Zoo Afternoon

The weather was exceptionally lovely during the rest of the kids' spring break, but it meant that everyone (seriously, everyone) in the valley was determined to get outdoors and enjoy it. We had ambitions of enjoying the zoo on one of our lazy days and so we drove all the way over there to discover way too many people clamoring to just find a parking spot let alone get in. I do not do well with crowds and lines so we skipped out that day, parked at This is the Place Monument, had a picnic lunch on the grass, ran around to get wiggles out and drove back home. I promised the kids we'd come back to the zoo the next week after school one day hoping we'd find the place less packed (am I the meanest mom for not just going for it? Maybe I am lame but it just looked too overwhelming for me!)

some shots of our impromptu picnic

I think we discovered the secret to the zoo! We went back a week later right after school and seriously saw 10 other people while we were there. It was awesome! We could see every animal and had optimal viewing. In addition, Luke could roam and run all over without getting lost in a sea of people. It was a great little adventure for us that day. The only sad thing is that a big chunk of the zoo is closed down right for a huge construction project that won't be done until next year. I am pretty sure we won't go back until that project is finished—it should be a pretty cool addition though.

 

 

 

 

 Seriously, hardy a soul in sight...

A very interesting log! This baby was so curious. He would have crawled inside but there were lingering puddles from the morning rain so I wouldn't let him.

 We got pics on so many bronze animals that day!

And just to prove that I was there and being silly with my kiddos in the Asian Highlands...channeling my inner wicked witch (which surprisingly wasn't very hard :)

As much as the crazy weather lately has made outdoor plans pretty tricky, I do love spring around here. The beautiful rain making everything so green, the chance to wear a cozy sweater but have to ditch it later in the day when the sun comes back out, the smells of heavenly blooming things everywhere, and the daily growth of blossoms and color, riding my bike in perfect 65 degree air—not too hot, not too cold. I really am a summer girl at heart but these changing seasons are so beautiful and unique every time they arrive. Love this wonderful world so much.

Back to Gunlock

We are loving this beautiful new place to explore. Yes, we adore Snow Canyon but it's good to mix things up. Now that 3 of my 4 kiddos are pretty good at hiking and climbing and exploring on their own, it's easier to try new places and create adventures.

This time we parked on the road just before the entrance to the lake and hiked up the rocks toward the dam. When the water is high and spring run-off at its height the whole area we hiked would be covered in waterfalls. We are anxious to see that sometime—it's supposed to be beautiful! But it was still gorgeous all around us as we hiked.

 

 

Luke is one heavy babe but at least he's super content in the hiking backpack watching the world from his high vantage point. We packed up our lunch and brought it with us to eat on the pretty red rocks. Once the babe was out of the backpack there was no stopping him! He wanted to eat and touch and walk/climb/crawl over everything he could get to. Love my busy boy :)

While I watched over the roaming baby, Joseph took the kids to explore and they discovered some crazy spots! I would have had a heart attack if I had seen these 3 like this:

More of the hubby's shots from the day:

 See? Stunning place to be

The next day we decided to just swim some and play in and around the house before packing up and leaving at dinner time. I'm glad we had that extra day to just hang out before needing to be home. Memorable moments from the trip include discovering SWIG (world's best sugar cookies—hands down!), a pedicure outing with my pal Heather, Luke's first Easter egg hunt and our first one with cousin Mason, and beautiful, balmy weather for lots of outdoor play time!

Easter at the Temple

 

Such a beautiful day! Thank you SG for continually delivering gorgeous Easter Sundays. We said goodbye to Tye and Stace before lunch and then my parents after a yummy outdoor dinner. The house felt so quiet and empty with "just" the 6 of us left. The kids and I usually stay and play for a whole week over Spring Break but with the busy baby boy as crazy and all over the place as he is, I wanted to have 2 parents around as much as I could. Plus, I wanted to ride and needed the hubby around so I could. We decided to stay through Tuesday and then be home to enjoy the rest of the kids' break from school. Next year I am hoping for a good, long stay though...Luke better calm down a little by then!

Blessed

Easter Sunday at the St. George temple.

All I can think of when I see this picture is how incredibly blessed I am. I am so grateful to be a woman, and to be a wife and a mother—the greatest gifts ever. I am indebted to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to fill these roles in this life. And I love so so much that these roles can be mine forever, that this little family will be connected through the eternities and that we will become untied with all before and after us who are ours. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the true path to happiness and I love my Savior for making up the difference where I lack and helping me in this journey here on earth. 

I thought I had life figured out for the 20 years I spent living before I married Joseph. Then I realized I had it quite wrong (wait, it's NOT all about me? ooooooohh :) And 9 years ago, my world completely changed when a perfect baby boy entered my life and I fell completely in love with his chubby body and tender soul. I fell in love with being his mother too, and wanted to fill my home with children and a family and surround myself with those who are so pure and perfect and help me become the person I wanted to be—more loving, more giving, more focused on others, more needed, more patient, more kind, more focused on the Gospel so I could teach these beloved spirits who they really were and how precious their beautiful spirits are. It has been the most incredible thing to build this family with my amazing husband. Life is crazy, we are busy and tired and worn out most nights. But we love it. It is the most important work we can do and I am so grateful we are on this path together. 

This family is my heaven on earth and I love them with all my heart.

Annual Egg Hunt

We made it down to St George last weekend with just enough time to eat dinner and dye Easter eggs before the kids' bedtime. Priorities! All the littles (minus baby Luke) slept in the bunk beds together and did a really good job falling asleep all nestled in there. Bentley went to bed later than Cares, Mason and Livs and he had a harder time sleeping with so many other "loud breathers." He is totally his mother's child when it comes to sleep and needs it very, very quiet :)

 

Saturday morning the Easter bunny left baskets filled with fun things and tons of eggs all over the place. The kids were great sports about waiting just a little bit so Joseph could make it back from his morning ride and join us in the hunting. I love these egg hunts in St George—it's always so refreshing to see green grass and thriving plants when spring is not quite blooming yet back home.

 

 

  

  

  

  

Having one whole day to play with Tye and Stace and my parents we made the most of it. After egg hunting my dad and I went for a bike ride, and then we all headed over to Main Street for lunch at 25 Main followed by play time in the fun lazy river and splash pad. It was super busy at the splash pad due to the Arts Festival but the kids had a blast and Luke made himself right at home wandering everywhere and exploring everything—have to keep the closest eye on that guy!

Later in the afternoon Luke napped, my parents stayed with him and we hit the pool—warm enough to swim outside! I was lazy and let Joseph entertain the kids in the water while I read and relaxed in the sun.

After such a crazy day the kiddos fell asleep in record time and the adults played Canasta. Reminded me of nights on the houseboat down in Powell (and got me excited about that fun trip this summer).