The perfect day

OK. I realized it has been a full year since the last blog. I'm sorry! Life sure does have it's way of keeping us very busy though.

Charles and I, in April, will have been homeowners for one year. In that time, Charles has been in and out of town (on a very unpredictable schedule, might I add) and is currently out of town again. He has been traveling back and forth from Brookings, SD, and is now in Tacoma, WA. Though his absence has been difficult, the adjusting has finally started to get easier.

I am working full time, and going to school. While my schedule is crazy, making me work early hours, leaving work to head to school in the middle of the day, back to work, and on some days, back to school after work is over, Charles and I still find time to involve ourselves in the things we love.

The weekend of Valentines Day, Charles planned a surprise trip for me, to go to Antelope Island. He packed a little picnic, bought some snacks, and was certain to bring my camera. Other than that, we did what we do best- Wing it.

We drove up to a peak that provided a great overlook of the Great Salt Lake.

 

From that peak, as people were standing on the deck taking photos of their loved ones with such a beautiful backdrop, Charles spotted a tiny trail leading up the hill. And well, for those that Charles, you know he just couldn't resist following it.

Which eventually lead us to hopping on rocks. After climbing the first one (Not easy in jeans....) we played a game that the only rule was you couldn't touch the ground, you had to walk only on the rocks. While this may seem easy, believe it was not. These babies weren't just rocks...

Needless to say, it was fun to jump around, and let go of any worry daunting us in our daily lives.

After making it to the highest point we found, we then wanted to venture to the lowest. After passing bison and antelope, we parked, and walked all the way to the start of the water.

By that time, the sun was positioned just perfectly to capture the beauty of it all.

I must say, this is definitely one of the most special trips Charles has given me. 

I could not have imagined a more perfect day. We hiked, we hopped, we laughed, and I think I even sang a little bit.

As I know there are several more adventures to come, I'm thankful that I will have Charles with me for every one.

Goblin Valley

Charles and I love everything there is to do outdoors. Every hiking, camping, backpacking opportunity that is thrown our way, we are sure to join. So when I got a call from a friend on Wednesday inviting us to head to Moab with them over the weekend I jumped on the opportunity.

We left on Friday, bags packed, dog in back, excited as could be. We were both so utterly anxious! I had never been to Moab, but had the opportunity of listening to Charles speak of his childhood memories (with much admiration) of going to Goblin Valley with Opa. Why not go?

When we arrived, we set up camp and immediately headed out to hike and explore the area. As it turns out, the place we set up camp actually used to be a mining village for uranium. In 1898 the area was covered in duplexes and small stone buildings that housed the miners and their families. While we ran out of time to get pictures, we did see that there were still remnants of small structures hidden in the camouflage of red rock.

The next morning, we headed down the street to Goblin Valley State Park.

I had seen pictures of this place before, but I was in absolute awe. The four of us, Charles, Cassie, Patrick, and I ran down and climbed on almost every rock we could. We were like kids in a candy store. We also soon discovered, one of the great things about having friends with you, is they can help take pictures of the adventure.

So get ready, because we took quite a few pictures:

The picture to the right is just a scenery shot from when we first walked into the park.

 And without a doubt, you know we climed ourselves up to any place we could, even just for a picture. Though, I'll be honest, it wasn't much of a climb, just an overly steep hike ;)

As the day wore on, and the avdentures continued, the sun began to beat down on us like ants under a magnifying glass. We then ventured out to find every cave we could to get some cool shade. Some of the caves we climbed to wrapped around to other exits, and some, well some were just to much of a climb for Zedd. No worries though, he had his resting spot too.



After four and a half hours of play, we headed back to camp for some hobo stew and shut eye. Charles and Patrick guys lit a wonderful fire, and cheesy as it sounds, I had to take a tribute picture....

The next morning, we cooked breakfast, packed up our tents and sleeping bags, threw the coolers in car, and cleared out. BUT, we weren't quite done. We still had to visit Little Wild Horse Canyon.

Little Wild Horse is a slot canyon, meaning if you see rain clouds above your head, you might want to get in the car and drive away. These canyons were carved by the water, and are the only outlets for the rainfall.

We hiked






                We climbed

And we even carried our little trooper through all the places he just didn't want to go. (Right after Charles decided he would walk the freezing water for Zedd, Zedd decided it wasn't that deep, and trudged through it anyway. At least you tried Charles)

We then doubled back through the canyon, got in our car, and drove home. Twas a fantastic weekend :) 

With bringing in the New Years, it gives one not only the chance to write a list of things they want to do for the coming year, but to reflect on the things they were able to do that past year. That time we spent reflecting on 2009, Charles and I realized a lot had happened. [None of which posted below is even close to chronelogical order]

Charles and I hiked, climbed, and rode every chance we got.

Picture taken at Diamond Fork

  
We adopted a red and blue Heeler, and name it Zeddicus... After a character from a book.

My favorite little niece Paige hit her first birthday. [To the Right is my dad and Paige]

Crystal moved to New York.

And we were so glad when she moved back home in time for the holidays.

Kassie and Skylar had their first child, Drake.

[Sorry Crystal...had to steal the pic]

I rode a horse for the first time.

Charles and I survived flying off, and rolling down the side of a mountain...While attached to a 4wheeler, and still after we let go. Above is the remains of all that did not survive.

I reunited with classmates in the name of a beloved friend.

We miss you Grace.

Charles and I visited Twin Falls

And shared many adventures in Leadbetter, Washington.

I discovered the wonderful fun a parking garage can supply...

And we celebrated many occasions with our friends by our side

Though so much more has presented itself through the year, well, this is just what photos we had readily available.

Heres to the friends and family that make our years great, and continue to inspire us to grow, learn, and keep living life to the fullest.

May 2010 bring more fun and joy

:)

When we were younger, Christmas always seemed to be so easy. As a child, we never had to worry to much about buying presents for other people. In fact, the only thing I had to worry about was my brother waking me up at 4:00 am, just to take a first peak at the new presents under the tree.

I remember one year, my parents got all us kids a Super Nintendo. We all unwrapped it together, giving my parents the smiles they were looking for. For years after that, they sat and watched as my siblings and I conquered many games, as our bodies moved the direction we were trying to get our racecars to turn, and as we enjoyed the competition as a family. Simple as that.

This year though, was not so simple. With all of the children from both Charles' and my own family growing up, moving out, and starting their own families, it just isn't that easy to spend the holidays together.

My brother D.J, his fiance, and two children, only had the time to see the family on Christmas eve as their Christmas day schedule was packed. Charles' sister Kassie, was at home in California with her husband and son. Above is DJ, Jodi, Hayley, Boo, Josh, and the back of Paige's head.

Charles and I were able to spend Christmas morning with my parents, remaining siblings, and neices and nephews as well. We were able to see that same Christmas glow on Josh, Haley, and Gabriel's face. Though Paige is still a little young to be overly excited, she was at least having a good time.

I must admit though, I don't think anyone was more excited than three Jedi's of the family... Picture of the year definitely goes to Kirsten, catching boys, being boys.

After the morning and awesomely wonderful breakfast, we were able to head home for a short while, and exchange gifts to one another. I found tears running down my face that mid morning, as I opened my gifts from Charles. He suprises me sometimes, with how well he knows me, and how sentimental he can be. One of his gifts was a large frame that holds multiple pictures. He filled it with pictures of us, and things that we have done. Even just thinking about it now, I'm very touched by his creativity. Not to mention the dedication it took to sort through all the photos, just to find the ones he put in the frame.

We then headed to Opa's house. There, on top of exchanging gifts, you know we were blessed to listen to Opa's stories of a different time.

As Pat and Donna were so kind to move their Christmas to 16:00, we then headed back there after Opa's house. Because it wasn't that time yet to have dinner and open presents, Michelle [we were both excited that she was able to come up for the holiday, and I was excited to get to meet her], Pat, Charles and I sat and played board games just waiting for the clock to strike four, when we knew Nikki, Ivan and Liam would be there. After a lovely Turkey dinner, wrapping paper started flying as we all opened our gifts.

That however, was not the end of Christmas. The following day, Charles and I played with our new games, cleaned and stored our new household items, and Headed to Bryce's house for lunch. Jennifer cooked an excellent meal, and we sat and talked about everyone's plans for the coming year.

That my friends, was the end of our 2009 Christmas. There was a lot of moving from place to place, but that means nothing in comparison with getting to spend time your loved ones. Hopefully next year, we can find a way to be joined by DJ, Jodi, Josh, Haley [and the bundle still in the oven] on Christmas day, and get to spend it with Kassie, Skylar, and Drake. We hope Michelle with be able to join us next year, and maybe I will be able to meet Meagan as well.

We are truly thankful for all the family and friends in our lives. We thank you for the wonderful gifts, and the support you have given throughout the year. With what you have given us [not only on Christmas, but through the rest of the year too] you have helped us to make our house [apartment... but soon to be house!] more like a home.

We love you!!!!!!!!!!