January 2, 2026

Day trip to Capitol Reef for D and me. I like to come to Capitol Reef in December as it feels good to remember my mom and dad at that time but this year it had to wait until January.  

6 hours of driving but we hiked more miles than hours driven so it was a win. 9.2 of awesome Capitol Reef. Frying Pan, Grand (more like decent) Wash, and road back to the trailhead at Hickman. I love the views along the frying pan. Sigh. The only thing missing was pie. But we made up for that getting my favorite fries at The Hot Spot in Salina.

(I spy Darren, Henry, and Fern.  :))

January 1, 2026

Happy New Year.  Just a few ideas to start the new year:

Be where my feet are and be bored. 

Isaiah 54:10 - For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

December 31, 2025

NYE included a puzzle while finishing listening to my favorite book of the year (Thursday Murder Club #5 - The Impossible Fortune) and that’s about it. It wasn’t exciting but it was relaxing and enjoyable.

December 27, 2025

While in Moab we got news that President Holland passed away.  I will miss hearing from that servant of Christ.  He always seemed to give hope and in the process make you smile.  What a gift.  I have too many favorite talks of his to list but here is one quote I love:

There really is light at the end of the tunnel. It is the Light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the “light that is endless, that can never be darkened.” It is the very Son of God Himself.

Today’s hike was Syncline Loop at Island in the Sky. Every time I come to this part of Canyonlands I am in awe at the views you can see from the road. But we hit the trail and hiked 8 miles that felt like 12. It had a steep side of the mountain boulder field which is the kind of stuff that makes me hate a hike. 

The climb out was brutal but also had the best views when you turned around. Also - there’s a super sketchy part that we will only put up a few signs with arrows for but at another part we’ll put in rocks steps and switchbacks.  Overall we decided it was a lot of work for such a small payoff. 

So Mr Bean and Einstein…

December 26, 2025

Darren and I are ending the year like we started the year - in the Moab area. We had a fabulous afternoon. We hiked to Morning Glory Bridge and then Jeep arch in not cold weather. Just before the sun set, it broke through the clouds and lit up the slick rock. So cool. You also had round red rock hills with fins behind that and mountains behind that. Pretty pretty. We tried a new place for dinner at Susie’s Steakhouse.  We were worn out from our hikes and this place came through. We will definitely eat there again. The burgers were good and the salad and fries so good. We chatted about what a good and relaxing Christmas we had with the kids. Then we watched a little Pirates of the Caribbean hotel style. 

December 25, 2025

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world. (The Living Christ)

It’s “The Magic of Christmas Day” (sung like Celine Dion). The morning was spent with Cam and Sadie (“looks like a suitcase”) and then Kenz and Tanner came. C and S had so much fun with the printing camera. Ry and Cole joined us for Bethleham dinner and games. We pulled out Marbles and Jokers where the girls won both games. Then it was some Just Dance. That game has been revived this Christmas break. Good times. And Cam has serious dance skills. The magic of Christmas Day indeed. 

December 24, 2025

Spending some time with the Drapers eating Chinese food is a good way to spend Christmas Eve. Clayton sent Sadie home with a pomegranate.