Goblin Valley ~ Day 2

The majority of the photos were definitely taken on the second day. So with many a picture to share,
I will skip on the commentary. Except to say that day two was filled with a super fun egg hunt,
eight miles of an amazing slot canyon and just time with our awesome family. It was a good day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...Stay tuned for more fun...

Goblin Valley ~ Day 1

Miracle of miracles, we finally did something exciting for spring break. Thanks to Jacob's
awesome brother Justin and his family. They have a tradition of visiting Goblin Valley and
invited us to join them. As someone who really doesn't believe in camping, I was surprisingly
game to give it a try. And shocked Jacob to death when I told him we should definitely go.
It was a fun, fun, fun three days. We love Emily and Justin and their kids and being with
them was just a whole lot of fun. I might even go again if someone asked me. Can you even?

 As we drove up to Goblin Valley, we were pretty excited. Desert camping is really cool.

Everyone pitched in and got the campsite set up first thing.

And then the climbing, exploring and dirt pounding began.

This boy was so brave and climbed to crazy heights.

And apparently this girl can find anything resembling a saddle, no matter where she is at.

Cousins and climbing. And dabbing.

And finally it was cold enough to start a fire. Matt was in heaven. So was Jacob quite honestly.

Dinnertime.

And an after dinner climb that included the handsome guy I married.

You cannot imagine how high up they were. The pictures don't do it justice.

And then they started jumping down the mountain. And my stomach started feeling sick.

Especially when Jacob told me to get a picture and I did. This one. But didn't
realize that he was planning to follow this huge jump down the mountain with
a front flip down the mountain. Um, yeah. If you see him around, ask to see the
video Matt took. It was awesome. And about scared me into an early death.

Like father, like son. Naturally.

More climbing fun by the littles.

This boy just loved everything about it...so, so much.

I love that Annie has a darling cousin her age and that they are wonderful friends.

My boy. Looking much more like a man these days.

Apparently camping makes this girl feel like dancing.

And now both dads joined the climbing crazies.

And Jacob decided he had not given me enough of a heart attack, so he would try again.

Finally, the sun set.

And we sat by the fire until bedtime. It was a good day.

...Stay tuned for more fun...

What I know

I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. I know it. I don't believe it or hope it,
but as deeply as I know anything, I know it. And am grateful every day for that knowledge.
I love him, I honor him, I sustain him and am so thankful for the person he challenges
me to become. The person I promised my Heavenly Father I would become.

A good night

This handsome boy attended his first general conference priesthood session
with his dad, brother and granddad tonight. What a good night.

(And on a side note, headed into the NCAA basketball championship on Monday night, his bracket
is in the top 1700 of the 13 million people who filled out a bracket on ESPN. Um, awesome.)

Home again

And...we're home! After an incredibly fun camping trip the last three days.
(And this coming from a lady that doesn't believe camping should even be a thing.)
Within one hour, every single thing we took was put away and the mounds of wash
were organized in our library-turned-laundry-sorting room and ready to be de smoked

Oh and fear not, you are correct in assuming pictures are a coming.

March phone pics

A morning at the park, in early March, with some really cool kids and their dad. I like my life.

Driving the getaway car for Campbell to ask a darling girl to prom made for a fun night. And having
the help of his cute friends made it all the better. The car ride there and back almost made me feel
young again. Almost. But then I realized it was 8:32 and my exhaustion was becoming embarrassing.

39 going on 93 anyone?

Driving up to the barn to pick up Annie from some extra time with her horse a few
weeks ago, I was greeted by this sight. I'm not sure why, but from the time I was little,
this has been my own personal and constant reminder of my Heavenly Father's
love for me as His daughter. It does something to my heart every time.

I was out on a walk with the two youngest a few days ago and this is what the sky looked like.

But turn your head slightly to the left and this is what the sky looked like. So crazy.

This is where I receive important answers to my prayers. This is where
I feel God's overwhelming love for me. This is where peace fills and
calms my heart. I love the temple. And was so grateful for this night.

On the first day of the basketball games, I might have checked three kids out several hours
early to come home and watch them. And when I had to give a reason on the early checkout
at the elementary, I may or may not have typed in "March Madness." (And why yes, this is
Matt naturally posing in a photo I took of us watching the games, thanks for asking.)

Our annual St. Patrick's Day Good Luck Dinner was a success. And while the
busyness of the day meant we didn't have time to decorate the bags with shamrocks
and rainbows, it was still ridiculously fun. I really love this family tradition of ours.

Two weeks ago, after Annie's 4H Iesson, her instructor had her take Gracie girl on a
ride around the arena several times. To say Grace was in heaven would be a gigantic
understatement. Later, she cried when we drove up to our home because she wanted
"to go back to the barn." I think we have another horse lover on our hands.

On the day of the temple dedication, Annie and I held a little Primary class for the two who
were too young to attend. Honestly, the sweetness of both of them and how excited they were
to have their own little church class melted my heart. I love these little darlings so very much.

A photo from yesterday

I love these six chicklets, and their dad, something crazy.

Easter Sunday

He is the One I worship and the One that loves me with all of His heart.
The One that makes being with my husband and children forever possible
and the One that made it so that I can see my Gram again. He is the One
that died that I might live and the One that means everything to me.
He is why Easter is the most glorious and hope-filled day ever!

The moon tonight

Provo City Temple Dedication

Today was the dedication for the Provo City temple. I was so grateful that our four oldest could join
us for it, as anyone over eight could be a part of it, so darling Ben was able to go for the first time.

God loves His children. Each and every one. This I know.

Let the Madness begin!

This little darling

A couple of days ago, I went to get this baby girl up from her nap
and when I walked in the room, she looked up, smiled this cute little
smile and said to me, "Oh hi mommy, I been missing you."

And my heart melted into a puddle.

(Oh and yes, those are winter boots you see on Miss G. She loves them.
And will likely be wearing them in upcoming summer pictures if she has her way.)