Red Cliffs and Splash Pad

Easter Sunday ended up on General Conference this year so we all lounged around Sunday morning to listen to the talks (Heidi and Ben left early that morning). In the afternoon we decided to tryout a new hike we had heard about just north of SG called the Red Reef trail — and it was such cool place to discover! Being spring break and Easter Sunday it was pretty busy on the trail but that was my only complaint (except that we ran into some of our favorite Herriman neighbors, the Barnes, on the trail so that was a bonus of a busy day!)

 The huge red cliffs provided a ton of shade which we needing on a very warm day.

Livs is usually a swift little hiker but she barely had any steam (most likely from late nights sleeping in the bunk beds with Sadie :)

 After twists and turns and a few climbs the water came into view and suddenly everyone was excited and energetic. I love the mix of greenery, red rock and reflecting water — spring in the desert is so lovely.

 We hadn't come prepared for much water but it was next to impossible to keep these guys out of it! We told them to wade and splash but not get soaked, and next thing I knew Luke was basically swimming neck deep in just his unders — so much for that plan!

 

 Hiking back Luke and Mason weren't feeling too inspired so Joseph and Stacey and I tried to keep them going with stories and pretending each little cave and shrub we passed was an epic part of our adventurous trail home. They ended up feeling pretty proud of hiking the whole way back without being carried! My olders were up ahead with my parents and Tye — a huge reason why family hikes work out so well! 

These two crashed on our drive home from the hike — and the 20 minutes of sleep were just what they needed :)

 If Luke sees anyone in a tub he will try to join and with these two babes he had lots of fun!

 On Monday morning we headed over to Main Street for a big breakfast at 25 Main and playtime at the splash pad.

 Luke and Stanford and Livs and Mason — we love these cute boys

 With changing weather and classic spring we had some great windy days and the kids did really well figuring out how to fly kites this year. Often during our long stay Bean would disappear and we'd end up finding him outside flying a kite.

My parents both left for home on Monday and Tye and Stace drove home Tuesday but we were able to stay since Joseph could work remotely the rest of the week. It was amazing to have such a long stay in SG!

Egg Hunt and Mica Mine

 

 Ready, set, go!!

 

 Cares is always eager for Abby snuggles — she loves being her mini mom :)

 4 matching cousins buddies

 Livs and Sadie snuggled and played and had a fabulous time together

Our time with the Allens was over too fast but we sure made the most of it! Swimming, playing at the park, hiking, golf-ball hunting (and even scorpion hunting!), and eating lots of yummy treats. Tye and Stacey and my parents stayed longer and our little family stayed for a full 9 days — plenty more SG adventures in our spring break plans.

These handsome boys popped over to Priesthood Meeting together on Saturday night. I love that my dad has these sons to attend with :)

Spring Break in SG

Before our week long break started we pulled our kids out of school and zipped down to St George so we could overlap Heidi and her family for at least a few days (she had been there the full week before). Tye and his fam were there too along with my parents -- it was a busy, happy, full house! First outing on Friday afternoon: hiking over at Gunlock.

We spent the evening dying eggs out on the patio — always feels so good to soak up that balmy spring air!

Celebrating 36

My birthday was really fun this year -- maybe because it fell on a Saturday and that left our family all sorts of time to play together and relax and enjoy the day without sending Joseph off to work. Earlier in the week my mom took me birthday shopping at Nordstrom and it was very successful!

After a yummy breakfast our family headed out to look at Garmin watches and HRMs --first stop REI at South Towne where I noticed this marker at the doorway. The lighting in my picture is bad but that store was officially marked on March 28th, 2003! Kind of a fun thing to find right on my birthday.

In the afternoon Joseph and I road to Lehi bakery for our favorite donuts and back (a perfect 26 miles round trip). It was the loveliest spring day --we have been so spoiled this year with the best biking weather.

 

Cares and I got to spend the evening together with Cec and Maddie to celebrate my birthday and then attend the general women's meeting that evening.

 Dinner at Cheesecake Factory

 Love these cute little cousin besties

 Gorgeous spring blossoms all over the place on my birthday this year -- they're a little early since we've had such a balmy winter but I can't complain.

 

Amazing cheesecake with this incredible girl made for a very good date!

36 years and I still feel like I should be 25 (except the wrinkles and gray hairs are betraying me ;) I'm very blessed with a happy marriage, a strong, healthy body, a fun, busy family life, lots of love from friends and family and a beautiful, comfortable home. Life is good.

More March

 Gorgeous spring days make us happy cyclists! We rode the full Murdock Canal Trail from Thanksgiving Point to 800 N in Orem. It was a fabulous ride except for a stray car on the teeny tiny lone section of the trail that isn't a hidden bike path but part of the main road...the car zoomed out right in front of me and I was able to mostly stop but still hit its rear view mirror with my hand and then fell over. Sprained ankle and bruised knuckle were all that came of it but I was not loving the last few miles of that ride...

 We went to the new Disney Cinderella movie as a family and it was beautiful and magical and sweet

 Birthday dinner on my mom's birthday at Trio Cafe

 Luke and Ethan playing in the spring sunshine

Bentley had his capstone project presentation in what the 5th graders call "exhibition." He and his group researched earthquakes and specifically what would happen to us locally if the Wasatch Fault were to erupt. His group knew their stuff really well and had a very informed and well thought-out presentation. Since 5th grade is the highest grade at Bean's school he will be in jr high next year!!