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!