Spring Break--Part3

 The last day of vacation we decided to head into Zion's National Park. We had never been there and neither had my mom.  So we packed us a picnic lunch and took off.

 What breath taking scenery there is.

 God's creations are so amazing!

 We found these mountain goats and the kids were quite impressed.

 We did a drive through the canyon first and go through the 1.1 mile long tunnel.  That was a little nerve wracking but amazing at the same time!

 The red roads were a new sight. We had never seen those either (and I promise no cars were coming!).

 Next we headed off to the hiking trails. On the shuttle on the way up I ran into two people I know. It was crazy. This world is quite the small place!

 The kids were troopers on these hikes. We did 3 of the shorter ones and they did awesome.

 Everywhere we looked it was just absolutely amazing. We couldn't get enough of the majestic beauty. 

 Climbing rocks with Aunt Jessica.

 Sarah loves these shoes and they were the best to hike in.  Love them tons!!

 When we got back (2 hours--not bad for 2 1/2 miles of hiking), Grandma treated everyone to an ice cream cone.  Huge ice cream cones--they only have one size there--and they thought they were pretty awesome.

 They sure love their Grandma!

 And just had to include this one of Luke. He would constantly stop randomly in the middle of the path and play in the dirt.  So many times people would almost trip over him. He was completely oblivious and this face says it all!

What a great week we had. So much fun! We ended the night by visiting my mom's brother and his family, eating some delicious pizza, and taking one last swim in the pool before we headed to bed so we could be up early and headed down the road.

Spring Break--Part 2

Monday morning Jessica and I headed to her gym and did a killer but workout (which just stopped hurting yesterday) then headed to her apt to pack up and head down to St. George and the marvelous weather!

Our first stop was the candy store, of course! Then it was off to the splash park across the street.

 We found some super fun carousels 

 which the kids thought was pretty fantastic.

 Then we ate a picnic outside and they played in the water while we sunned our legs and enjoyed the shining sun.

 Then we took a tour of Brigham Young's winter home which was actually quite fascinating. And then it was off to Jessica's favorite place in St. George. 

"Swig"

 This place was packed and absolutely amazing.  They specialize in fun drinks--Mormon style.  Jessica's favorite is a "dirty dr pepper" (dr pepper with coconut), or a "caribbean wave" (mango and strawberry in sprite), my mom got a mango diet mtn dew (which tasted like you were at the beach--it was so delicious and I even hate mtn dew).

 The kids got some shaved ice and were in heaven.  We ate it outside while we soaked up the sun.  Afterwards we headed to the hotel. The kids thought that was one of the best parts too. We hardly ever sleep in hotels so two nights was a little bit of heaven for them.

 We swam for at least 2 hours in the outdoor pool and totally wiped the kids out. They were quite happy though...see!

Showered and ready for bed. What a fun day we had!!

Spring Break--part 1

This year we decided to head south for Spring Break. We left Seth and Sam at home since Sam had to work since we are taking off so many days in the summer and Seth had 3 scout things he didn't want to miss. My mom came over last Friday spent the night with us then it was up early and down the road.

After some scary icy roads and very cold weather we made south where it was warmer and we were so excited to be out of the car. The kids are great travelers, especially since we got some audiobooks from the library.  Heaven!

This is what we did when we got there. Nothing.  Just vegged.

 After awhile we explored Jessica's apartment building, 

 played tag, and ate some delicious enchiladas that Jessica made for us.

 That night the WAC gymnastic championships were at SUU so we donned our t-shirts (Sarah, Kathryn, and Jessica for SUU and my mom and me for BSU) and went to cheer.

 I had never been to a gymnastics meet before but we had a blast.  It was awesome to watch and the best part was that BSU won almost everything.  Go BSU!

We spent two nights at Jessica's apt. (in her 1 bedroom very cozy apartment). The kids were troopers and slept on the floor in the living room but Sunday morning we slept in, played games in our jammies, made some yummy breakfast, and took a drive up Cedar Canyon before church.

 This canyon was amazing.  We loved looking at everything and especially the sunshine shining on us!

 Looking all the way to Zions. Beautiful country!

Afterwards we went to church with Jessica and then ate dinner with the Sorensons, one of my mom's cousins.  We ended the night by eating popcorn and playing games.  So much fun!

Quick Trip

 I made a very quick trip to Utah with my mom and two of my sisters for a great weekend.  Sam was so great to encourage me to go and I was so thankful for two great friends that covered for me at Women's Conference who I totally owe big time!

My mom picked me up as soon as the kids were off to school and then it was some serious talking time. We picked Emily up half way there and then Jessica joined us.

We ate the most delicious halibut tacos ever--oh I how I love you Red Iguana.

Then it was off to Gardner's village where we instantly became young again with the sun shining and no around that knew us.

 Don't we look so pretty with our hats!

 Us trying to not be creeped out by this giant easter bunny we pretended to eat him (at least I did--guess the rest missed the memo!)

That night we ate some super wonderful pizza while my sisters flirted terribly with the waiter then got some yummy dessert at Kneaders then it was back to the hotel to vegge and watch some TLC.  Oh how I love some cable!!

The reason we went down was to celebrate the upcoming birth of one of my cousins. This is her first baby and we are so excited for her. The baby shower was so cute and the food was amazing. 

 Us trying to be pregnant (well at least some of us--two are really pregnant!).

What a great time we had.  Then it was off down the road again with some more talking going on and our favorite pops and some chocolate covered almonds.  So fun!