August 31, 2025

What a fun morning hike getting lost and seeing arches and fins in the Fiery Furnace. 

We had lots of campground hanging with Kenz sitting in mustard. Where’s my mustard? :)  And some high school musical singing with Hearts playing. (Playing Hearts in a campground is one of my very favorite things.)  Also ant watching. And sweating while just sitting. 

I just really love being here with my fam. Cam and Sadie are good sports because I know it’s not up there on their things they like to do list. But they crack me up with their witty banter. 

Evening jaunt over to Skyline Arch by our campsite where the King boys guided a few of us up into the arch. Kinda cool. 

These campground evenings have been delightful. And I am loving our group campsite here at Canyon Wren. 

August 30, 2025

I love this campground. I’m walking to the bathroom with an orange sunrise to my back, a bunny hops in front of me, and then a crow flies through wishing me good morning and I hear the flapping of wings. Sigh. 

D and I took in a morning hike.  Devil’s Garden trail is classic. Saw one of my favorite views behind Double O Arch.  Kids and everyone arrived this afternoon for some camping fun (Kings and Pickles). Lots of games played and pages colored under the shaded canopy already. So much laughter and are so clever together. 

Great pick for dinner tonight by going into Moab to the food truck park. Choices for everyone plus a little Cornhole playing. 

I’m old because I sure enjoyed the evening when things cooled down and we sat around chatting. Another lovely night with incredible stars. 

August 29, 2025

I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of Arches. And staying here makes my heart so happy. You can see Skyline arch from our campsite site. The Milky Way likes to show off here with tons of stars. Sigh. 

Got to go on baby’s first hike with Claire and Spencer (and baby Micah) to Pine Tree Arch.

August 28, 2025

I’m really liking my new job. A few things that took it over the top this week was 1. Seeing a friend’s child in the hall and him being excited to see me (Hannah has cute kids).  2. A lead calling me delightful.  3. Seeing my 6 year old friend from Tuesday night library. 

August 23, 2025

We had game day today. Not in the regular game day way but in the way that we played lots of games today. Bohnanza (which I call the bean game), Hearts, Azul, Scout and Pout, etc. Having the kids around this weekend has been great. 

Cam and Sadie pranked Kenzie saying that Sadie bought a custom Miku bowling ball. A bowling ball? And she believed it. Lots of laughs. Then again who could put that past Sadie? :)

Also, Sadie named her Minecraft world snowman Paul Cardall. I sure laughed at that as on Sundays I used to always say, “Alexa - play some Paul Cardall.”  :)

Also, Cole opened a Fruit by the Foot and it had 2 rolls inside!

August 22, 2025

Cam told me a joke that made me laugh out loud:

If I saw a cougar I’d puma pants. Ha ha ha.

Took some family photos this evening (they're OK but nothing to write home about choo-choo :)) followed by some Handel's ice cream. Love chatting with my fam. I also enjoyed getting caught up with Mason and playing a little Dr Mario with him. Also listen to my kids laugh together is awesome. 

August 21, 2025

After almost 11 years working at the library, today I said goodbye. So many emotions. My co-workers were kind as we all said see you soon. It was lovely to work with Ann for my last day. We laughed and she kept things light and fun. Keta came in with a gift and Morgan had something for me as well. Erica and Angel sent me on my way. It was a good last day. I will miss that job but I’m excited to try something that doesn’t have me working Saturdays. 

August 20, 2025

Somehow I convinced Deb and Wendy to hike White Pine Lake with me. I love this hike. It makes you work for it (10 miles) but the smell of pine plus the sound of pikas - sigh. The color of the lake is awesome as are the views from the rocks. And we saw a moose!

Helaman 14:7 - ye shall all be amazed, and wonder

August 18, 2025

Family night at the aquarium with Cam and Sadie was fabulous. We had such a great time randomly going on a Monday night. Otters, sharks, penguins and counting frogs kept us smiling. 

August 17, 2025

Having such an amazing July has made August feel a bit bleh. 

Good Sunday school reading this week:

Doctrine and Covenants 88:6 - He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth.

Also verses 7-13. 

August 15, 2025

Hike with my friends, hanging with Cam and Sadie, the park with Baylie, and a movie with Darren. Good Friday. The only downside is the blackberries at the park are pretty much gone. 

August 14, 2025

What a beautiful pink summer sunrise. A back to school sunrise which is weird because we have no one going back to school. 

August 13, 2025

Let it be recorded that I like the song Leather and Lace by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley. 

August 9, 2025

A little anniversary weekend date night with D to Dry Bar comedy. It had been a minute since we’ve seen some good live comedy and Karen Morgan came through tonight. Lots of laughs. (And we randomly ran into Tanner's mom Laura and her husband plus my niece Michelle and her kids.)

We may have teased our kids that we got some Pinguino's gelato when we really just took a photo in front of it. 31 years of humor right there.  :)

August 7, 2025

You know those small blocks of time that aren’t really a big deal but at the same time they’re a big deal? Like tonight me, D, K, R, C, S and I got peaches and ice cream at Burgess Orchards. It was maybe an hour excursion and it yet it was so wonderful. Laughing and chatting and reminiscing all while eating peaches and ice cream on the lawn was summer perfection. 

August 5, 2025

 

Happy anniversary - #31!

August 5, 2025

Darren and I had another great year of marriage.  Here's a few photos from some of our favorite places we saw together this year.

Druid Arch, Titcomb Basin, Enchantments, Rocky Mountain National Park, North Cascades, Bryce, and The Moab Diner.

August 1, 2025

Went on two hikes this week.  Wednesday Lorien and I hiked to a new spot - Mount Tuscarora via Catherine Pass.  Cool views from up there. 

Today the group hiked to Catherine Lake.  Kinda cool to contrast views from on Tuscarora and beneath Tuscarora.  I loved seeing Mr. Marmot.

And hello Timp (below).  Kinda cool we could see that familiar mountain from up there.