Capital Reef Fail

We've been wanting to hit up Capital Reef for some time now.  We have this goal to hit all the Mighty Five National Parks: Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, and Capital Reef.  We've only done Zion and Arches as a family so far...so we have some work to do!  Anyway, the downfall...the Capital Reef campground does not take reservations, it's only first come, first serve.  So we've been putting it off because I'm always worried we wouldn't get a spot because it seems everything is always crowded around here during the summer months!  We decided to wait until after Labor Day when travel/camping slows way down.  We left  on a Friday afternoon.

 The girls (Piper especially) had been counting down the days til we got to leave.

The drive was quite nice and surprisingly smooth.

We pulled into the park around around 6...and what do you know...campground full.  The girls pretty much burst into tears, and I wasn't close behind.  It's just so discouraging, especially with all the prep (food, gear, etc.) Ryan and I had to do before hand.  It's just such a let down.  The campground host directed us to some BLM land to camp at...but without water and bathrooms, those options were pretty much out. I would have taken one for the team and camped somewhere without a bathroom, but one kiddo was having a nervous breakdown with the thought of no toilet.  I was not going to turn this into a traumatic weekend, so after an hour or so of driving around we decided to book a hotel in the little nearby town.

And if things couldn't get any worse, turns out, there were no vacancies at a single hotel.

Unbelievable.

By this point, it was close to 8 and we were all starving.  Every eatery was packed or way out of our price point, so we opted to stop into a Subway inside a gas station...desperate times.

It was close to 9 by the time we finished eating and decided it was time to throw in the towel.  There wasn't much left to do but drive back home.  So, in the dark while the kiddos (kinda) slept, we drove the three hours back.

Sad day.

And what really boggles me, was that everyone told us how Capital Reef is the "quietest" of all the parks...what happened?!  There were people everywhere, people like us, scrambling, trying to find a place for the night.  And you know who were in the campground all comfortable...retired people.  I kid you not...not a single family I saw in that campground!  Come on baby boomers, camp during the week and give the spots to families on the weekend!!

Lame.

The only thing I could think of why it was so crowded was because of the Harvest Moon...but who really knows.

So Saturday, after our failed trip, we decided to make the best of our weekend home.

We loaded up the car and went hiking up in the canyon.  It was beautiful and the weather was perfect!

Just this year Haley hit a massive growth spurt and shot up.

Crazy.

Still when I look at her, I feel she's smaller than me.  It isn't until I see a photo of us that I'm shocked...she's so grown up looking!  Where did my baby go?!

 After our hike we drove up to Squaw Peak to gaze down onto the valley.

It's just so pretty this time of year!

 And to continue our weekend of fun, we hit up the last day of the Utah State Fair on Sunday.

So despite our failed camping trip the weekend turned out pretty nice.

As soon as we got home we made reservations at one of our favorite campgrounds in St. George for October.  We're taking the girls out of school and everything.

Camping will happen!!  

Just maybe not at Capital Reef.

Last Week and Weekend Review

Last week Ryan and I went on a few errands while the older girls were in school.

We came out of Costco only to discover that our battery was dead.  Easy fix...just get someone to jump it!  Well, that would be true if our hood could open!

 

A while back the cable to the hood release broke. We basically got a temporary fix and meant to really fix it...but we forgot.  So when our battery died and we couldn't open the hood we were like, "Oh yeah...we were supposed to fix that.  Whoops."  AAA to the rescue!  And I'm happy to report it has now been fixed and our hood is fully operational.  All ready for a road trip next week!

 We also got our first snow fall (well, that actually stuck to the ground anyway) in the valley last week!

This is good...really, really good for the resorts!

 Saturday the girls had friends over and I really wasn't in the mood to cook.  So we took everyone to Pizza Pie (a pizza/pasta buffet)...this is a kid heaven...seriously.  And to be honest, it's practically a parent heaven too.  1.  Kids can eat as soon as we are seated.  2.  It's super family friendly, so I don't have to worry about kids disrupting other patrons or food falling on the floor.  Pretty much every table has about a minimum of 4 children...so we fit right in.

And thank goodness for Pizza Pie coupons...they look out for us families!

So, for the past couple of months I've been pretty wound up about our Primary Program at church.  For my particular calling or job, I'm in charge of it...like all of it...and it's kinda stressful.  This is last years post about it...nothing much has changed with my stress level...this is my second year doing it and I'm still just as worked up.

Anyway, last Sunday was the big day this year for the Program.  And it is the first and only year that ALL four of my children are in the program together...which is kinda special.  And speaking of special...my mom flew out just for the program!!

So anyway, Rory was being a little peculiar Sunday...she said her speaking part (thank goodness it was right in the beginning) but then refused to come up for any of the songs with the other children.

In fact, she fell asleep on her teacher's lap.

Very weird, especially since it was only like 9:45 in the morning when she zonked out.

So, after the program the children go to the primary room.  Our little 3 year olds (the class Rory is in) sit right in the front row.  I happened to be conducting primary that morning and as soon as we were done with the opening exercises Rory decides that would be the perfect time to barf...all over herself...and the floor...and a little bit on the girl sitting next to her (which actually happened to be the little girl's first day!)  Yeah, welcome to Primary...BLAH!!  Poor thing, I think she was traumatized after that...hopefully she'll come back next week.  

I felt so bad for my little Rory...no wonder she was sleeping during the program.  I was so worked up that morning about everything that needed to be done I didn't even know she wasn't feeling well.

We got Rory (and the other little girl) and the floor cleaned up and I sent Rory home with Ryan.

She laid around the rest of the day and by morning she was back to normal...short lived, thank goodness!

And speaking of morning...Monday morning we woke up to snow!

Rory and Morgan watching the snow fall.

So, the program is done and I can breath again!

Now, it's all about getting ready for Thanksgiving and our trip to Sedona!

If everyone can stay healthy I would greatly appreciate that!

Happy Hump Day!

Weekend Review

Yes, I know I'm doing a weekend review on a Thursday, but you know, better late than never!

Ryan got home Friday night from Vegas and he was pretty worked over.  The week is pretty nonstop for him and it never fails he always comes home with a cold.  So Saturday he was pretty much a zombie...seriously, I would look over at him at he would just be staring off into space...he was probably sleeping...with his eyes open.  But alas, he was a sport and joined us for the annual Chalk the Block event.  Ellie (Haley's bestie) joined us.

 Ellie and Haley.  

I think it's pretty darn sweet that they hold hands.

I hope they remain bosom friends forever.

 Elsa was at Chalk the Block, and I kid you not, every time Piper saw her she had to run up to her, she was in love.

And wouldn't you know it, I didn't get one picture of the chalk art.  Oops.

Sunday was our stake conference for church, so we played hooky and went to the Utah State Fair.

 Morgan was in piggy heaven.  Have I mention that this girl loves pigs?

It was a pretty hot day, so we welcomed some relaxing in the shade whenever we could.

And with all the running around it's never a surprise to see Rory like this every now and then.

Happy Thursday!

Weekend Review

It seems blogging has taken a back seat lately...the days have just gotten away from me.  And can you believe that the girls only have two more weeks of school?!  

So anyway, these are a few things that we've been up to...in no particular order.

We planted two trees in the backyard...because heaven knows we need more.  (17 total now...I think)  Actually I didn't plant them, Ryan did.  I just stood there and pointed to where they should go...oh, wait, I did help lower them into the holes.  We're trying to create a bit more privacy between our neighbors...and shade for our patio.

The little ones, playing in water every chance they get.

Jeffy and I were able to squeeze in some mountain biking this weekend.  We explored some trails that I'm not as familiar with...I only fell once...good times.

Piper riding her "big bike" to pick up the girls from school.

I've started painting again!  This time I'm focusing on the upstairs...the girls' rooms in particular.

I started with Piper and Rory's room.  That room through the hallway is our very boring spare room...one day I'll tackle that room too!

Morgan with her bestie...I tell ya, they are just about connected at the hip.  And the best part...she lives right around the corner from us.  If Morgan looks glammed up, it's because she had just returned from a Princess party.

 And last but not least, Ryan and Haley went on a daddy-daughter ride over the weekend.

Hopefully we can get her out more the summer!

So, that's kind of what we've been up to.
 Now, back to it!  Happy Tuesday!

Weekend Review

Doesn't this picture crack you up?

It does me...I can't help but laugh every time I look at it.

I think they did a pretty darn good job at looking terrified...but then, these kids are two of the most dramatic people I know, so then again, I guess it's just second nature to them.

We had a very nice weekend!  Ryan's mom and her husband came for a long weekend visit.  And shame on me, I didn't get enough pictures...or really any for that mater!  I think I'm hoping to high jack some of theirs when ever I get a chance.  So in the meantime, enjoy this picture of the girls at the Museum of Ancient Life.

So here are some highlights to the weekend:

* Friday Ryan and I ran the annual 5K with Haley and Morgan while the grandparents kept an eye on the little ones and cheered us on.  Unfortunately, Ryan tripped pretty hard early on in the run and finished with a skinned up knee and very swollen ankle.  

*  Dinner at PF Changs after a very annoying wait of an hour and a half!!  You would think arriving at 5:30 we wouldn't have any wait...wrong.  Luckily there was a playground nearby so the kids were able to stay busy.

*  Saturday we hit up the Museum of Ancient Life.  The weather was on the chilly side so this was a perfect outing!  

*  BBQ'ed hamburgers Saturday night.

*  Sunday I woke up to some lovely little cards and fresh picked flowers (from our yard) from Haley and Morgan.  Also, Haley whipped up a bagel with peanut butter and a banana for me to eat.  

*  Went to church and listened to the girls sing for Mother's Day.

*  And that night we had ice cream sundaes while we watched Frozen (the grandparents hadn't seen it yet).  Luckily, we just can't get enough of it!

Monday morning grandma and grandpa left after walking the girls to school.  It was a really great visit...although it would have been a bit better if the weather was warmer!  Ryan also left Monday morning for CO...he'll be there all week.  So here I am...holding down the fort.

Happy Tuesday.

Weekend Review

Sundance ski season has come to a close.  Kinda bittersweet for me...I'll miss working with my brother and all the great people I've met, but I'm ready to get back to regular weekend routine and catch up on everything else I've let slide through the cracks.  It got pretty hectic some weeks that's for sure!

Riding the lift up for our last early morning clinic.  I'll miss getting those first tracks Saturday mornings! 

We had a little fun on Saturday (since there were no lessons) and several of us skiers did some snowboarding for the morning.  And some of us (such as myself) have NEVER done it before.  

 My first run wasn't pretty...actually my second run wasn't much better.  But it was all good fun.

Taking in the view one last time.

And then on Saturday night my cousin Travis and his family gave us a visit.  They were in town from Texas.  We had never even met his two boys...so you can see it had been way too long!

Travis, me and my brothers Matt and Jeff.

I'm feeling very short in this picture!  How is this my family?!  What happened in my genetics that they skipped the tall gene?!

 And finally Sunday we had one last ski day as a family.

And I'm happy to report that there were no tears and everyone had a blast!

And one last video for your entertainment...I just can't get enough of her skiing!

This week we're kicking off the girls Spring Break!  

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Weekend Review

This is what we were welcomed to when arriving to work Saturday morning.  This would be the path leading to the infamous stinky yurt.  Don't worry, this yurt is not open to our guests...but this is the yurt that houses all of the instructors gear, and when you get 60+ ski and snowboard boots stored together, well, you get the idea.  But don't get me wrong...I am very grateful for that yurt.

So yeah, snow, and lots of it.  The problem:  we had lovely powder snow earlier that week and then Saturday we got wet heavy snow...the perfect recipe for avalanches.  There were road closures throughout the day, and people were getting stuck everywhere...it was a mess.  It snowed ALL day and I was soaked to the skin by the end of it.

It rained all day Sunday in the Valley...it was awful.  All of our snow in our yard as melted away and we are now left with lovely mud pits everywhere, which are so much fun when you have dogs.  Yuck.  I usually welcome warmer weather, but this year I would rather have snow.

On a different topic Ryan and I were invited to a special screening for the movie "Rising from Ashes" last Friday.  We got a babysitter and everything so we could go, and I'm I glad we did!  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!  It's so inspiring!

Ryan with Abraham and Obed, two teammates from the movie.

This week we're gearing up for Valentine's Day!  The girls have their parties at school and I'm teaching Piper's Preschool tomorrow and having a little party.  And of course I'm super excited for my traditional Valentine's dinner on Friday!

Weekend Review and Girls Day Out

Look at those faces!  I may be biased, but I think Ryan and I make some pretty cute kids!!

Speaking of Ryan...he left to Vegas Friday morning so I've been on my own for the past few days and will continue to be on my own until Friday late.  Things have been going pretty well so far...we hit up the library and Chalk the Block Saturday.  Oh and Saturday night I put the little ones to bed and then Haley, Morgan and I stayed up late watching the first half of Anne of Green Gables!  We made popcorn and everything!!  So fun!  We just recently finished reading the book.  They seemed to really enjoy the movie...I think we'll watch the second half of the movie Friday night.

On Sunday we hit up church and then hung out at home the rest of the day.

Today was my good friend's birthday and to celebrate her husband rented a convertible mustang, and then two other friends and I drove it to her house, handed her the keys and kidnapped her for the day...it was a total surprise!  We drove to Salt Lake and shopped at Sephora (I even splurged and bought myself the Urban Decay Basics Palette...something I NEVER do).  And then we drove back to Happy Valley and up the Canyon to have lunch at Sundance.  It was such a fun girls day out!! What a great way to celebrate a birthday!  And thanks to her husband who watched my kids for the entire time!

Weekend Review

Unfortunately, things didn't quite go as planned.  As you know Morgan left early Friday morning for the Fort Bridger Mountain Man Rendezvous with friends.  Our plan was to leave Saturday morning to spend the day there and bring Morgan home.  Well, what do you know...both Piper and Rory got sick Friday night.  What kind of sick you ask?  Let's just say a lot of sheets were changed, kids bathed, and lots of cleansers were involved.  So our little plan backfired.  We let Morgan stay another day in Fort Bridger and our plan B was to try again Sunday to drive up there giving Piper and Rory a day to recover. 

 Saturday looked a lot like this:

They were not feeling well at all and pretty much slept ALL day.  Piper was coming around but Rory could not keep anything down...not even a few ice chips.  And they were both feverish.

When Sunday rolled around they were still not well enough to go on a day trip to Wyoming.  So, I stayed home to nurse my wee ones back to health while everyone else (my brothers went as well) loaded up and headed out.  

So while my day looked like this:

And this:

Oh, my poor babies...just seeing these pictures makes my heart break. 

(FYI: They are doing much better)

Ryan's outing with the older girls at Fort Bridger looked like a lot of fun!

Morgan after three days of camping...oh, how we missed her!

Their campsite.  Looks pretty darn good to me!

Morgan sitting with our good friend Steve.

He's the mountain man behind this whole thing.

Morgan and Campbelle.

I'm so glad Haley had a chance to get up there, she fit right in!

Jeff, doing some tomahawk throwing.

Jen and Jeff.

I was bummed to have missed it...Sunday was a slow, and very long day for me.  But luckily Monday (Labor Day) we were ALL able to get out!  In fact we went to the Sheepdog Championships in Soldier Hollow.  Our friend, Tyson, hooked us up with some free tickets.  It turned out to be a really cool event...it's absolutely amazing what these border collies can do!!

This is the only picture I took that day, and it's a really bad one at that.

Then Jeff hosted a fabulous BBQ at his house that night!  It was nice to get out after a very long weekend!