Mom's Paradise

The day we were supposed to return home from our vacation to Bryce Canyon we all decided that we went seeking the warm weather and we weren't goin home until we found it! We decided we'd see some scenery and drive through Zions National Park and head to Saint George, where we knew we'd find the sun. We got to the entrance of Zions park and were turned away for being too long. What?! We were in the motorhome pulling the trailer of fourwheelers and were told that we had 4 more feet than what was allowed on the road and they made us turn around. The only way to Saint George from where we were was 200 miles out of the way and through Arizona. I was very convincing . . . and we turned around and headed South. We found a new little retreat where we can park the coach - Snow Canyon. Just off the campground are tons of hiking trails surrounded by the beautiful southern Utah landscape.

So when you take off on a hike . . . make sure you take map. We took off for a couple of hour hike and 6 hours later rolled back into camp. Thank heaven for our water bottles and the few areas of shade. Our little hike turned into quite an adventure. We learned about so many cool things and exactly where to go and we can't wait to go back. If I have my way, it will be sooner than later. We left our house escaping 30 degree weather. During the night in Snow Canyon I got up with the dog for a potty break and found the middle of the night to be more pleasant than the warmest day in my back yard!

October in Bryce Canyon Utah

In October the kids had a couple of days out of school and we thought we'd head South and get some warm weather. We thought heading as far south as Bryce Canyon would bring that sunshine we wanted to find since we were going through such a cold spel at home. Well . . . you have to take altitude into consideration when you're looking for warm air, and Bryce Canyon is up there! Way up there. However, we never knew we'd find so much fun and beauty! We started our trip on the four-wheelers. The kids absolutely love to drive us around and we can just take in the scenery. We started driving and saw a map to a lake and decided to head for it. 15 miles later we found this beautiful lake and we stopped for lunch. We also found such a great campground to come to next time we visit the Bryce area! (The photos just don't do it justice - it was so beautiful in person)

Jordyn's become quite the little rider. She is more of a daredevil than I'd like her to be. She's right at home behind the wheel of a motorcycle or a four wheeler and she's not afraid to keep the speed a little faster than I'm comfortable with - especially since I'm ususally on the back! There were only a couple of areas we got in that I had to take the wheel. She's amazing.

Kayden's not much for driving but he wants to be right up front taking in all the action. He'll drive for quite a while until he gets a bit tired then he lets dad take over from the rear. His favorite moments are when mom and dad both hop off and let the kids have at the land for a minute by themselves. There was a grove we found where they did brody's and wheelies and had an absolute ball. It didn't amtter that the air was cool and we all needed to bundle up. they had the time of their lives.

Even Ebony had a great time. Most of the time she sat in my lap between Jordyn and I, but there were a few times she hopped right up front. No matter what toys we're playing on, she has as much fun as we do. She's the coolest dog in the world.

We have plans to go back again (when it's warmer of course). And we can't wait to go back and spend some more time.
Every so often we would stop and hike around to take in some scenery. We found the coolest rocks in the middle of dried up streams that had made the coolest canyons. Kayden, our rock enthusiast, was in heaven. Even mom enjoyed getting off the wheeler for a good hike every once in a while.We are so blessed to be able to get away and play when we want to. We love spending time as a family and are enjoying the age of the kids because we can do so much more.

Introducing "StrikeMan"

This weekend I had a Heritage Makers business showcase I spoke at in Logan. Todd and the kids came with me and we swam in the pool, ate all kinds of junk food and ended up at the bowling alley to finish off the night. Since we got a Wii Kayden has been the master of the bowling game. He was so excited to try it in person and see what kind of skills he has. Well turns out it doesn't really matter whether it's a video game or in person . . . Kayden is officially StrikeMan. He had so much fun creaming the rest of us and I don't think he'll let us forget it anytime soon. He even shared a few pointers with me to make me feel better. What a riot we had.

Mom-I'll do anything for a couple bucks

Jordyn's decided she'll do anything to make a buck or two. She's saving up for an iPod. So of course I've taken complete advantage of that and I'm having her do all kinds of stuff around the house. She's quite the cleaner when she wants to be. But while Jordyn has been a great help . . . Kayden's kept himself busy too.

Eating OREO'S! Now that's hard work. Wouldn't be so bad except Jordyn found him and he talked her into joining him. So much for housework! I have the cutest kids in the world. :)