Still early in the season

So here it is mid February and we're itching to get out of the house. A. because we love to explore new places, and B. the kids had school off for presidents day, and who wants to be trapped in the house with two bored kids for the weekend? Not us, so my wise husband began researching some places of interest for a family getaway and came up with Red Rock. Everywhere else we would have liked to go, was inaccessible because of snow, so we packed up and headed for Nevada. All in all it was a great trip and everyone enjoyed themselves, we got to see my dad, explore a place unknown to us, brave a midnight downpour, and go to church as bums in a little chapel that looked like a mini temple. Not too bad for a weekend getaway.

Close to home

When we aren't doing big trips, we love to just play in our back yard. There is so much to do right here in Utah, and so camping as often as possible, exploring our immediate surroundings, overnighters, and 2-3 day road trips are what we love to do. Unlike most people, weather is seldom an issue that would keep us indoors. Winter camping takes some getting used to, but we have done it a couple times and have to say it's all right.
Creighton and Karac are still adjusting to the learning how to pack, carry, and set up all of your own stuff concept, but they are doing it, and are getting better and better at it! We are determined to get the gear part of camping down to a science so that as time goes on, our outings will become less of a production and more second nature to all.
Here are a few of the hikes, campouts, rivers rafted and other random outings we have done over the past year. And now that I have posted all of the past stuff we have done and gotten everyone up to date, I can go into much more detail about our trips and events that are going to unfold for 09. There are huge surprises in store for the year so stay tuned, you won't want to miss!

Summer trippin 2008

Here it is February however,I have to post all of the fun things we did last summer for those who didn't get to see photo's, hear about the trips exc... We did so many cool things and saw so many beautiful places in 2008! It's a mind blower because we took more trips in the span of less than a year, than a lot of people take in their whole lives. I realize how blessed we are for those opportunities, and how thankful I am for such a blessed life. Traveling is such a huge part of life and the more we do it, I feel it strengthens bonds spiritually with God, as a married couple, and as a family.
Mike and I went to Italy at the end of July, which was amazing. There was so much to see and do that it would have taken months, and we only had ten days. After returning from Italy, Mikes parents treated everyone to a week in Oceanside, where I got to finish meeting all of the brothers. The boys had a blast. After Oceanside, Mike went on his own adventure with his dad, and brothers Rick, and Dave on a 10 day bike ride from Teluride Co. to Moab Ut. I was grateful to sit out on that one and just get settled in to life on the hill.
In December we took the boys to Hawaii for Christmas. We had sooo much fun watching the pipe masters comp., playing in the ocean, chillin with Dan and Jonna, and watching mother nature unleash on Laie Hawaii! Yup, we were there for the great flood of 08. Everyone survived, unfortunately there was some destruction.

Here goes.....

I have been thinking about doing this whole blog thing for over a year now, and have to admit as I look at my sister's blog and sister's in law, I get a little overwhelmed. Worrying about what my page looks like reminds me of why I never got into scrap booking, and also why I put this off for over a year now, but I am committed to give it my best effort. My plans were to start this blog last April after Mike and I got back from Guatemala (our honeymoon). Mike as everyone knows takes amazing pic's and we would like to share them, along with all our adventures, with family and friends. We have so much to share just within the past year, and countless other's to come, so please enjoy.....we did!!

From the beginning

Mike and I met on November 26 2006. Let's just say we both agree that sparks and fireworks did not fly upon our first encounter, nevertheless we created our own. I guess it's true though when they say that opposites attract! Along our two year journey, needless to say, wedding bell's rang on April 28, 2008. Here we are creeping up on our first anniversary! We have had up's and downs over time, but thank goodness we only have photo's of the up's.;) It has been a journey of learning about ourselves and one another, compassion, and most importantly evolution. Our lives are about becoming our best selves individually and as a couple. I am thankful for Mike and all of the amazing ways he has opened my eyes to how wonderful life is. A picture is worth a thousand words, and it's the truth. We have done so many fun things and seen such amazing places, so here are some of my fav's....pre-marriage.