Beautiful Bryce

One of the amazing things about living in Utah is that we get to enjoy so much beauty and only have to drive 3 1/2 hours to see it. That is a very low price to pay (but seriously, gas is so cheap right now... $1.79! I do a little happy dance every time I fill up). While we were in Bryce this past weekend I swear we did not meet one person that was from Utah let alone the United States. People from Australia, Holland, Japan, and China traveled across the world to see Bryce, Utah! We are so lucky to have beauties like this in our own backyard. 

We drove out with my brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Lauren, on Friday night after work. We got in around ten and were zonked.  The next morning we bundled up and drove out to Sunrise Point to take pictures and watch the sun rise above the majestic valley. There was so much contrast between the white snow, the green pines, and the red rocks that it was hard not to ohhhh and awwwwww. We ate breakfast at good old Ruby's Inn. Actually, we ate every meal there and became pretty good friends with the staff because that's about the only restaurant in town. After and delicious and filling breakfast we geared up and began our 8 mile hike through Bryce Canyon. 

January is the perfect time to visit Bryce Canyon. Why? Because there honestly was NO ONE there. The weather is also ideal. In the morning yes, it's freezing, but while hiking it's the perfect temperature. As we hiked we took our time. We had an amazing time together! 

That night Austin and Taylor wanted to visit Novi Palas Point, one of the darkest places in the United States. Lauren and I voted to stay warm and watch a movie. So the boys went out and took pictures and we stayed warm. It worked out well. All in all it was a great quick weekend trip. 

When taking this picture the words of our dear prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, echoed in my head. "It's better to look up!" In a talk by Carl B. Cook he says," The Lord is my light; then why should I fear? By day and by night his presence is near. … He is my joy and my song. By day and by night he leads … me along. 

I bear testimony that sins are forgiven and burdens are lightened as we look to Christ. “Let us remember him, … and not hang down our heads,”for, as President Monson said, “It is better to look up.” We need his help on a daily basis so let us look towards Him! 

Notes and Knots

A while back I had the opportunity to model for Notes and Knots on the coldest day of the year. Although we froze, we had such a good time! All the people participating were so sweet including the owners Ali & Kati, the photographer, and the other models! We all became instant friends (as you can tell by the pictures). If you are looking for a great place to purchase adult headbands, baby headbands, bow ties, and leggings, these girls have got you taken care of. Check out their website: http://notesandknotsshop.com

Photography:Sam Pierson Photography

Headband: Santa Fe Steps 

Back to the Mountains

I just had to go back to this amazing hike we did back in September. We had been trying to plan a hike to Mount Timpanogos for months and we had finally set a date. The morning started out very early and very cold (1 am and 11 degrees). After hiking for awhile we began to shed a few layers. In the darkness all we could see were headlamps trailing up the mountain giving us an idea of the direction we were headed. Which was pretty much ....strait up. I was very paranoid that someone was going to fall or slip with it being pitch black and all, I had heard stories, so I kept reminding everyone to keep their heads on the path and no looking up! As the mountain got steeper our stops became more frequent. I swear the last section of mountain felt like we were hiking to Mordor. But I can say that the view was well worth it! We had about 20 minutes at the top before the sun began to rise which was just enough time to get our beanies out, gloves on, and cameras ready. As we looked out we were the highest peak for as far as we could see- we were on top of it all. I can't even imagine what being atop Mount Everest must feel like. To bad we will never know. ha. We stayed on the summit for  about 45 minutes feeling the sunshine on our faces. Then it was time to hike back down. You'd think that down would be easy but I feel like it was even harder because our legs had turned to jello from the way up. The people who were running to the top and then passing us on the way back down, yeah, they made us feel real out of shape. But with good memories, sore ankles, and tired eyes we made it to the parking lot. I definitely would recommend this baby for anyone up for adventure.