Spring in Moab

This spring, we were able to fit in some fun activities. We got to go backpacking with the Sparks! It was the perfect weather, and super fun:

I got to hang out with the Woolfs! They were so fun to play with, and the California was lovely:

I was able to got to BYU's Women's Conference, and be an usher. I got to hang out with my two girls Heather and Karalee. They were in the mood to do a little shoot, and we had fun catching the end of the sunset:

We went exploring with the Greens:

We did some hiking for work at Fisher Tower (Forrest and Craig tagged along), Donkey Canyon, and Corona Arch:

I got to play with Carter at the park to celebrate him turning 2:

Sean went to work in Carlsbad, and the Gales were able to come up. We explored the massive Cavern:

We also had the Gowen's come for the weekend. We set up a tent for the boys to sleep in, and we went on some fun hikes with them:

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.

Season for Hikings

It's that time of year again! The time when we are given a list of hikes from work. If we take a picture with the item at the end (typically a toy), we get credit and a little health bonus. As you can see below, we had some difficulty finding one of the boxes.

The easy hike: Millcreek.

The medium hike: Hunter Canyon

The hard hike: Jeep Arch

The bonus hike: Landscape Arch

A Little of This and That

Life seems to have picked up recently. Sean even made the comment, "I thought things would slow down after the holidays." I then informed him Cinco de Mayo just happened, and he couldn't get away from the holidays. I doubt it made him feel better....

Our friends invited us to go on a hike with them. It was the perfect weather, and entertaining conversations. My favorite topic was: Famous people who have/haven't aged well. The trail had a steep elevation gain, but was totally worth it for the view.

We were able to catch a glimpse of the Moab Car Show before leaving town. It is always fun to see the classics drive into town.

In Wendover, we stayed on the sixth floor of our hotel for both trips. I have to say, I love what the housekeeping staff do with the towels on that floor. It puts an instant smile to the face.

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!

August - Lots to Do!

The decision was made that I would no longer work at the Charter School in Moab. It was a hard change but a very good one. (The main cause for there being a delay on this blog.)

In the mean time, friends came to visit! We hiked a lot!

Fiery Furnace and Delicate Arch are always enjoyable, especially with great friends like Cassi and Dave!

Sean's work is currently doing a Geo-Cashing Hike incentive program. We are given three hikes over a couple weeks and earn money if we can prove we have completed the hike.

Moonflower Canyon

Wendover in June

Sean spent a week out in Wendover again for work. They have a plant there, and they were needing to fix some of the instruments and standardization and such.

I tagged along this time. All in all, it was a much more enjoyable week than the last time he went out and I stayed in Moab. Not that there is a ton to do there. I mean, there is gambling and eating at casinos...but that's basically it. However, it was nice we could see more of each other. Even though Sean averaged twelve hour days.

Some highlights:

Life size dessert display! Which one to choose....??

This was a 10 layer chocolate cake. This is how much we were able to eat!

Brownie Sundae! Again, we couldn't finish it.

Biker making his way to east from Wendover.

Official art on the side of the road.

Someone created an oasis on the salt flats. There is a chair there too!

Mr. Dragonfly.

Utah sure has some nice scenery.

The poor car. She sure did a nice job hitting bugs!

  I drove out one day to Salt Lake to run some errands. The rest of the time I kept busy on my work computer or ate food with Sean. I got to meet some of his coworkers out there. Everyone was super nice and friendly.