Chicago Trip - Nauvoo, Carthage, and Lincoln

Driving to and from St. Louis and Chicago, we made a few stops to see the sights along the way.

First stop, Nauvoo!

This was probably the coldest we were the whole trip. I'm not sure you can tell what the temperature is outside, but it's cold!

 We went back the next day and it wasn't as cold. Still beautiful!

The missionaries were really excited to see us there. The only visitors probably all week! The first night we went to the Extravaganza (a performance the senior couples put on), the missionaries invited us to go, and we ended up being the only ones in the audience. At first it was awkward, but it became a special, intimate experience. The missionaries were really, really cute!

We walked down Parley Street on the Trail of Hope. We kept turning back to see the temple, and it wasn't too hard to get a glimpse of what the pioneers went through when they were kicked out. It was just as cold and bleak. Look how frozen the Mississippi it:

 Next stop, Carthage!

We got to head over to Carthage to see the old jail there. When we walked in the Visitor Center, we recognized some of the missionaries there. They were so excited to see us again. One of the sisters said, "Moab, right??" We made a little family while we were there.

It was a special experience going to Carthage Jail. Since no one else was there, we got to take our time and enjoy the Spirit that was there. Sean and I had never been to Carthage, and it was worth the trip to see where Joseph and Hyrum Smith gave their lives. 

Last stop, Springfield, IL!

One last stop we made was were President Lincoln lived. There was a really nice museum and library to visit. Definitely worth the stop if you're in the neighborhood. It was hard not to appreciate the 16th President more. We enjoyed learning more about him, and love the legacy he left us.

 

Chicago Trip - Family and Culture

Sean had a chemistry conference in Chicago, so I thought I would tag along. We got to stay with the McBrides (Sean's cousin) and the Nords (my Aunt and Uncle).

Next time we take this trip, we will be going in the spring, summer, or fall.... It was still a fantastic trip. There is just so much more to see and take it. Seeing it - not in the winter -  would be pretty incredible.

We flew into St. Louis and headed over to the McBrides. It was nice spending time with them, and hanging out. Unfortunately, they were in a different state when it was picture time. So! We took a picture with a picture of them. Proof we were there!

Then we drove up to Chicago and spent time in the city with the Nords. I learned I'm not as motivated to take pictures when shopping or when I'm cold/uncomfortable. So, we'll just have to go back there when it's not as cold....

But, this building used to be a library in Chicago. It's not anymore, but can you imagine browsing books and reading in this building??

We stayed in the city a few days, and went to see Young Frankenstein also.

The Nords showed us a lot of the city. They were the perfect locals to recommend food and places, and it was really nice spending time with them.

Thank you family!!! Seeing familiar faces always makes our trips better and a lot more meaningful.

Christmas Fun

It was a special Christmas for a few reasons. We got to spend a lot of time with family. That was the priority of our Christmas this year. Get as much family time as possible.

I got to take pictures in the snow with this cute family! It was cold but everyone was a good sport. Thanks guys!

This isn't uncommon to try at a Gowen gathering. In some way or other.

Christmas morning started over at the Smiths....

This was a choice time. Grandpa received a book from his grandchildren honoring the life and memories of his wife Velva Lee.

And Christmas ended over at the Gowens.....

It was a lovely Christmas. Merry Christmas to all!!!

Wednesday - What We've Been Up To

We've been up to a bit over the last few weeks. I just haven't gotten over here to tell you about it. With the end of February, brought warmer weather. Warmer weather means to me - time to get outside and enjoy nature!

Park Avenue Trail

Sean was sent out to the plant in Wendover for work, and I got to go with him. It was really nice to be together in the evenings. A lot less lonely. Over two weeks, we stayed in four different rooms. This one was our favorite. I'm impressed how the decorators can combine, opulent and sleazy.

Hotel Room in Casino

In between trips out to Wendover, we got to go on another hike. There was an arch at the end!

Canyon Hike

 When we got back from Wendover, we had some visitors come into town! Wahoo! It was so nice relaxing together and enjoying the days we had.

Moonflower Canyon

As you can see, many pictures were taken of the cute little one, the fellows enjoyed watching soccer, did an experiment involving curry and Oxy Clean, and there was lots of playing. (Thanks Travis, Jessica, and Emree for spending some of your Spring Break with us!!)

Last weekend, we spent less then 24 hours in Salt Lake County to see Utah Opera's production of The Magic Flute. We met up with some Wendover coworkers to see the show and grabbed a good amount of sushi before. It was rushed, but an excellent and enjoyable performance. (Thanks Rick and Laura for letting us introduce you to opera!)

I think that sums up what we've been up to in the last month. We're looking forward to Easter and General Conference!

Paradise in Winter

The end of January, we took a slightly planned - slightly spontaneous trip to Florida. There were a few reasons for the trip: we thought this would be a good time in our lives to go on a cruise; we had never been on a cruise; our friends live close to a port in Florida; we love these friends! Enough said?? Now, onto the pictures.

Day 1: get registered, get oriented, get a jewelry prize, adjust to a moving resort, and eat lots of food.

 

Views from our port hole.

 Day 2: stop in Nassau, get free jewelry and map, walk several miles to explore, go window shopping - Bahamas style.

 

There was a predator's tunnel. It was extra special to have a biologist in tow to introduce and explain the species.

It was so nice to walk in the sun and actually feel the sun.

 Day 3: Charter to the cruise's island, snorkel, watch Sean assist in a magic show, and eat lots of food. Thank you Carlos for making dinner so enjoyable! (Pending - underwater pictures from said snorkel adventure.)

Day 4: goodbye vacation.

Reflections on the cruise: when you are on a cruise, the staff really make you feel like you are on vacation. They make it really easy to eat all the food you want. A soft serve machine should be in everyone's home. It is great going with friends - they make everything more entertaining and fun.

Happy 3rd and 5th Anniversaries to us! Happy 3 years of friendship! Happy vacation!

Thank you Gales for being such great hosts and for putting your week on hold to play with us.

Happy Winter

It has started to warm up here in Moab; warming up to the 20's. So nice! I am so thankful we are in a well insulated house this winter and only have to worry about watching icicles form and putting salt out on our walk.

Sean is already looking forward to Spring. I'm not to that point yet, but I thought I would share a little something to brighten this January Friday:

 

Sometimes it is nice to get flowers for no reason, and sometimes it is nice to get them when they have a little back-story and more meaning behind them.

Happy Winter!

Thoughts on Thursday - Holidays

I loved the whole month of December! It was wonderful! I couldn't wait for December 1 to come around this year. In the month of December, there were lots of busy times and some slow times.

 We got to see and spend time with family and friends the whole month: two Elders Quorum activities, a few gatherings with neighbors, one visitor, four official family gatherings, and two official gatherings with friends. There were many hugs and a lot of laughter.

We cut down our first Christmas tree! We had a lot of really good holiday food. A lot! We listened to hours of Christmas music. We got to enjoy a white Christmas in the Salt Lake area, then came home to a lingering white Christmas in Moab. Sean saw White Christmas for the first time, and I tried to keep my movie watching to ones with at least one Christmas scene. Exception: The Hobbit. We finished off the month with a third wedding anniversary. Yea!

I love the month of December and the whole Christmas season! I love the additional emphasis on the birth of the Savior and His life. So happy!

Thoughts from Thursday

Last night, we were waiting to skype with some friends. It was approximately 7:00pm. A small knock came to our door. We didn't have any clue who it could be.

Sean opened the door, and there was a package on the doorstep. It was the UPS man. At 7:00pm at night!!! That poor man.

I just hope that isn't a forecast of how his schedule will be all of December.

Apology: 

I will only say this once. Sorry, Mr. UPS, if my Cyber Monday shopping ruined your day. I got some fantastic deals. Shopping online is so convenient! Especially when you live in a remote city whose stores specialize in outdoor gear.

I almost wanted Sean to see what was in the package, instead of waiting for Christmas morning,  I was so excited about the delivery! I promise: one day this next month, when you come knocking at the door, I will be there quick as a flash. You will be given a treat or something to show you our thanks and give you Christmas cheer. I may possible run you down since you're busy delivering things as quickly as possible so you can go home.

Let's give it up for those men and women who help us enjoy Christmas just a little bit more. Even when it is only November 29, and 7:00pm at night.

Thank you.

Recent Hikings

We had an medium and hard hike to do this last week, so we hurried and got them done. Both had points where I thought, "Are we done yet??" (The weather may have been a factor, or the steepness of the climb...maybe...) Those thoughts didn't last for long though! Both hikes were very rewarding with the accomplishment and the views.

Moab Rim Trial

My favorite picture from the hike. And yes, that storm was heading toward us.

The other hike was the Hidden Valley Trail:

Favorite picture from this hike:

We decided to reconsider what we wear hiking in the winter. More warmth will be needed!

Thoughts for Thursday - Flannel

Okay. The name of Thursday posts is changing. Last time. Promise

Sean pointed out that I often tell a story on Thursday. It isn't always geared toward being thankful. So, I found another word that sounds nice with "Thursday" and has a broader scope. Besides, I was starting to feel very cliche this month. Everyone else is being thankful as Thanksgiving is coming up, and I want to be different. Still thankful!

So.....here are my "thoughts" on.....

Flannel Sheets

Growing up in Arizona, there was never a huge need for warm bedding. In the winter, it was FREEZING (comparatively to the rest of the year) and that just meant adding another blanket or two to the bed. Problem solved.

I also had the personal feeling, that the "normal" feel of sheets was perfect. Use something else and it messes everything else. The whole sliding-into-bed factor is thrown off! Solution: don't mess with something that already works great.

Well last winter, we were living in our fun one bedroom do-whatever-you-want-with-the-place rental. It had horrible insulation. We put plastic on the windows, and it was still very cold; and it didn't help that every heating element we had available ran on electric. (It's a sign when you get home from work and it feels warmer outside than inside.)

Anyway, my mom suggested we try flannel sheets. A part of me was really reluctant because of my whole sheet psychology mentioned above. We tried them. It made a difference. A huge difference! The little house was still cold, but we were able to stay warm at night.

Flannel sheets are amazing in the winter!! They hold your body heat better than regular sheets, and your foot isn't met by unwelcoming ice when it moves around during the night. They also cuddle you a little more, which is a happy feeling.

Even though we are in a different place this winter - one with much better accommodations for cooler weather - it was a happy thought bringing out the flannel sheets last month.

Think about it. It could change your life as it did ours. Hooray for flannel sheets!

February Walk

Sunday was a very sunny day. After church, we really wanted to be outside. We decided to take advantage of the sun and warmer temperatures and go for a walk... in Arches! 

So we did.

Can you find Sean?

It was relaxing, and very nice to enjoy the outdoors. We plan on many other such excursions this year.

Christmas 2011

Christmas was absolutely lovely! We enjoyed seeing family and having a nice break from work.

Funny thing about cameras.... that I haven't quite learned.... you need to have a charge in your battery to take pictures. So, here are some pictures I was able to get before the camera died. Basically, nothing after 6:15pm Christmas Eve.

So, there you have it.




















We did get a Christmasy shot though:















We don't need pictures to remember the memories we created....right?

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!!

Moab Lights

It's fun to see how Moab gets into the holiday spirit. We start December off with a Light Parade. The school I work at had a float, and Sean helped hold up the school mascot: a dragon!

Down the street from us, is an arts and recreation center. They go all out with their Christmas lights, so we thought we would get some special hot chocolate and have a walk by: