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. 

A Day on the Lake

This weekend we went up to Huntsville to celebrate birthdays, enjoy soccer games, and have a day on the lake. It was the first time since we've all been together since Christmas. Friday night we attended our nephews ninja turtle birthday... pretty awesome. Garret and Grant are such cute kids. The next morning we went to Garett's soccer game. Soccer at that age is so hilarious to watch. They are on the ground more than they are on their feet. Garett is such a funny kid, he is just fearless. He just shoves all the kids out of the way all in effort to get possession of that ball. It was absolutely freezing outside about 40 degrees so I was a little worried about boating. But, it warmed right up and turned into a perfect day in the sun. 

Leaving the lake with sand down your swimsuit, sore muscles, and burnt skin is a sure sign your doing things right. We knee-boarded, tubed, paddle-boarded, played volleyball and built sand castles. A day boating is always a good day. 

Together We Have it All

I love the quote, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." 

Every family is different in their own unique ways, each with their own difficulties and trials. But the beauty about these trials is that we have each other to lean on for strength to get through them together. I don't know where I would be without this amazing family I am blessed with. There constant examples give me strength and hope each day.  I am grateful for each individual, their personalities and the relationship I have with them. There is not a group of people I can laugh harder with or love more. 

Lake Powell

We try every year to go down to Lake Powell with my mom's side of the family. It just keeps on growing and growing so with each year we party even harder. With many more this year we brought in the calvary. 2 boats, 2 houseboats, 4 jet skis, 2 paddle boards, 8 kayaks , 36 people, and a heck of a good time.

 

 

Below was the fastest anchoring of a houseboat that has ever occurred. I swear it took about 3 seconds. You gotta do what you gotta do in the middle of a storm! 

It was such a fun and relaxing getaway. Powell is by far one of my favorite places. Before going home, we stayed in Paige one more day to go to horse shoe bend and visit a few hole in the wall local dives.