Hiking the Narrows in Zion's

We were invited by our friends Caroline and Brandon to go to Zion's National Park and hike the Narrows.    It was a long drive early in the morning for us but it was totally worth it!  There is so much to go see within a few hours of us!  We have decided to take advantage of the beautiful state  of Utah that we live in!

We took a bus ride right up to the trail head from just outside of the park and began the trek up!  The water was a little chilly but it felt good in the heat.  We took the first canyon the right and it was a good decision! We had to swim, climb up and jump off waterfalls as far up as we could go before we would have needed rope to get farther.  We hiked for quite a few hours and were exhausted but we went and got food and headed home anyways!  I drove and we stayed awake by singing loud to our favorite music!

We love hanging out with Caroline and Brandon! it makes for lots and lots of fun and also good conversations. Thanks for a great day!

Camping, Paddle Boarding, Sailing, and the Hot Air Balloon Festival with Kate and Kye

After I presented at the FEEFHS conference we went to meet the Giles Family and head up to Pineview.  Who knew that paddle boarding was so fun?!  I didn't but I sure fell in love with it! I loved being able to paddle out in the lake by myself and with my sweet Jacob.

We didn't have any utensils so Kate's dad Troy stirred the dinner with the back of a screwdriver!  We're camping!

Friday night we went to the Hot Air Balloon on festival for the lighting.  If you just ask they will let you turn the fire on!  It was the best experience ever! I was so excited!  Jacob is so sweet that he supports me in my silly loves and fascinations.

Early Saturday morning to woke up and made our way to the field.  We asked the owners of the yellow balloon with flowers if we could help them and they said yes!  We got to help with all sorts of things and then Kate and I followed along in the truck with the balloons drivers wife and followed him so we could help dream  take it down!  Oh man it was so great! Now I all I need to do is to fulfill my dream of riding in a Hot Air Balloon.

We spent the rest of the day on the lake sailing and paddleboarding!  Sailing is SOO cool!  Kye is so cool that he know how to do that!

FEEFHS International Conference

I was invited to present at the Federation of East European Family History Studies international conference.   I prepared these classes for months and it was an amazing experience.  I taught about Russian Script and how to read Russian documents in order to collect genealogical information and I also taught about the different Russian documents available for use.  I am grateful for this opportunity. It helped me to gain confidence and knowledge.

The Chronicles of Narnia

I decided to read the  whole Chronicles of Narnia series this year for the first time. I don't know how I escaped reading them my whole life but I LOVE them!  The gospel symbolism was exquisite and I want to read them again and again!

Doughnuts for My Love

Craft Lake City!

A tradition continued!  Mom, Sami, Camille, Whitney and I went to this last year and we went again this year (Sami couldn't make it).  It rained pretty good but it was still very fun!  People are so creative and I want to buy so so much but I restrained myself quite well.

Whitney bought a necklace with Jarom's zodiac constellation on it which was quite romantic....and I bought myself doughnut earrings because Jacob's favorite thing is doughnuts! HAHA! I just thought that that was a funny comparison...maybe that says something about us.... :) haha

Kendall Camp 2015

I always love and look forward to Kendall Camp!  Which used to be an actual camp out but is now just a day in Mueller Canyon.   This includes LOTS AND LOTS of food always with 7 layer dip, and scones, and s'mores and other deliciousness!  We also always color, Shannon brought her amazing oil based colored pencils and I want some soooooo bad! We also play lots of games and this year we hiked part way up Big Rock hike.  The best game that everyone loved this year was Jake's game called....nail in the stump...or something like that.  Everyone puts a nail in the stump and we take turns trying to get each other's nails sunk into the stump with out aiming!  It is hysterical and fun!  I am glad that we have a fun family that we can play with and love!  Brooke and Paul and Emma played too but are not pictured.

Paul arm, Caeden, Alan, Jake, Jaymon, Olivia, Jacob, me

Caeden, Alan, Jake, Jacob

Grandma's elbow, Tyler, Caeden, Alan, Jake, Jaymon, Jacob