Home for the Holidays

It's always great to go home for Christmas and spend time with the family...

We did a little hiking and sledding, a favorite activity that makes me want to move back to SLC.

If you're under 5 years old you get a ride up the mountain, ah- the easy life.
It was a great work out for me!

My sis

Ready to ride!

Little Luke lovin' the lights at Temple Square

Clara- she always wants to know if i've met a nice boy to marry. This year she had a plan: we can drive around SLC, she would sit in the back seat, and look for nice boys- at the park.
Clara: Sarah, what did you ask Santa for for Christmas
Sarah: maybe I should ask for a husband?
Clara: hmmm, I don't think Santa can do that. I think you have to ask Jesus.
(love it)

This little one is a crack up.
She is saying "please" in this pic. My sister taught her a little sign language...
and she loves to eat (I think we must be related). She just kept saying "please" and wanted more and more food. who can say no to that!

Weekend with the Girls

Miriam and Heather came to visit for the weekend. It was great to see them, hang out with them and reminisce about our past adventures.
We started with a tour of the Hammond Candy Factory (we were the only adults that didn't have kids in tow).

We spent the morning at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and did some walking.

Lunch in Manitou Springs saw an awesome dog being carted around. And spent the afternoon shopping at the outlets- such deals!
The weather was so great we were able to go hiking up in Boulder! it was a little icy on the way down, it was a test of our coordination and grace!
Thanks for the great weekend!

Thankgiving in Pennsylvania

I spent Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania with my brother and is family. This little guy decided he wanted to be here for Thanksgiving as well:

Little Jack- so cute, we tried to spend as much time with him as possible.

We did make it out bowling for the annual turkey bowl, still my favorite tradition.

My mom's holding the trophy like she won, she bowled a beautiful game, but sadly, did not win. Nor did I, it was probably my worst year yet.

75 miles

We went to Moab a few weekends ago for a little bike ride. It was beautiful, we rode along the Colorado river surrounded by red cliffs. It was an out-and-back ride, 75 miles total, with "aid stations" every few miles. A beautiful day for a bike ride.

My family came down that same afternoon, I met up with them and we did a hike up to delicate arch- a must do while in Moab. But, not really a great idea after riding a bike 75 miles.

Buckskin Gulch/ Paria Canyon

Another great weekend backpacking, (i am exhausted, am i getting old or just realizing my limitations?) The plan: backpacking though Buckskin Gulch- a 13 mile slot canyon in Southern Utah, camping where the Gulch meets up with Paria Canyon, hike out. The weekend: make a few stops on the way down- Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, camp in the dessert, RAIN, no backpacking through the gulch. The rain changed our plans a little, we did a little hiking through the first part of the gulch, the decided to grab our packs and start at the end (in Paria canyon) hike up a few miles and camp, hike into the gulch a few miles (no more rain!). It was spectacular!

Bryce Canyon. My first visit.

Zion National Park, always a favorite! We hiked Angel's Landing, scarier than I remember, and I got stuck behind a really slow woman on the chains, I ended up being her motivational coach. yeah.

The Gulch.

Paria Canyon

It was so pretty, I couldn't stop taking pictures even when they don't capture the beauty.