tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64729372654571007332024-02-18T18:09:47.245-08:00sweetnsassy6LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.comBlogger387125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-13095278371055553342015-12-20T21:05:00.001-08:002015-12-20T21:05:43.453-08:00A Happy Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv5G41U4tfs7BHXSmWAGqHp8YpiiW5rJQ3B4vGSDzkdwIKeKZJCKBZXCg5eelMojvgZ4DXC4P5I78a5LJxdD4jZlsmSn8gxf5-PPBGyiJoE00v54IAyWDcFr-Hf2LIspSX-a21RcZt20/s1600/20151126_135031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv5G41U4tfs7BHXSmWAGqHp8YpiiW5rJQ3B4vGSDzkdwIKeKZJCKBZXCg5eelMojvgZ4DXC4P5I78a5LJxdD4jZlsmSn8gxf5-PPBGyiJoE00v54IAyWDcFr-Hf2LIspSX-a21RcZt20/s640/20151126_135031.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazmUSiF7qI8MFOWBD2YFYWCya4ERhe-1QE1L0LXltcqJw6akNcUn3tVVZ9m1F0ZECWgOp1PDcKejguwhEbI0TakKpjxE5gtdjMIdBCO9qy11n9qxJCwi1vrY2gQDfqkYrQYzuy1IP4xo/s1600/20151126_145240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazmUSiF7qI8MFOWBD2YFYWCya4ERhe-1QE1L0LXltcqJw6akNcUn3tVVZ9m1F0ZECWgOp1PDcKejguwhEbI0TakKpjxE5gtdjMIdBCO9qy11n9qxJCwi1vrY2gQDfqkYrQYzuy1IP4xo/s640/20151126_145240.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfJez4NlrfWIohC1eeYI8-SrKnBw9JXLB9yr1kh3_JV_abIY_irWXncX6dp7jsZG9yamy0qPDtz5uHQyVaYG-EN8svwYHodA2TZ0DjIvIY6vpSPqDIch_vlxfbs5PoPl0QI037qriDJo/s1600/20151126_100553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfJez4NlrfWIohC1eeYI8-SrKnBw9JXLB9yr1kh3_JV_abIY_irWXncX6dp7jsZG9yamy0qPDtz5uHQyVaYG-EN8svwYHodA2TZ0DjIvIY6vpSPqDIch_vlxfbs5PoPl0QI037qriDJo/s640/20151126_100553.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi2a8Wo5qtC6NZ2AMYihyphenhyphen_GSvOZn2k7fjxyG5EHoeBgZEckYTsHqSdCsrtYq8L2kZ2zmraNbJchvo7qRuyv0w67xzeXktiHjWuadq-9ceF404n9ehLDPl9v4FviEq1PX6iX7348z6yQI/s1600/20151126_123555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi2a8Wo5qtC6NZ2AMYihyphenhyphen_GSvOZn2k7fjxyG5EHoeBgZEckYTsHqSdCsrtYq8L2kZ2zmraNbJchvo7qRuyv0w67xzeXktiHjWuadq-9ceF404n9ehLDPl9v4FviEq1PX6iX7348z6yQI/s640/20151126_123555.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-zo7DQxvu855ZIX58w00lyTHkp1dyCUy9v-DYjIy2PWXtybtNeh2tAatBvS0JtHKZqcqWEhqnkrhvnfSuKAKL6-Cb7Dl8k43x3DohAZSJkHix7laW0aGLpAM6i0PHeVONo481X8b_n4/s1600/20151126_134929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-zo7DQxvu855ZIX58w00lyTHkp1dyCUy9v-DYjIy2PWXtybtNeh2tAatBvS0JtHKZqcqWEhqnkrhvnfSuKAKL6-Cb7Dl8k43x3DohAZSJkHix7laW0aGLpAM6i0PHeVONo481X8b_n4/s640/20151126_134929.jpg"> </a> </div>LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-75795086458259994682015-12-20T20:45:00.001-08:002015-12-20T21:01:13.569-08:00Pit Stop: Grand Canyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We never planned on seeing the Grand Canyon, but finding out that it would be a slight detour on our way from Phoenix, and knowing we might not get this chance again soon, we decided to put our National Parks Pass to use again this year, and stop at....THE GRAND CANYON!</div>
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From Phoenix, we drove to Flagstaff, and from there we followed the signs to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Wow! This was the most crowded of any Park we'd been to and we would soon find out why.</div>
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Wow! We walked along the overlook trail, with this amazing view unfolding along the way. </div>
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See those people out there on what looks like death's corridor? Those are all my loved ones. I'm sure it was more terrifying to watch them than to be with them. My heart weakened with each step that took them closer to the edge. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnqdygcAYIuejyv3eiczvscyrC2Rl6YRoZZ5k_2I_A2KN9XKGhYaY5u1WWt7bIRCz0SJXB4eT2EpDOjPvtS7ft3NGAAGCtkh5taD92LqZMbRZKQ1C-lwH_OxtedzBaayKaqsO9ukxZVo/s1600/20151122_140229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnqdygcAYIuejyv3eiczvscyrC2Rl6YRoZZ5k_2I_A2KN9XKGhYaY5u1WWt7bIRCz0SJXB4eT2EpDOjPvtS7ft3NGAAGCtkh5taD92LqZMbRZKQ1C-lwH_OxtedzBaayKaqsO9ukxZVo/s640/20151122_140229.jpg" /></a><br />
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Drove to a few other viewpoints on our way out of the Grand Canyon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorLucGuIj6eVkWyG4rWjKsir7gY0h-hOfuUdeHAwwSTet3YAMaHLoa7zTGN7lYGbZ1vU7uTpLn9yFOQK-cWjLEETcfGfRmhN68fB7GxnltfVUVgLSmLFyuOh-Ca8krK-zdQzF3dpB5EA/s1600/20151122_141109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorLucGuIj6eVkWyG4rWjKsir7gY0h-hOfuUdeHAwwSTet3YAMaHLoa7zTGN7lYGbZ1vU7uTpLn9yFOQK-cWjLEETcfGfRmhN68fB7GxnltfVUVgLSmLFyuOh-Ca8krK-zdQzF3dpB5EA/s640/20151122_141109.jpg" /> </a></div>
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Eventually made it to the Highway through an Indian Reservation that would connect us to Page, Arizona, our half-way point. The drive added only 2 hours to our already long drive, but it was worth it to see this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRxKBx-D7cZpMM7QkjvJ2rfDRCwXmkqlqr0tfqfgTuwNzxinYnXrRCM7mhLU82HR3xNQzOlZsAAgcRKAZ0DpiDbytEu5wK8HcgrhAUMhot_Dn_l-X4CQdTWqQEVmyWu8meLPhPpDKeJc/s1600/IMG_20151122_143651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRxKBx-D7cZpMM7QkjvJ2rfDRCwXmkqlqr0tfqfgTuwNzxinYnXrRCM7mhLU82HR3xNQzOlZsAAgcRKAZ0DpiDbytEu5wK8HcgrhAUMhot_Dn_l-X4CQdTWqQEVmyWu8meLPhPpDKeJc/s640/IMG_20151122_143651.jpg" /> </a> </div>
LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-35701163206296707252015-12-20T20:26:00.002-08:002015-12-20T20:30:25.303-08:00Phoenix - filled Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_LfR4vnrsgY7YqwxAcHyvarLm5QFRdS8cwwieCT1XuFHHuJ6SYquV_kxNnOby2mDECg8O1a8atVp9lvy8Ok9Qly275WZJx0wyGeIw5lwXCZbfNCh3bqrMmEMqUCvV-U6LssETvbQdm8/s1600/20151121_115725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a>Our first day in Phoenix was full of wedding celebrating. Day 2 we packed with sightseeing and family events. The itinerary was as follows:</div>
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The soccer game of 7- year old little cousin in Scottsdale.</div>
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Desert hike</div>
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Early Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant</div>
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Night at the family friendly comedy club</div>
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I don't know if we won or lost the soccer game, but the important thing is we were all there for the "tunnel of victory." The parents form two lines, raising their arms to form a tunnel for all the kids to run through. Who wouldn't feel like a winner after that?!</div>
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After that event it was on to the desert hike.</div>
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This hike, Camelback is in the middle of the Phoenix metro area and provides an awesome view from all sides. Most of these hearty youngsters (my nephews and nieces) and my own kids went on further to climb the towering boulders. The hike took us 2 hours at a snappy pace, and lots of water (thanks to my nephew for giving me his)</div>
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For the Norwegian, the desert scenery was a stark contrast from her Northern clime. We were all loving 80 degrees in November! </div>
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We had our early Thanksgiving at Cracker Barrel and then headed to the comedy club.</div>
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This picture just makes me happy. I think it is because palm trees and Christmas are in the same scene, plus some cute kids.</div>
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Comedy club, Jesterz, was a first for us. This was a family-friendly, audience participate kind of comedy club. We had a great time. Our hotel was next to a huge shopping mall, Superstition springs. We wished we had more days to enjoy all the city offerings with our fun Phoenix family but it was a quick trip!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabm4BCHHIjr6N1czDNFb7MsDqEoI0nZw0MCQOcxkSS46O__fipFNxxN9X_w4ZytrfcS7qpZRDNkNaB9pnN5qG0o4u4htL3Av8gTCyv5WB9llRpIuO91EU5Bgo7TQ1IqJbAO4LtbbkNGY/s1600/20151121_184111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabm4BCHHIjr6N1czDNFb7MsDqEoI0nZw0MCQOcxkSS46O__fipFNxxN9X_w4ZytrfcS7qpZRDNkNaB9pnN5qG0o4u4htL3Av8gTCyv5WB9llRpIuO91EU5Bgo7TQ1IqJbAO4LtbbkNGY/s640/20151121_184111.jpg" /> </a> </div>
LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-13252284273374292802015-12-20T19:54:00.003-08:002015-12-20T20:00:04.081-08:00Getting There is Half the Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK1fcvGfST6t6U832f28reOlcG2bnK8Hx96SA978fbDzfCWOk1-9-b88CERPl0rlApLrUak5B3voYj50POB-HIFwktO59VicqkB9FYJ3mXiTA3qnSqKreekMoDfQg0YtWREjUGGc1B7E/s1600/IMG_20151119_105414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
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It's always good to break up a 9 hour drive, especially when you have 5 kids in a minivan.</div>
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We stopped at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park near Kanab, Utah</div>
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We took off our shoes and ran for the hills--vast, rose-colored mounds of the finest sand imaginable</div>
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Tumble down, race up, repeat.</div>
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As the only other tourist in the park observed, "Your kids are gonna be whooped for wherever you're going next." That was the plan!</div>
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We arrived in Phoenix right during rush hour. </div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-834965340149624342015-12-14T10:48:00.000-08:002015-12-14T10:58:10.346-08:00Birthday Boy and a Bride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IjVUQuoOBhbCK4OJBs5HQbvtZdmP1fIQO-T-vVjc7FjoHdgffrCBLRW6Sha3GQ9-HOuIMEHoy4WQevvzgfutr7D2Z3NanOyxf9K6e5GbgsOyPTX7RMd-pzXVKT6Sjbai5IpRfxpPEVQ/s1600/20151120_130303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IjVUQuoOBhbCK4OJBs5HQbvtZdmP1fIQO-T-vVjc7FjoHdgffrCBLRW6Sha3GQ9-HOuIMEHoy4WQevvzgfutr7D2Z3NanOyxf9K6e5GbgsOyPTX7RMd-pzXVKT6Sjbai5IpRfxpPEVQ/s1600/20151120_130303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IjVUQuoOBhbCK4OJBs5HQbvtZdmP1fIQO-T-vVjc7FjoHdgffrCBLRW6Sha3GQ9-HOuIMEHoy4WQevvzgfutr7D2Z3NanOyxf9K6e5GbgsOyPTX7RMd-pzXVKT6Sjbai5IpRfxpPEVQ/s640/20151120_130303.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IjVUQuoOBhbCK4OJBs5HQbvtZdmP1fIQO-T-vVjc7FjoHdgffrCBLRW6Sha3GQ9-HOuIMEHoy4WQevvzgfutr7D2Z3NanOyxf9K6e5GbgsOyPTX7RMd-pzXVKT6Sjbai5IpRfxpPEVQ/s1600/20151120_130303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IjVUQuoOBhbCK4OJBs5HQbvtZdmP1fIQO-T-vVjc7FjoHdgffrCBLRW6Sha3GQ9-HOuIMEHoy4WQevvzgfutr7D2Z3NanOyxf9K6e5GbgsOyPTX7RMd-pzXVKT6Sjbai5IpRfxpPEVQ/s1600/20151120_130303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IjVUQuoOBhbCK4OJBs5HQbvtZdmP1fIQO-T-vVjc7FjoHdgffrCBLRW6Sha3GQ9-HOuIMEHoy4WQevvzgfutr7D2Z3NanOyxf9K6e5GbgsOyPTX7RMd-pzXVKT6Sjbai5IpRfxpPEVQ/s1600/20151120_130303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IjVUQuoOBhbCK4OJBs5HQbvtZdmP1fIQO-T-vVjc7FjoHdgffrCBLRW6Sha3GQ9-HOuIMEHoy4WQevvzgfutr7D2Z3NanOyxf9K6e5GbgsOyPTX7RMd-pzXVKT6Sjbai5IpRfxpPEVQ/s1600/20151120_130303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6G7Cm5UOpXnhKGiYffzCuGSkL7sjhdil3Bq8p0gjtPZlZmz1Tt07x2Q5dg4uHquwhy-fW2iYnhJtGdY61Z28QFUAHq-IsgriV-GPuvzveZl99yXmmSRRUY2xrK1f4RcxmvMZotOISx6c/s1600/IMG_20151123_194443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6G7Cm5UOpXnhKGiYffzCuGSkL7sjhdil3Bq8p0gjtPZlZmz1Tt07x2Q5dg4uHquwhy-fW2iYnhJtGdY61Z28QFUAHq-IsgriV-GPuvzveZl99yXmmSRRUY2xrK1f4RcxmvMZotOISx6c/s640/IMG_20151123_194443.jpg" /> </a>What an eventful day. We enjoyed the beautiful wedding of my beautiful niece in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. <br />
It was also the birthday of Man of the House. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WfOeTj2wnwaJRS3_Z_NPgRdXlY7hjl1j2xA9KRVSI69dr08JPasmkpu3uOfpginOYaFcSRYjBHtHPAxbMY6OnoeGaGS8f83KdxMuSDRO0O2d1m3FAc3SIkhiLYJ_6IrObffQbvfmvwQ/s1600/20151120_133701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WfOeTj2wnwaJRS3_Z_NPgRdXlY7hjl1j2xA9KRVSI69dr08JPasmkpu3uOfpginOYaFcSRYjBHtHPAxbMY6OnoeGaGS8f83KdxMuSDRO0O2d1m3FAc3SIkhiLYJ_6IrObffQbvfmvwQ/s1600/20151120_133701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WfOeTj2wnwaJRS3_Z_NPgRdXlY7hjl1j2xA9KRVSI69dr08JPasmkpu3uOfpginOYaFcSRYjBHtHPAxbMY6OnoeGaGS8f83KdxMuSDRO0O2d1m3FAc3SIkhiLYJ_6IrObffQbvfmvwQ/s640/20151120_133701.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WfOeTj2wnwaJRS3_Z_NPgRdXlY7hjl1j2xA9KRVSI69dr08JPasmkpu3uOfpginOYaFcSRYjBHtHPAxbMY6OnoeGaGS8f83KdxMuSDRO0O2d1m3FAc3SIkhiLYJ_6IrObffQbvfmvwQ/s1600/20151120_133701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WfOeTj2wnwaJRS3_Z_NPgRdXlY7hjl1j2xA9KRVSI69dr08JPasmkpu3uOfpginOYaFcSRYjBHtHPAxbMY6OnoeGaGS8f83KdxMuSDRO0O2d1m3FAc3SIkhiLYJ_6IrObffQbvfmvwQ/s1600/20151120_133701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Our girls were flower girls for the 2nd time in their lives. The first time was for the bride's sisters, 2 years ago in California. </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvQ9xcogQUV8AxVJ6l-QVYb_Ez-7LHlOFa8WCznaMzjtPrTtnd-WN0ed2xOSGjIxr8VRfAtNqOdx8FdtoVmOBHZNL-6e_KVMjRUsWAcrwJYjKCgznyqPny65KLmUn37SETFFHYfTrQ-U/s1600/20151120_153512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvQ9xcogQUV8AxVJ6l-QVYb_Ez-7LHlOFa8WCznaMzjtPrTtnd-WN0ed2xOSGjIxr8VRfAtNqOdx8FdtoVmOBHZNL-6e_KVMjRUsWAcrwJYjKCgznyqPny65KLmUn37SETFFHYfTrQ-U/s1600/20151120_153512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 353px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 640px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvQ9xcogQUV8AxVJ6l-QVYb_Ez-7LHlOFa8WCznaMzjtPrTtnd-WN0ed2xOSGjIxr8VRfAtNqOdx8FdtoVmOBHZNL-6e_KVMjRUsWAcrwJYjKCgznyqPny65KLmUn37SETFFHYfTrQ-U/s1600/20151120_153512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 353px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 640px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvQ9xcogQUV8AxVJ6l-QVYb_Ez-7LHlOFa8WCznaMzjtPrTtnd-WN0ed2xOSGjIxr8VRfAtNqOdx8FdtoVmOBHZNL-6e_KVMjRUsWAcrwJYjKCgznyqPny65KLmUn37SETFFHYfTrQ-U/s640/20151120_153512.jpg" /></a></div>
<u><span style="color: #0066cc;">After, we ate at Tia Rosas, a family favorite for Mexican food. The birthday guy got a margarita glass full of fried ice cream with the works, compliments of the chef. </span></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUxX0K6GN3CDaM0LrXJ8GTEaY-wXnKI1Ea4BaxWp-NpD2UsSttsFdJUCJtBovBDMGEr16W7jJRyM6cYIiTvf_SDv_o1m3vHba8q1U7O_82O9h01E2AEwuztPzzHF810Q_fvoMdgHbVus/s1600/IMG_20151123_170741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUxX0K6GN3CDaM0LrXJ8GTEaY-wXnKI1Ea4BaxWp-NpD2UsSttsFdJUCJtBovBDMGEr16W7jJRyM6cYIiTvf_SDv_o1m3vHba8q1U7O_82O9h01E2AEwuztPzzHF810Q_fvoMdgHbVus/s640/IMG_20151123_170741.jpg" /></a><br />
Reception was lovely. Girls had fun with the photo ops. There was a flash mob dance, catered dinner, dancing--which our family can't resist--at least my generation, and of course wedding cake!<br />
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What a beautiful day, Nov. 20, 2015. </div>
LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-64147569890156042722015-11-10T21:17:00.002-08:002015-11-11T08:40:38.459-08:009 Fall Traditions<div dir="ltr">
When you have an exchange student living with you, you get excited to share with them all your Fall family traditions. (You also try not to yell at your kids as much)<br />
So, besides the foliage and the pumpkin patch, I already posted about, here are some other must-do's of the season, according to our family. </div>
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1. Homemade donuts.</div>
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I am sure nothing could have been invented to mess up a kitchen quicker but they are oh so good and yes, worth the mess. It takes an assembly line to make these--one to cut out, one to fry, and another to glaze. These must be shared with neighbors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvYazsPjtV5AT83INEQwLGRPdfbb07WpMyGvHzn0gK9hbTTaGswJlUP_Gd5Q5FgAxuYCcImcQ_xp9k80zYMcBYaDqK6H6PVer9MmH15wKoIIz3v0avfYwJokjpLhRyMh8etn2Xonh_14/s1600/20151025_174943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvYazsPjtV5AT83INEQwLGRPdfbb07WpMyGvHzn0gK9hbTTaGswJlUP_Gd5Q5FgAxuYCcImcQ_xp9k80zYMcBYaDqK6H6PVer9MmH15wKoIIz3v0avfYwJokjpLhRyMh8etn2Xonh_14/s640/20151025_174943.jpg" /> </a></div>
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2. Haunted Corn Maze</div>
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We didn't get there early enough to ride the redneck roller coaster but dark is when the corn maze turns haunted and we like a good scare. Finland and Norway came with us. We may have been few in number but you never would have known with the volume of screams from these girls.</div>
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3. Family Halloween Party</div>
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limbo, piƱata, cake-walk, pin the nose on the witch, donut contest, scary story, monster mash dance, riddles, soup and rolls...There was a LOT going on at the family party at the church...but the best was back at the house for the hayride through "Haunted Haskelville." Some of the uncles and older cousins go all out to make this a really fun tradition. I swear it gets better every year. </div>
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4. Caramel apples </div>
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5. Jumping (or burrowing) in the leaves. </div>
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That there is a pile of boy cake with leaf frosting.</div>
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6. Pumpkin carving</div>
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J was proud of her first ever Jack-o lantern. B used a drill on hers. I look forward to the day when ALL the kids can carve their own pumpkins because my cut job didn't quite live up to the expectations of the 7-year old. </div>
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7. Turkey Trot--5k</div>
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We had 3 runners in the family, well 4, if you count me jogging alongside Bud to help him keep his pace. A and C ran the kids 1-mile run. BD did the 5k. He and A won our family a couple of turkeys!</div>
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It must feel good to win!</div>
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8. Pine-nuts</div>
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Roasting pine-nuts is more of a Christmas tradition but they are harvested in the Fall. Apparently pine nuts are abundant right up in the hills above town! We headed up there on Sunday, only we were a little late in the season. We found them alright. They do exist. But they were old and dried up and we got very pine gummy...</div>
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You'll notice a theme here with our traditions: MESSY, STICKY, GOOEY.</div>
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9. Trick-or Treating</div>
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We are down to 3 this year. They all went with friends which left BD and I to answer the door 150 times. You might think this one isn't messy but you'd be wrong. I have picked up at least 150 wrappers in our house since the night of the big loot. I think after the family inservice on how to load the dishwasher we'll do one about putting garbage in the GARBAGE CAN.</div>
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Oh well! It's Fall and we are loving it!</div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-78174996288087646842015-10-11T17:13:00.001-07:002015-10-11T17:13:51.388-07:008 Hour Spiritual Feast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I like to learn. I like to watch TED talks while folding laundry and talk radio while driving. I like to gather good information from all sources. Nothing is more inspiring and more a feast of spirituality for me than LDS General Conference. </div>
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I LOVED it this year!</div>
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This year, as is tradition, my niece and her little family came down to visit. We went to Christensen's Department store and everyone picked out their favorite candy to share while watching talks on TV.</div>
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We also have a vegetable tray, fruit, and cheese and crackers. But, who cares about that. </div>
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For these guys it's all about the candy!! </div>
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You know something's up when it's too quiet. We caught this kid a couple of times--the best was under the ping pong table feasting on the entire tray of candy. What a happy, secret, world he was living for a minute...</div>
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Shenanigans during conference. Dad is "stair patrol" for those who think they can grab a handful of candy and skedaddle.</div>
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As I mentioned, I LOVED Conference. I gleaned so much. Here are a few of the gems that spoke to me personally and didn't the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing amazing, "Come, Come Ye Saints."</div>
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<span style="color: red;">What lack I yet? </span><span style="color: blue;">Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion </span><span style="color: lime;">The gospel is so simple, a child can understand, yet so complex it would take more than a lifetime to completely comprehend. </span><span style="color: orange;">You are rich if you can live happily within your means/avoid debt. </span><span style="color: magenta;">We marry potential not perfection. </span><span style="color: red;">A mother's love is the closest example to Jesus' love for us. </span><span style="color: blue;">The world fights for children's identity and mind. We must win this fight. </span><span style="color: lime;">This calling is not about me. It is about the Lord and his work. </span><span style="color: orange;">When you get an impression, DO IT!! </span><span style="color: magenta;">Women are distinct and different than women of the world in happy ways. </span><span style="color: red;">PONDERIZE weekly. </span><span style="color: blue;">The Lord gives us commandments because he LOVES us. Obedience is our expression of love toward HIM. </span><span style="color: lime;">When you can't do what you've always done, you only do what matters most. </span><span style="color: magenta;">FAMILY is the center of life and the key to eternal happiness.</span></h2>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-77166287427493331342015-10-11T16:46:00.003-07:002015-10-11T16:46:33.337-07:00Pumpkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our annual trip to the Pumpkin patch after conference was a success.</div>
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How could it not be with Golden fields dotted with ripe orange pumpkins and being together as family in the crisp fall air.</div>
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We took the first hayride out and got busy treasure hunting for pumpkins.</div>
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Pumpkins make great props!</div>
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If you don't have grit in your teeth, you haven't been aboard the dusty train ride. </div>
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Spinning around redneck style while the storm clouds gather. </div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-61896421720437494452015-10-11T16:42:00.001-07:002015-10-11T16:42:05.984-07:00Fiery Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fall is amazing. I think it's a perfect example of how God created this world with beauty and variety. </div>
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We took a Sunday afternoon walk through the woods 20 minutes away. </div>
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We took our traditional fall foliage photos. Josefine from Norway was pretty impressed by the fall colors. She said brown was the only fall color she remembers seeing in her woods. </div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-11683636320835419762015-10-11T16:37:00.000-07:002015-10-11T16:37:32.001-07:00Goodbye Uncle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dad's only sibling passed away this week. I attended his funeral in Provo, UTAH.</div>
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The most tender thing was watching all the grand kids and great grand kids as they sobbed near the casket of their loved one. They were going to miss him so much. He was truly a part of their lives. </div>
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Burial took place at the Provo City Cemetery. It was a beautiful sunny day but not hot. The view of the mountains was amazing.</div>
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Like my dad, my uncle served in the Army during the Korean War. Because my dad was a good typist, he was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany doing office work for the war. He maintained close friendships with those whom he served up until he died. My uncle's war experience was very different. He was in Korea, building prison camps, bridges, and doing other hard work on the front lines. The military played taps and did the special flag folding ceremony which they then gave to his wife. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEMgvuausjRRc-j2jAEsmaJoAFist_U92mtIHtuiVctyk5VuY9ODteOJQmc2cQk71A62Y83TMu8dnILE2ER5YBBCSgJEZjT0oJ7b2luMJLuXgmhc0PwIWUBU-hd-ifO_NkK1fOgLUqk4/s1600/20151007_131931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEMgvuausjRRc-j2jAEsmaJoAFist_U92mtIHtuiVctyk5VuY9ODteOJQmc2cQk71A62Y83TMu8dnILE2ER5YBBCSgJEZjT0oJ7b2luMJLuXgmhc0PwIWUBU-hd-ifO_NkK1fOgLUqk4/s640/20151007_131931.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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My dad and my uncle grew were a lot alike. They both played sports, knew how to farm and garden, had an idyllic childhood in a small town where their dad was a teacher. When they grew up, they married very different women, and their family lives were very different.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_Gu6x3NKlabGFT0fmRnDf_D2vohcl99HJA-s0fg0e35XteJFmgrjgNQQLD5p_0cxjm6gRI8hw-HNCb2Vl69In1G53bS8-b0Ni2WmA_f3YGoO8DCmsvTbHYD_cDlSWHAYStmWLdOYqIY/s1600/20151007_132538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_Gu6x3NKlabGFT0fmRnDf_D2vohcl99HJA-s0fg0e35XteJFmgrjgNQQLD5p_0cxjm6gRI8hw-HNCb2Vl69In1G53bS8-b0Ni2WmA_f3YGoO8DCmsvTbHYD_cDlSWHAYStmWLdOYqIY/s640/20151007_132538.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Pictured are all my cousins, including their Indian foster-child. They are all each other's best friends and supporters. Living within 30 minutes of each other and their parents they are always the first ones to help each other. They are quick to say, "I love you" to each other and give a hug. They get together every Sunday for dinner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuCzsJTCVvUhVNoywqgcNJVKJAAJFOQPCZ7hxl8ZItKf9O8vh-Byo9QiU-qrnjXgDu6WF-z-9sGcPOVgD1fkT0fxFoHO4sAWHFJsangfmuUMThF2ZpmYlgr0ktt0SoxSbgrEL_NoUwT8/s1600/20151007_133226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuCzsJTCVvUhVNoywqgcNJVKJAAJFOQPCZ7hxl8ZItKf9O8vh-Byo9QiU-qrnjXgDu6WF-z-9sGcPOVgD1fkT0fxFoHO4sAWHFJsangfmuUMThF2ZpmYlgr0ktt0SoxSbgrEL_NoUwT8/s640/20151007_133226.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Pictured in the foreground are the graves of my dad and both his parents. </div>
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Of my dad's family, all his children live on opposite sides of the country, West Coast and East coast, with a couple of us in Utah. We used to gather once a year for a reunion and after my parents' passings' we don't even do that. Our family valued more adventure, travel, and fun than family closeness. One example of this was from the remarks at the funeral. My uncle had a bucket list and on it was the wish to go skydiving. His son, told regretfully, that he had never accomplished it probably due to the fact that the family including his wife thought that would be a terrible idea. They even threatened to hide his keys if he pursued it. </div>
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I found this somewhat amusing as seated next to me was my sister who has been skydiving 4 times and my brother who basically did this for a living on the SEAL team. On the other side of my was my 12-year old, who accompanied me, and on the drive up had told me how much she wished to go skydiving. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wntzbiPfLuKBmICO3zFInglWKhEujKdDhhdnlxBFUG1w8nufAEbVKYLTLNbLurryCN5863dzxBFLGDbxOWIj2GkF8nGrctPoSH2yO81SpA0zJlA79CfNwFGy1iv4pE44I8KpZfs6Gm4/s1600/20151007_133523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wntzbiPfLuKBmICO3zFInglWKhEujKdDhhdnlxBFUG1w8nufAEbVKYLTLNbLurryCN5863dzxBFLGDbxOWIj2GkF8nGrctPoSH2yO81SpA0zJlA79CfNwFGy1iv4pE44I8KpZfs6Gm4/s640/20151007_133523.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Here is my skydiving sister and me (yet to try that) next to our dad's grave. I am sure he with his brother and parents are so happy to see each other again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpqeI8IbLHsg71O_vwvLTQkHtj_lPnyrySodgjHavfju0NhfN7rjtQvr1piCski9Gg3_sfoG4Bo-EBaI9osLVnrL7eu8A2kImIsSleidkSVREp0wbQJPR0Uwz_LMmQsXiL6mJQGgqVE0/s1600/20151007_133431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpqeI8IbLHsg71O_vwvLTQkHtj_lPnyrySodgjHavfju0NhfN7rjtQvr1piCski9Gg3_sfoG4Bo-EBaI9osLVnrL7eu8A2kImIsSleidkSVREp0wbQJPR0Uwz_LMmQsXiL6mJQGgqVE0/s640/20151007_133431.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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My mom was cremated, so we don't have a grave to visit. Her remains were spread just this year in the ocean at Dana Point by her grandchildren. I'm okay with that, I think. That was much more her style anyway. Conveniently located in the same cemetery are her parents.</div>
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I've been to a lot of funerals in my relatively young life. This one in particular really brought home the value that my uncle lived "family is everything." My cousins and I made a pact to do better at keeping in touch. Well, they are already pretty darn good at that but now they're going to be adding us to their gatherings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPreuLlxsPp6W9Df6YuZy_mumeFhX8jdX5KRAWGPjHxYB9oXTAYiktRz_Tvu3fQSbrA7kU-RRRKN9Q9iCSYBe3ZuS-Xl4nncB6PTdVKYtAT6b7RLftCHASDQxsFjZA1LYjlFlG0P8vAw/s1600/20151007_135022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPreuLlxsPp6W9Df6YuZy_mumeFhX8jdX5KRAWGPjHxYB9oXTAYiktRz_Tvu3fQSbrA7kU-RRRKN9Q9iCSYBe3ZuS-Xl4nncB6PTdVKYtAT6b7RLftCHASDQxsFjZA1LYjlFlG0P8vAw/s640/20151007_135022.jpg" /> </a> </div>
LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-51999578090702972192015-08-23T17:17:00.001-07:002015-08-23T17:17:38.801-07:00Wilkommen!<p dir="ltr">My exchange students have arrived! I have had so much fun meeting them. They come from GERMANY, FINLAND, SPAIN, BELGIUM, FRANCE, and COLOMBIA. What a great year we are going to have together! Just as fun as meeting the students, is getting to know their wonderful host families. I am so grateful to them for making the American dream come true for these students! </p>
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It was County Fair week!</div>
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We enjoyed looking at all the exhibits, the stinky farm animals, and new to this year--the elephant show.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaydxufKte03hSnPUjUwKmT9i9aT2gf8EHihvqXanTYtzZsqNcYVvxj7BWvGGDhyqCdysgSA2OEBFFJPobIg0kdo8oEl42Vke8tercAvpJ6VztF7Y6tYRqY-IpLYfjSwJ2fTWd-YhrFM/s1600/20150805_135019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaydxufKte03hSnPUjUwKmT9i9aT2gf8EHihvqXanTYtzZsqNcYVvxj7BWvGGDhyqCdysgSA2OEBFFJPobIg0kdo8oEl42Vke8tercAvpJ6VztF7Y6tYRqY-IpLYfjSwJ2fTWd-YhrFM/s640/20150805_135019.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjsfhFC5wqn6toV87y0BaF6hm45X9KBZ14EN6nuLpPY3mblqg0iKF1DJ5jZB4Eib6eSbYEBiCk3DLhtfQNJVKZvXHKTsCZY2cpwxG1BbFgG1-B7sYAMrD2QPlPvC-qq9TigH0tVWMpXU/s1600/20150805_140139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjsfhFC5wqn6toV87y0BaF6hm45X9KBZ14EN6nuLpPY3mblqg0iKF1DJ5jZB4Eib6eSbYEBiCk3DLhtfQNJVKZvXHKTsCZY2cpwxG1BbFgG1-B7sYAMrD2QPlPvC-qq9TigH0tVWMpXU/s640/20150805_140139.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQqH5BNwxG_Gc8rxDYOywPYTcjxS4Zn-lQI8owAsHpZqaDbL1po3h8ZBudnOpOeXFZU_NEHKQwUAmQqHjdcqgZfr_2FxUiO9PiIgCJojs6cu5jrZA7TC6jehFdOi8PEoWxjRWg0kOBlE/s1600/20150805_132819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQqH5BNwxG_Gc8rxDYOywPYTcjxS4Zn-lQI8owAsHpZqaDbL1po3h8ZBudnOpOeXFZU_NEHKQwUAmQqHjdcqgZfr_2FxUiO9PiIgCJojs6cu5jrZA7TC6jehFdOi8PEoWxjRWg0kOBlE/s640/20150805_132819.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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The very best part is finding our entries to see what we won! This year everyone except Dad entered something into the fair. Cannon won 2nd with his lego racer. All the girls submitted art and poetry. Kate won a big Reserve medal for the photo she edited of our camping trip. I got a Reserve medal for my digital scrapbook. We won a few bucks for all those ribbons. It was a pretty good year for us. Next year we may even be able to add some garden produce. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vsO6yIGkG-nyD-hTrsXyTB4rOVzNRdyY0FeBX62ymFu4IgaDcyOBLbmnfXMJw9DcQ7vFFGzLrURZCMi2lQU475hyaK8lE4bHXE-X6ZpOdPyrV7Dhu6XmqocQhyUCw8h45SVwKHuOsGg/s1600/CYMERA_20150816_191249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vsO6yIGkG-nyD-hTrsXyTB4rOVzNRdyY0FeBX62ymFu4IgaDcyOBLbmnfXMJw9DcQ7vFFGzLrURZCMi2lQU475hyaK8lE4bHXE-X6ZpOdPyrV7Dhu6XmqocQhyUCw8h45SVwKHuOsGg/s640/CYMERA_20150816_191249.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-3654391184585868832015-08-16T17:58:00.001-07:002015-08-16T17:58:17.804-07:00Yard Remodel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love before and after photos and boy do we have them from our yard makeover!</div>
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Our house looked like it was sinking. The sidewalk was cracked and the cement patio was literally taking a dive south...not to mention the weeds!</div>
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We were in dire need of some help--professional help with machinery. It took 2 guys working full time for 2 weeks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLY5ltJV44WB_97_aEO267D2crU7EeuJ4g2bgnMOnqtCnLg9_8UcV-e7WhCvkDFw6Ylc_9LjRhX2ZnDCxbYL0sBroBrro8Can2gWbP56bNL8zAFcRSj1kXtqecP1bpIffFR67ROD6rYQ/s1600/CYMERA_20150816_184507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLY5ltJV44WB_97_aEO267D2crU7EeuJ4g2bgnMOnqtCnLg9_8UcV-e7WhCvkDFw6Ylc_9LjRhX2ZnDCxbYL0sBroBrro8Can2gWbP56bNL8zAFcRSj1kXtqecP1bpIffFR67ROD6rYQ/s640/CYMERA_20150816_184507.jpg" /></a></div>
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Let the fun begin...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaoFQlW3rLpRngMl6fOHKwIOOkS58TzqluX9Zg61vwSGfvQwrnnRArNCojlcSkKL5JYalNxzfOMs72sL_X_9zDKmsgZiNS9yA-KyWQLzUXEgeOYwh2wUEfAa-o9psf1-wgKxN_KEH6OU/s1600/20150714_193454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaoFQlW3rLpRngMl6fOHKwIOOkS58TzqluX9Zg61vwSGfvQwrnnRArNCojlcSkKL5JYalNxzfOMs72sL_X_9zDKmsgZiNS9yA-KyWQLzUXEgeOYwh2wUEfAa-o9psf1-wgKxN_KEH6OU/s640/20150714_193454.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Our porch was hanging there with no foundation. All this due to poor drainage from the raingutters.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiE3BRqxqAS-4XDWuESateCwgyE-bCQw0EDMc2HunJXVJUb0s_py3S3pwSfw8-KGeEzlQ29NnI1Jewow9Qn56V6OB8Fp_fQY8OwShu8PwWuEVslQv8w-shCW2g_UvBc3Yajstgm9XJ70/s1600/20150714_193823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiE3BRqxqAS-4XDWuESateCwgyE-bCQw0EDMc2HunJXVJUb0s_py3S3pwSfw8-KGeEzlQ29NnI1Jewow9Qn56V6OB8Fp_fQY8OwShu8PwWuEVslQv8w-shCW2g_UvBc3Yajstgm9XJ70/s640/20150714_193823.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Removing the sidewalk revealed a swamp underneath. All of the mud was removed and replaced with road fill.</div>
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Nothing brings boys together like a fresh pile of dirt.</div>
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Renovations extended to the back and side yards.</div>
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This little guy worked the Sunday shift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQR9n26UTYgDi-T4kGrVwEeCx3MMZ-YsFFbgrOsgXu8W_nKwfXRTx8inZZw29sr5YvVBUnZAE2JwXdQIH36bd_NaBK7rnYmRRYV8tiC0zAtt1eb3B9BJ15vsAyxdtgMfuSoxltCffBzk/s1600/20150802_095253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQR9n26UTYgDi-T4kGrVwEeCx3MMZ-YsFFbgrOsgXu8W_nKwfXRTx8inZZw29sr5YvVBUnZAE2JwXdQIH36bd_NaBK7rnYmRRYV8tiC0zAtt1eb3B9BJ15vsAyxdtgMfuSoxltCffBzk/s640/20150802_095253.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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We are loving the results!</div>
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The price of concrete was quite high, so we were able to save some money on the patio with pavers instead. I loved how they turned out.</div>
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I find myself opening the door often just to stare at my new yard. It's almost like the joy I get from a vacation--except it cost 10x more.</div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-53289584234548241722015-08-09T17:02:00.003-07:002015-08-09T17:02:26.879-07:00My High School Reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For the culmination of our Salt Lake weekend, we went to my 20 year High School reunion! What a trip. I'll admit, I was nervous to go. I don't know why! I didn't do anything too stupid as a teenager. Or did I? It was all so worth it to see these and many other great friends again!!!!</div>
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My hot date looked no older than the other '95 grads there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t25KRy6n5K9ajsDH9JQxgja2-yocb31m5KMBA-mfyu0bBtAwBCT-wGoD-iOfArb2zzFvr8xcQosO2OqsNIAHJcoJvKF-COtTVVOVJO_3cGoqE_rN1Z6g2Cb8d1-Z7UnvsMQaLwXj6mw/s1600/20150808_204044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t25KRy6n5K9ajsDH9JQxgja2-yocb31m5KMBA-mfyu0bBtAwBCT-wGoD-iOfArb2zzFvr8xcQosO2OqsNIAHJcoJvKF-COtTVVOVJO_3cGoqE_rN1Z6g2Cb8d1-Z7UnvsMQaLwXj6mw/s640/20150808_204044.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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We took a tour of the brand spankin' new high school. Not a shred of familiarity except for the spectacular view of mount Olympus from the Cafeteria. No doubt we would have been even smarter if we had gone to school when it looked like this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSCZPc-DZOgT947lcq5pPSqkM6SWDl1NjnKpBHnnNV6W336cARdWPPLvWSGGz-Hy2Goj71WMClxVhrxabKFBZBu3vaV_u9piq1_QHFLqLJeUWZicGKrrNXc5gqLpXvBTSRmwdZB2muU8/s1600/20150808_210042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSCZPc-DZOgT947lcq5pPSqkM6SWDl1NjnKpBHnnNV6W336cARdWPPLvWSGGz-Hy2Goj71WMClxVhrxabKFBZBu3vaV_u9piq1_QHFLqLJeUWZicGKrrNXc5gqLpXvBTSRmwdZB2muU8/s640/20150808_210042.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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My sister helped me with my wardrobe choice and lipstick. She watched all my kids while we were having our trip down memory lane. That's what great sisters do!!</div>
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As part of the reunion we had a family day at Liberty Park. I had to snap a picture of my old friend Cannon with MY guy Cannon. He inspired a name for a few of the next generation.</div>
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Lunch was provided by our Salt Lake favorite, Bruge's Belgian waffle truck. </div>
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Between all that, we crammed in some school shopping. It was quite a productive day according to my wallet! Just like high school times, we had lunch at the Training Table restaurant. It's a Utah original because you get to "phone" in your order from the table. </div>
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Good times. I can't believe it's been 20 years!!!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Oj2JLuMlkvp52PZPHQi_2P6-MLRAaGJojChfngE4oOnT8QZDF72VeGmelqqX9ER9jb8O-UQvmMbzflY2TqcsqVyznZlkXIuEIDDf9bbYWJfSzZO72iraxi6gqAWOmhuBvoEyLc-HjUE/s1600/20150808_144454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Oj2JLuMlkvp52PZPHQi_2P6-MLRAaGJojChfngE4oOnT8QZDF72VeGmelqqX9ER9jb8O-UQvmMbzflY2TqcsqVyznZlkXIuEIDDf9bbYWJfSzZO72iraxi6gqAWOmhuBvoEyLc-HjUE/s640/20150808_144454.jpg" /> </a> </div>
LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-76046952998595283882015-08-09T16:52:00.006-07:002015-08-09T16:52:48.204-07:00Where Fun Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For one last hurrah for the summer we went to Lagoon.</div>
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To our great surprise we found cousins! It was Nature Sunshine employee day for the Jordan and Derek families, although we never saw the latter.</div>
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We all waited in a very long line for the newest attraction, Cannibal. 1 hr and 15 minutes later--WOW. What a thrill. We loved it. </div>
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We enjoyed all the good old favorites too like Jet Star II, Colossus, and Wicked. Brynn and Adrie got the most soaked on Rattle Snake Rapids.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjk6pW3LFAwF3j-6du52Ez8G5J4kofcmcQ3qPiejWcddZLuCEGIv5UC8fYanX6Q38HVJKM0-Eu79xN2iZDwvg87qVTiaetczBY3NNl1qaMJDbXOkD4URHNCxHaHsL_uIwbOTLD0YysYI/s1600/CYMERA_20150809_174454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjk6pW3LFAwF3j-6du52Ez8G5J4kofcmcQ3qPiejWcddZLuCEGIv5UC8fYanX6Q38HVJKM0-Eu79xN2iZDwvg87qVTiaetczBY3NNl1qaMJDbXOkD4URHNCxHaHsL_uIwbOTLD0YysYI/s640/CYMERA_20150809_174454.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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After dinner we went on a few more rides and then Dad's spidey sense kicked in. He saw the clouds rolling in and INSISTED that we had to go. We did--after squeezing in Music Express. Kate took this photo from the parking lot as we were leaving. The minute we piled in the van and slid the door shut, BOOM, a clap of thunder came, as if on cue. 5 minutes later on the freeway we were caught in the biggest downpour, I think this desert state has ever seen. Our cousins were at Lagoon when the storm hit--no fun to get soaked on a ride without a water feature. We drove to our hotel downtown. The road along Pioneer Park downtown had turned into a small lake. Traffic lights were not functioning. So glad we made it out of Lagoon when we did. </div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-34606079673147756462015-08-02T19:34:00.001-07:002015-08-02T20:00:17.014-07:00Running like Butch Cassidy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jViLlrg709ZjSJC5QtE9g9gleHu968sK42RwDdIoI7kqxDibzrjso1zwIXfjXLZWElykuhDIM8Yiv7KtQYjzmRp8XWVm-gYu8eQFm50K1U6ggNuhxZPEQWaDc-yn3gzrBUECE45PwhA/s1600/IMG_20150729_232749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jViLlrg709ZjSJC5QtE9g9gleHu968sK42RwDdIoI7kqxDibzrjso1zwIXfjXLZWElykuhDIM8Yiv7KtQYjzmRp8XWVm-gYu8eQFm50K1U6ggNuhxZPEQWaDc-yn3gzrBUECE45PwhA/s640/IMG_20150729_232749.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We drove to the little town of Junction for Butch Cassidy Days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I ran a 5k! Slow and steady wins the race. Not really! But we did have some winners in the family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFyE4q9I4veHDyg8eanETWld7z7f5hKwo_O-UOlytMljj6YEvm0q9LRTKXBRJR_yID6vOs6_06hG-h079uM5zbusGGCG0fFUaiJ83Kc6Uy1vC7AfCorXy0FM_DsQGLsEw_wDXA_LUxAE/s1600/20150729_205507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFyE4q9I4veHDyg8eanETWld7z7f5hKwo_O-UOlytMljj6YEvm0q9LRTKXBRJR_yID6vOs6_06hG-h079uM5zbusGGCG0fFUaiJ83Kc6Uy1vC7AfCorXy0FM_DsQGLsEw_wDXA_LUxAE/s640/20150729_205507.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First was BUBBLE SOCCER</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then a COLOR PARTY.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd-qgVAufX7li5BYOmSs21OkIW58LkK2XO-V-tBL41c947eazqYsolIuCrXbb8zZM6cGd7hWZVu3-O6WK07jJUv31Phu0ggh1jvRQwhJMKbS9MX9G22Rsx2ZW6Yw4Y78kFqi9zCE_bV8/s1600/20150729_204947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd-qgVAufX7li5BYOmSs21OkIW58LkK2XO-V-tBL41c947eazqYsolIuCrXbb8zZM6cGd7hWZVu3-O6WK07jJUv31Phu0ggh1jvRQwhJMKbS9MX9G22Rsx2ZW6Yw4Y78kFqi9zCE_bV8/s640/20150729_204947.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally the sun went down and it was time for the neon 5k and kids races.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRcNtxsp-21cmY6hxsFaGpPD2jmsLPevjmcKjt3Nm9TCZQ5M6kAu_ghdpDbRof8xoX7hOC5HJttgcPp55bqD92CX5UxOdC5rrRFOir9nFHM-BkYGyiNvh9yjG9IvCpGaGfWpU0IvYScI/s1600/20150729_213140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRcNtxsp-21cmY6hxsFaGpPD2jmsLPevjmcKjt3Nm9TCZQ5M6kAu_ghdpDbRof8xoX7hOC5HJttgcPp55bqD92CX5UxOdC5rrRFOir9nFHM-BkYGyiNvh9yjG9IvCpGaGfWpU0IvYScI/s640/20150729_213140.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cannon won a 1st place medal in the boys 1/2 mile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adrie won 2nd in the girls 1 mile</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brandon won 2nd overall in the 5k with a time of 22 :40.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our friend, De, who convinced us to join her for this whole event, took 1st in Women's and won $50!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finished!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyone was a winner! Glad we did it! Home at midnight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fh78ppo-ncEQDlXIHtqMHWdyhirM3YSdWVY2YuqfNKXey8zhq8ydHiBIx3_HiBBKmIviEldk_-Jiu5bK_GGyZ_5IoJwQcqpSIOkuxYrkiY6l2L-krJw4aWEGPw4A3jELsNNHgqtMG3Y/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fh78ppo-ncEQDlXIHtqMHWdyhirM3YSdWVY2YuqfNKXey8zhq8ydHiBIx3_HiBBKmIviEldk_-Jiu5bK_GGyZ_5IoJwQcqpSIOkuxYrkiY6l2L-krJw4aWEGPw4A3jELsNNHgqtMG3Y/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg"> </a> </div>LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-33308201749517575052015-08-02T19:29:00.001-07:002015-08-02T19:48:52.251-07:00Camping and Fishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We camp and fish. Yes we do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With our neighbor buddies, we planned an overnighter. They are pros at this camping thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUHkPPucVff922zGR10zgcR3l5JjVbBe786d5ytVuQ02tCKO4zSsKYJt9frWs4Am-X9hCJmyYj2h7KpC5_3fMAF_QiuhoP-aOSkDTPs9Eknp8PWE-RljhzLdAvb8xEQJipOPUKFyROio/s1600/CYMERA_20150802_170931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUHkPPucVff922zGR10zgcR3l5JjVbBe786d5ytVuQ02tCKO4zSsKYJt9frWs4Am-X9hCJmyYj2h7KpC5_3fMAF_QiuhoP-aOSkDTPs9Eknp8PWE-RljhzLdAvb8xEQJipOPUKFyROio/s640/CYMERA_20150802_170931.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A fairly short drive took us into Fishlake National Forest and on to Twin Ponds camground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjUqp6xbPqDA-XVS0a6SMrItWgZE6Ye0l_03LK8XXYS5Bb4T3h8LFMn6OK4EXf1kAwNyzylXeKFWknJI99h3IUQw7XuVTYrdYMh9Py21Rka85IwIBB_WKVaUPoEz_eMdk4smD5Ya67VA/s1600/20150724_170057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjUqp6xbPqDA-XVS0a6SMrItWgZE6Ye0l_03LK8XXYS5Bb4T3h8LFMn6OK4EXf1kAwNyzylXeKFWknJI99h3IUQw7XuVTYrdYMh9Py21Rka85IwIBB_WKVaUPoEz_eMdk4smD5Ya67VA/s640/20150724_170057.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so pretty AND the temperature was literally 15 degrees cooler here. We set up our tents and took a short walk to these beautiful ponds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our kids experienced their first time fishing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cKCzhwqduelZNq8XLowiC8tOUfpug5Bas-FA5l_pPx_gXkLv5Jt12pu2i7vgP135yFllOkx7CY3KWEXyHjGtn97C6JQETgJePRTStyr_NIJqjVhz_6fMCyv2B222miNDbQ_lgMV1Jl4/s1600/20150724_171224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cKCzhwqduelZNq8XLowiC8tOUfpug5Bas-FA5l_pPx_gXkLv5Jt12pu2i7vgP135yFllOkx7CY3KWEXyHjGtn97C6JQETgJePRTStyr_NIJqjVhz_6fMCyv2B222miNDbQ_lgMV1Jl4/s640/20150724_171224.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The meadows were dotted with a variety of beautiful wildflowers. Across the pond, was a fine beaver lodge. We spotted a couple of muskrat and a snake slithered in the grass near our path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnDe4L3mOLiknoi1HTfoZeByReA2OoErL7c-raOZEK8pP_6m7b95B2NT34S4rfDOVCbnWOEF_jmyGGQCTyWF1Kit_Q77m-XPA-g6hp_w90XWwv7nQomWe3D3vL616HoROr5R7nDbiVtI/s1600/IMG_20150725_122110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnDe4L3mOLiknoi1HTfoZeByReA2OoErL7c-raOZEK8pP_6m7b95B2NT34S4rfDOVCbnWOEF_jmyGGQCTyWF1Kit_Q77m-XPA-g6hp_w90XWwv7nQomWe3D3vL616HoROr5R7nDbiVtI/s640/IMG_20150725_122110.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We enjoyed a fantastic dutch oven dinner. Food tastes so good in the mountains! The kids built an eco-friendly bathroom, using a hollow stump. Only a privacy wall was lacking. I chose to take the short trek to the outhouse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciFEKs_NRLlF2X8NmfSImG_4tiYB-GL8wnPsRaJyqVFMiEuHDsRwx6qkEpYEyTwGOXdQH0CcJAfTFMBrQrz7Rye3d4lNExH3fnq7sOQzz4ZkX03JhynMvT_15Oo2mLLxRzB0qJqzWP7M/s1600/20150724_210341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciFEKs_NRLlF2X8NmfSImG_4tiYB-GL8wnPsRaJyqVFMiEuHDsRwx6qkEpYEyTwGOXdQH0CcJAfTFMBrQrz7Rye3d4lNExH3fnq7sOQzz4ZkX03JhynMvT_15Oo2mLLxRzB0qJqzWP7M/s640/20150724_210341.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The most anticipated event, for Cannon, was the roasting of s'mores. Giant campfire marshmallows provided layer after layer of toasted melty goodness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpU8y0z1OE7ulGMu4E_-EOt10Yq2EEWtICRNmKUVN2vXJ1busIlsv3rwfZTe6oMFoUTBSYO2KEFeFov1S9go0gAtntTo-53SyAVuAYrkVTkOqheI_RMz_APuIIiL5oaoJ8lB5i4KaGmw/s1600/IMG_20150725_204843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpU8y0z1OE7ulGMu4E_-EOt10Yq2EEWtICRNmKUVN2vXJ1busIlsv3rwfZTe6oMFoUTBSYO2KEFeFov1S9go0gAtntTo-53SyAVuAYrkVTkOqheI_RMz_APuIIiL5oaoJ8lB5i4KaGmw/s640/IMG_20150725_204843.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amazing how the stars shine at night. It was a cold one ! But we survived it and had a great time.</div>LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-67556660910523880342015-07-26T17:43:00.000-07:002015-07-26T17:43:09.981-07:00Work Hard<div dir="ltr">
Most of what I post is us PLAYING HARD but believe it or not, I also believe in WORKING HARD. You shouldn't have one without the other!</div>
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I have 4 kids ages 14 to 7. Before they can go off and play with friends or watch TV or do anything really, they have to pass off 4 things all before noon. </div>
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1. Room clean means bed made, nightstand tidied, and floor picked up. </div>
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2. "Zones" are areas of the house that have to be cleaned. We have 4 main areas and the kids rotate these weekly--more on that later.</div>
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3. 30 minutes of music practice. 2 of my kids play violin and 2 play piano. I keep 2 handy timers in the music room for this. One of my kids was a real stinker about practicing (maybe you have one of these too) and so a musical instrument is not on their agenda. This child gets to do an extra 30 minute job for me while the others are making music. E.g. cleaning the car, organizing a closet, folding laundry, etc. A good resource for this is homeorganization101.com</div>
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4. Read-aloud. (My favorite). I remember my mom reading aloud to me books like Treasure Island under our canopy of backyard trees in the summer. We don't do worksheets to keep up our math skills but we do read. I love passing this tradition on to my kids. We finished <i>Number the Stars</i> by Lois Lowry already this summer and we're currently reading <i>Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims</i>. We've voted on reading time before lunch. After, I have them narrate back to me briefly what we read about. Boy do my kids know the meaning of the word, <i>SUMMARIZE.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3RMob9S7mZBo1EtcfyCdGOu6Aw3EVjvj9xSma8gbTPjsiQGuIigN4AJxAYtNWClt07rJyGCvaUUcvzv_bzwyEAUOzeszubMpcUn9OAGU_WU3qtPeo1z9aZ1wV2gKE89OWrObGKlL0gU/s1600/20150725_165538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3RMob9S7mZBo1EtcfyCdGOu6Aw3EVjvj9xSma8gbTPjsiQGuIigN4AJxAYtNWClt07rJyGCvaUUcvzv_bzwyEAUOzeszubMpcUn9OAGU_WU3qtPeo1z9aZ1wV2gKE89OWrObGKlL0gU/s640/20150725_165538.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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I have a whiteboard near my fridge where I write who has what zone for the week. Then I erase the names and rotate them downward. You see I wrote the word Bano (bathroom) for one of our zones. That is just one of those situations where a Spanish word is more convenient than it's English counterpart. </div>
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Now our rule is that everyone be home by 6 pm. That's dinner, After dinner the house is messy again! This is crazy, but for some reason it does not stay clean during the day--especially during the summer. We divide those after-dinner chores up as well. No more jumping up from the dinner table and leaving mom with the mess. We crank up the Pandora hits and everyone pitches in with their job.-- wiping all the surfaces, loading the dishwasher, sweeping the floor . My favorite is the dinner helper job-that lucky person gets to prepare a salad or shred cheese or fry the tortillas or whatever help I need with dinner prep. After dinner they can just chill. Dad puts away the food. </div>
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Allowance?? I don't do it. My kids can earn money by passing off songs--$1/piano songs and $3 for violin songs. I can also come up with a lot of extra jobs if they really want to earn money--mowing the lawn is worth $7 at our house. Vacuuming the entire basement--$5</div>
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Great resource for teaching kids about money: <i>SMART MONEY SMART KIDS, </i>Dave Ramsey.</div>
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Lastly, everyone in our family has a set day.( "Wednesday Brynn'sday") If it is "your" day that means you set the table for dinner and it's your turn to say family prayer. </div>
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That's what we do. What do you do?</div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-25476886503376712922015-07-25T11:40:00.000-07:002015-07-25T11:40:08.205-07:00Reunion Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Summers are for family reunions. We had a big one with Brandon's side of the family in Payson, Utah.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kYfK6iFFr41Yi2QXA9OBUAmx71DYA8JDcjSoP0Y-ZkIOL72sZ20KsnSkhvJS4PXLN6cRWgzQe4w66KkWnWDUI_U7czF4lXUbTlok5LlPowssNDvbG5aesrEuwFududl4Mit8xfddvRA/s1600/IMG_20150719_175327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kYfK6iFFr41Yi2QXA9OBUAmx71DYA8JDcjSoP0Y-ZkIOL72sZ20KsnSkhvJS4PXLN6cRWgzQe4w66KkWnWDUI_U7czF4lXUbTlok5LlPowssNDvbG5aesrEuwFududl4Mit8xfddvRA/s640/IMG_20150719_175327.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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We got a professional family portrait in our matching tees.</div>
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The theme: KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE</div>
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We had a few devotionals, hymns, and stories around the campfire to reiterate it.</div>
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The cool kids</div>
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Highlights for the kids: giant blow-up waterslide, building a fort in the mountains, water games, and wildflower crafts.</div>
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Highlight for me was just being in the beautiful mountains and the campfire singing. New pretty scenery just takes the fun up a notch.</div>
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Everyone agreed that the low was sleeping because, in our tent, we didn't get any! Who needs sleep any way though. There was fun to be had.</div>
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Other activities were gunny sack races, photo scavenger hunt, nature crafts, and ultimate frisbee in the dark, and hiking BlackHawk trail. </div>
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The reunion ended with Grandma's birthday and a cake to savor the celebration.</div>
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We are very fortunate that we can call this great bunch of people, FAMILY. </div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-25719919400225924152015-07-12T07:48:00.002-07:002015-07-12T08:01:43.603-07:00Wild Summer WednesdaysWe are continuing a summer tradition that started a few years ago.<br />
On our fridge is a list of summer activities ranging from bowling to hiking to swimming.<br />
Each week one of the kids gets to pick the activity AND invite a friend along to join us. We've chosen Wednesday as our day for the chosen activity and we call it Wild Wednesday. The only rule is that everyone participates and they have to stay within the $20 budget.<br />
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The youngest started us out the first week of summer by choosing.<br />
1. Manti pool and splash pad. We went for ice cream after.<br />
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2. The next week Adrie chose to go to the movies.<br />
We saw INSIDE OUT and loved it.<br />
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3. For Brynn's week we went to SEVEN PEAKS waterpark. We are pass holders so we only had to pay for the lunch we packed in the cooler, parking, and ice cream treats for the drive home.<br />
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4. Kate chose our favorite natural splashpad, Maple Grove Campground. It has river with a rope swing, some waterfalls, and is just a beautiful place in the mountains to just hang out. With the $10 after day-use fee, she and her sisters picked up some treats at the store to supplement our picnic.<br />
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Work hard. Play hard. Next I'll post about our daily summer chore list.<br />
<br />LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-19956852710471227422015-06-28T16:03:00.001-07:002015-07-12T07:52:38.685-07:00El Cheapo Beach Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Needless to say, we love the beach. We go to great lengths to get there from our landlocked state. Such was the case this year. This time, we traded the chilly California waters for the tropical blue of Mexico, 4 hours South of Phoenix, in Puerto Penasco. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNjfzh97VgL7kIZZeKb6OTG0x_Em3VxzMX8pdNZK0eR-FG-gxO8_fmxA9EitEoHCFPnGPbIuE8qdaC5ST7O8EL8hLQA2QJtICGarlNzJOp0isz-MERqvBAgm24bXVn4dK-ySUfxsBXyQ/s1600/IMG_20150628_165512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNjfzh97VgL7kIZZeKb6OTG0x_Em3VxzMX8pdNZK0eR-FG-gxO8_fmxA9EitEoHCFPnGPbIuE8qdaC5ST7O8EL8hLQA2QJtICGarlNzJOp0isz-MERqvBAgm24bXVn4dK-ySUfxsBXyQ/s640/IMG_20150628_165512.jpg" /></a></li>
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This is the warmest beach we can get by car-- 12 hour-drive to the tropics. We rented a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo, with kitchen, a gorgeous view, and just steps from the beach . All this for a fraction of the cost we would have paid in California. (total cost for this trip: gas, food, lodging for a week, souvenirs, etc. $1200) </div>
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If that doesn't make you run to the border...</div>
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View from the stairwell.</div>
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Princesa Resort is located on Sandy Beach, with a string of other resorts. Included for our use were 3 pools, BBQ pits, beach volleyball, hot tub, fitness room, and restaurant.</div>
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Beach vendors roam the beaches selling everything from, icy sweet helado, freshly cut mangoes, to jewelry, and Mexican handicrafts. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXpTMlFgg0-t34W7IfzU28UKR1D9Lc1Ew-XTtRPtcICG8EK07KbxGpolCdc90kMRFDvbvF1zYpkR2acAZyz-y-XYO1JhbfaaRZDxwkq6jJ-PnFlSYnsEvzgMlsQS8xpoju7yxghpQ7Gs/s1600/IMG_20150622_105219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXpTMlFgg0-t34W7IfzU28UKR1D9Lc1Ew-XTtRPtcICG8EK07KbxGpolCdc90kMRFDvbvF1zYpkR2acAZyz-y-XYO1JhbfaaRZDxwkq6jJ-PnFlSYnsEvzgMlsQS8xpoju7yxghpQ7Gs/s640/IMG_20150622_105219.jpg" /></a></div>
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Who could pass up a Pina Colada?</div>
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So what did we do all week on the beach??</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2zBOSAiljGHIfxcietL7teEyUusvFZRWlRkr_fnKChIJ02eAi2-fmezNS-KsSOIjxNAp2lwfxkp9n4NliME1E4fFOWOZ_G7rn_JGjHctJaVe2M2ojB4iyUP77jOrNXnBYwJBZKoKePU/s1600/IMG_20150622_110041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2zBOSAiljGHIfxcietL7teEyUusvFZRWlRkr_fnKChIJ02eAi2-fmezNS-KsSOIjxNAp2lwfxkp9n4NliME1E4fFOWOZ_G7rn_JGjHctJaVe2M2ojB4iyUP77jOrNXnBYwJBZKoKePU/s640/IMG_20150622_110041.jpg" /></a></div>
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Snorkeling--we brought our own gear.</div>
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For $7/person we had a wild ride on the banana boat. It's pretty sad if mom is screaming louder than all the kids combined. </div>
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The great thing about the resort, was the access to pools. We spent about half our time here. Heated pools. Yay!</div>
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The last time we were here, this girl was 2! She did not have enough hair to get braided then like her sisters but this time she did. Last time she also was the only one to get stung by a jellyfish. This time too! So upset, she vowed never to go to the beach again. Her resolve broke down after a couple of hours.</div>
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No rules against collecting shells here!!</div>
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Amazing sunsets. Evening was my favorite time to walk along the beach. Next time, horseback riding into the sunset... oh yes.</div>
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We went into town one of the days to El Malecon shopping district. There we scored more good deals. Brandon even bartered for and bought a sombrero of some type for himself--probably the only thing he has ever bought for himself on a vacation. </div>
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At one point during our beach lounging, Adrie asked me how I could just sit and do nothing. I thought about that. Only at the beach can I really sit and be in the moment. I enjoy watching the waves, and the people. It is the only place where I don't feel like I have to be doing something! But if I wanted I had a pretty good book in my beach bag, </div>
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We only ate out once. All our food (and water) we brought and consumed right on this balcony with this fantastic view. </div>
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The trip was pretty smooth sailing, but right as we were about to cross the border...the flashing lights and sirens of the Mexican policia pulled up behind us. And, that's exactly what you Don't want to have happen in Mexico. The policeman told us, in Spanish that we were speeding (there were signs way down the road, he explained) Luckily, I spoke Spanish because he didn't speak English. He explained that because we were going so fast AKA: we were the only gringos on the road that morning, we would have to pay a fine. How much? $75. Then it went like this.</div>
Me: I don't think we have $75<br />
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Policia: $40 will be okay.</div>
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Me: Not sure if we even have that ( we bought way too many souvenirs) Brandon counted $31 dollars from his wallet and handed it to the policeman. He was pretty pleased with that.</div>
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TIP: Keep an envelope with a $20 bill in the car (just in case) and travel in a caravan of other cars.</div>
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So, we made it across the border with only a minor inconvenience and no sickness. What a great time! The only thing that would have made it even better? friends and family.</div>
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Find your adventurous side and join us next time!</div>
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Tips for traveling to Mexico: </div>
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1.adults need passports, kids need birth certificates to get back across the border.</div>
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2. purchase Mexican auto insurance (we used bonitawest.com, online, Full coverage $100/week) </div>
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3. Add an international calling plan to your phone(s) from your provider. We paid $30 for unlimited text and 120mb data. Turn off your mobile data or put your phone on airplane mode once you get across the border.</div>
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4. We booked our condo through VRBO and everything from the booking to payment went smoothly.</div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-62659948582258648622015-06-07T14:28:00.001-07:002015-06-07T14:28:27.918-07:00Summer Begins...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer has been going swimmingly. According to my kids, I ruined it with chore charts and reading lists. A little structure never hurt them and it's certainly key to my sanity.</div>
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Here are some of our top of summer activities.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FVq3yODnZrLHPnBc5TrwxGPfnh0UonYWOzwuXkGlIS_qKSHx0trep27gbf7JIpnmju2o9P8636l-3F0qKhJYaXPoYf_Z4NJWtE3QOpbJxQhxmGQU3S6IiFv2S4cRLamodR2KbsxUCHE/s1600/IMG_20150602_095657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FVq3yODnZrLHPnBc5TrwxGPfnh0UonYWOzwuXkGlIS_qKSHx0trep27gbf7JIpnmju2o9P8636l-3F0qKhJYaXPoYf_Z4NJWtE3QOpbJxQhxmGQU3S6IiFv2S4cRLamodR2KbsxUCHE/s1600/IMG_20150602_095657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FVq3yODnZrLHPnBc5TrwxGPfnh0UonYWOzwuXkGlIS_qKSHx0trep27gbf7JIpnmju2o9P8636l-3F0qKhJYaXPoYf_Z4NJWtE3QOpbJxQhxmGQU3S6IiFv2S4cRLamodR2KbsxUCHE/s320/IMG_20150602_095657.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FVq3yODnZrLHPnBc5TrwxGPfnh0UonYWOzwuXkGlIS_qKSHx0trep27gbf7JIpnmju2o9P8636l-3F0qKhJYaXPoYf_Z4NJWtE3QOpbJxQhxmGQU3S6IiFv2S4cRLamodR2KbsxUCHE/s1600/IMG_20150602_095657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FVq3yODnZrLHPnBc5TrwxGPfnh0UonYWOzwuXkGlIS_qKSHx0trep27gbf7JIpnmju2o9P8636l-3F0qKhJYaXPoYf_Z4NJWtE3QOpbJxQhxmGQU3S6IiFv2S4cRLamodR2KbsxUCHE/s1600/IMG_20150602_095657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">1. Tubing down the canal</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gwfgTrN34MkdFAnMRbf3YkDOUM0rcYGvVozP09lCmHlC2tNZzdS5XtMuFADQ-6FxqLW1vX_ouJ1YYyC8ytZBCcw68HA_IorZOujymqlHei-wfFNsl_6yVySPoG2wMqmXBCL4cizeBD4/s1600/20150605_200856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gwfgTrN34MkdFAnMRbf3YkDOUM0rcYGvVozP09lCmHlC2tNZzdS5XtMuFADQ-6FxqLW1vX_ouJ1YYyC8ytZBCcw68HA_IorZOujymqlHei-wfFNsl_6yVySPoG2wMqmXBCL4cizeBD4/s320/20150605_200856.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
2. Dip-dyed hair with Kool-Aid.<br />
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3. This kid lost his FIRST tooth! Most kids have hobbies. This kid has "obsessions." Currently, it's Skylanders. He earned half of the money to get a starter kit. (not from the tooth fairy, from doing lots of odd jobs.) He talks of nothing else.</div>
LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-40756068849792860912015-06-07T14:16:00.002-07:002015-06-07T14:16:44.543-07:00Goodbyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fiwt6aJA-ig07KcCWz-A4GP9GtNWgHAOicmEeDYCjwjbN6d80qmQrxLguLLUKKgO_LEYd-XCw1Ru_lH4lARqPgvOE6Vht2uAtaTZn1X2DMQC4zdmaDldQu_J4u0K36uNBSOlCjjTKbI/s1600/20150529_050346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fiwt6aJA-ig07KcCWz-A4GP9GtNWgHAOicmEeDYCjwjbN6d80qmQrxLguLLUKKgO_LEYd-XCw1Ru_lH4lARqPgvOE6Vht2uAtaTZn1X2DMQC4zdmaDldQu_J4u0K36uNBSOlCjjTKbI/s1600/20150529_050346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fiwt6aJA-ig07KcCWz-A4GP9GtNWgHAOicmEeDYCjwjbN6d80qmQrxLguLLUKKgO_LEYd-XCw1Ru_lH4lARqPgvOE6Vht2uAtaTZn1X2DMQC4zdmaDldQu_J4u0K36uNBSOlCjjTKbI/s320/20150529_050346.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPL6UidOzafWTqg-DpwCfeEwchqkO9AW32XZtMLEegSooehTVqvPOl2PQACLoqW9QQzf_jlusi3ZdTN3oERpa3vwY74gcFxebcBOdr8hr71X4AAbfQJvIaPFIMEScyNi8OodymVS3jVs/s1600/IMG_20150529_132222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPL6UidOzafWTqg-DpwCfeEwchqkO9AW32XZtMLEegSooehTVqvPOl2PQACLoqW9QQzf_jlusi3ZdTN3oERpa3vwY74gcFxebcBOdr8hr71X4AAbfQJvIaPFIMEScyNi8OodymVS3jVs/s320/IMG_20150529_132222.jpg" width="320" /></a>Everyone was sad to see Sofie go back home to Denmark. She was part of the family. She was everyone's favorite sister. <br />
She made me think twice before yelling at the kids to do their chores! At the same time, it was exciting to see her start off on a new life adventure. We know we will see her again.<br />
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She left us with gifts and surprised us with a scrapbook she had made about our year.</div>
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Sofie's flight left early in the morning. We all went back to the hotel, a little teary-eyed, and went back to bed.<br />
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I had planned a fun day at Lagoon, so we could drown our sorrows in churros and coasters.<br />
However, upon driving there, we found out that it was CLOSED. <br />
What a sad day it was turning out to be!<br />
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It is always good to have a plan B. We ended up at the trampoline park and that was pretty fun too.<br />
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-12238028659373863652015-06-07T13:54:00.005-07:002015-06-07T13:54:59.553-07:00From the Desert to the Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was our last day with Sofie. I had told her in advance that she could choose anything she wanted to do and we would do it. She thought about it and said, "Our family is happiest in nature. I want to do a fun hike." Love that girl!! She comes from Denmark, a county with no mountains, so I thought we would wow her with the most majestic mountains in the State, also near the airport, Snowbird resort up Little Cottonwood Canyon.</div>
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Rewinding just a bit...The night before we visited Grandma and Grandpa--and kicking myself--I didn't get a picture with Sofie and her American grandparents!! Next time. They treated us to ice cream and we had a nice visit with them. Then it was off to the canyons.</div>
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I guess I had been in the desert too long. I thought we could take the tram and hike down but up this high it still looked like winter. Not enough to go skiing but enough to prevent hiking. We went up Big Cottonwood canyon next and decided to hike one of my old teenage favorites...Donut Falls, about 3 miles total. </div>
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To the little guy's dismay there were no donuts available at the end of this hike. The hike gets it's name from the stream that plunges through a hole in the rock and comes back out again. Another day another waterfall.<br />
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Nature was on our side this day because driving down the canyon we spotted 2 moose in a meadow. Seeing wildlife makes me feel so lucky. Imagine how I would love an African safari. </div>
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Also, as I was walking down the trail, I couldn't help but think of my mom, who used to take us up these canyons all the time. Everyone else had run ahead, and I was just taking in the beautiful landscape when a ruby throated hummingbird decided to stop 2 feet in front of me. It stayed there beating its wings, within touching distance, for a couple of seconds--which is a long time in a hummingbird time. My heart was happy for this little tender mercy. </div>
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LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6472937265457100733.post-47048523487790571442015-06-07T08:41:00.002-07:002015-06-07T13:23:54.488-07:00Getting There<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For Memorial Day we went to spectacular Calf Creek Falls. Getting there, was just as beautiful and deserved its own post. Here is a glimpse of what we saw from Scenic Byway 12. They don't call it SCENIC for nothing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMTV91V7XwwVMZD-1pQqcMmicn2TsIbd2XnmMtn38TcgOMdqWQ4-Jb1jGNM0q3vv4emxs7RVJkLSH4QzymEzKwApuXTRsjQpy4iq4cMOaQ5FYeI7DEUa27rQ6JOv8FNU4a_EQecxp3t0/s1600/20150525_114512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMTV91V7XwwVMZD-1pQqcMmicn2TsIbd2XnmMtn38TcgOMdqWQ4-Jb1jGNM0q3vv4emxs7RVJkLSH4QzymEzKwApuXTRsjQpy4iq4cMOaQ5FYeI7DEUa27rQ6JOv8FNU4a_EQecxp3t0/s320/20150525_114512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Terrain went from the desert up to the forested mountains topping almost 10,000 ft.<br />
Kids (and myself) were carsick *NOTE--never watch movies in the backseat on such curvy roads) We stopped here where the crisp mountain air cured everyone's ails.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUs6YI7cXwDdZiZAd52JzqOlgR94CSL8R8efOXQmSeM9VrszhVGT7Cd02iJ1TBqvNnffwsiO3C9zz2zr8xs0LPksZA7HLBSZIz6kv26z3Fa6zOTQQhL_EOPDg9dfSHlAndm57LJmWrLc/s1600/20150525_180553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUs6YI7cXwDdZiZAd52JzqOlgR94CSL8R8efOXQmSeM9VrszhVGT7Cd02iJ1TBqvNnffwsiO3C9zz2zr8xs0LPksZA7HLBSZIz6kv26z3Fa6zOTQQhL_EOPDg9dfSHlAndm57LJmWrLc/s320/20150525_180553.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Had I been on a bike, I would have dozens of pictures of the lovely scenery we saw--fresh green, Ireland like meadows and streams, red rocky ravines, rocks and boulders towering like castle cut outs... But Brandon was the driver and we had to get to our destination. He did stop at a few overlooks for us--which is about twice as many as my dad would have done on our road trips growing up:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkrBUImpytTZc2pWrvk9waEVOcssZBiMk3-SEhb3FjXqWrSBpK9ext_nG870QgvGmyLnu8ORbAWf5PFcrOBc_Eew2RITac0go4qZ7ldNOF4d18z-kgh0QrDaWubljRg4QYCH40GSuvrM/s1600/IMG_20150525_182817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkrBUImpytTZc2pWrvk9waEVOcssZBiMk3-SEhb3FjXqWrSBpK9ext_nG870QgvGmyLnu8ORbAWf5PFcrOBc_Eew2RITac0go4qZ7ldNOF4d18z-kgh0QrDaWubljRg4QYCH40GSuvrM/s320/IMG_20150525_182817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We passed through all kinds of little interesting towns like Escalante, Torrey, Boulder, Tropic, and the youngest one's favorite for good reason, Cannonville.<br />
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Utah is a pretty great state.LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03947668023484323703noreply@blogger.com0