from left to right with Jacob being the white peak behind Mount Moroni. (Zion)

Us at Zion with Gram, Papa, and Aunty Becca. Behind us is the Great White Throne (and something else with a name)... (Zion)

This is us in Red Canyon.  I love cameras with timers.

Sarah scoots again...

Grammie, this is for you.  I know I've been promising a new video of Sarah scooting.  I bribed her with a trail of smarties.  The next video of her will probably be First Steps.... Stay tuned.

Electric Company

So, we decided it was time to upgrade our electrical circuit breaker boxes.  I was tired of going to Lowe's with a repair question and having them give me a blank stare when I mention glass fuses.  An electrician who used to live in our ward agreed to help us out.  His crew worked hard and had everything back up and running by mid-afternoon.  We're excited to move on with the list of repairs that have been waiting for this day to come-- The joys of owning our own house...

Definitely NOT Popcorn Popping

So after posting the pictures I took yesterday of our lovely blossoming plum tree, I thought I would share the change in weather that happened today.  Not exactly what I was hoping for, but we take what Heavenly Father sends us since we can't very easily move to a warmer climate.  I just wish that the meteorologists would clarify that when they say "no accumulation"what they really mean is "at least two inches."  Maybe I'll write an angry email to KSL.  Well, maybe not an angry one...

Not Exactly Popcorn Popping

So, if popcorn pops on the apricot tree, what pops on wild plum trees?

Our apricot tree popped a few weeks ago, but the next day it snowed.  So, unfortunately our apricot tree looks rather sad with its soggy popcorn on it.  We're hoping that our decorative plum tree makes it through the storms this week.  These are a couple of pictures from the calm before the storm. 

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Yesterday was Sarah's First Birthday.  We had a big party with all of the cousins from West Valley.  Jon and Kelly came with their families to have lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt.  I think everyone seemed to have a fun time (except Rebecca who was sick).  Thanks to everyone for sacrificing to come and visit us.  

These are all of the cousins who came (except Rebecca who was sleeping on the trampoline).

Mirror Mirror on the wall

We have a great mirror that came with our house (I wouldn't have bought it, but it makes the wall look less empty). It was a brass/gold color. I didn't like it so my sister suggested that I paint it. Yesterday it was warm enough to paint. I hung it on the wall last night. It's nice to not hate looking at that wall now. Anyhow, here are a few pics of the kiddos from the last week.

David at the end of the bouncy obstacle course at BYU's MBA March Madness party.  Free food, fun, and games for the kids.  I love Provo!

Sarah at the Dinosaur playland at the Mall.  She was excited to scoot around a little bit.
Rebecca getting ready to go down the slide.  She doesn't sit still for long when I'm trying to take pictures.