Goblin Valley...

We left St. George on Wednesday afternoon and were able to meet Shawn's sister Anna at Mcdonalds in Cedar City. We hung out there for a few hours and then began our journey home. If you truly know me, you know that I am a rigorous planner. I love to know every detail of every trip far in advance. But this trip home? Totally winging it. We knew we were headed East. We knew a fun place called Goblin Valley was going to be passed on the 70. Other than that, no idea what our trip would entail. We pulled into a tiny town around 8pm for dinner. We spontaneously decided to stay the night. It was forecasted to be cold the next day. Really cold. And we were 30 minutes east of that fun stomping ground. So we went to sleep. When we woke up the next morning we decided that though it was out of our way, we should trek backwards a little ways and try to play in Goblin Valley. Despite the frigid temperatures. And our lack of gloves, hats, or anything warm besides our winter coats. It was one of the best spur of the moment decisions we've ever made. (And quite possibly the very first spur of the moment decision ever made by us.)

Shawn visited this place with his family once upon a time and has mentioned a few times over the years. It's a state park filled with rocks that have eroded over time leaving what appears to be goblins in a huge dirt canyon. It's actually beautiful. And we had it completely to ourselves that day. Must have been too cold for tourists. Or something like that.

It was only about 20 degrees outside, but the wind made it painfully cold. The kids were so energized, they didn't notice the cold for the first 20 minutes or so.


Except poor Presley, who was freezing from the get go.

After a few minutes we put her in the backpack and stuffed a blanket around her. It helped a little.

While the kids climbed high onto the rocks, Landon found his enjoyment............in the dirt.

And of course. What is a vacation without the family photo.

The crazy one. To entertain the freezing children that weren't too thrilled about the family photo.

Freezing? Yes. Fun? Yes. We will definitely return to this area to explore one day. Spring or fall preferably.

I've made this trip to Idaho/Utah a few times. Just me and the kids. Honestly? I was kind of worried how it would turn out with Shawn joining us this time. I'm so used to calling all the shots and having every detail planned that I was afraid Shawn would somehow thwart my every intention. I couldn't have been more wrong. It is so. much. easier. to have 2 adults managing the troops than just one. Just to be able to pull up to a gas station to use the restroom without having to unload every child and tie every last shoe while trying to keep from losing bladder control was just one perk I found. Out of a whole slew of them. Thanks Shawn. For finally finishing up this whole schooling routine and coming back into the family fold. And for being willing to travel across country with us. And actually enjoying it.

Road Trip Detours Continued.....

After our BYU expedition, we began our journey south. Lucky for us, my brother Ben and his wife Jena happen to live in St. George. And were even willing to let us stay in their home with them. Free lodging. With better perks than the nicest Holiday Inn. Our plan was to visit Zion Canyon all day Tuesday. We actually followed through. Amazing. We slept late (because we weren't all crammed into the same room) and then donned our BYU apparel. No way all our efforts were going to waste. We were going to represent while in the canyon. If it killed us.

I love those 3 pictures. Shows what a morning at my house is truly like. Even if it wasn't my house per say. Notice Ethan's hand in a pushing motion on Landon who can't help but run everywhere and into everybody? Love it. And onto Zion.

It was perfect weather. Mid 60's. Jacket required if not in the sun. Perfect. First a mini-photo shoot for documentation that we were all indeed present, accounted for, and in such a beautiful location.

And of course, my boys find the dirt. Typical. And totally expected.

Presley takes a graham cracker break. That girl needs her food.

We were having so much fun playing around that we ended up staying in our "photo-shoot" area for 2 hours. Grumbling tummies took us away. We ate at the lodge, and then headed out on a hike. We opted for the short 1 mile in, 1 mile out actually hoping all little legs could make it both ways. Lower Emerald Pools was to be our destination.


We stopped along the way to enjoy the view. And of course, Shawn found more family photo-ops that he couldn't pass up.

The kids were awesome. Ethan even mentioned "this is the first time none of us have complained about being too tired! This is the best vacation ever!" Excellent. Landon's little legs did give out 1/2 mile into the hike. We were walking a pretty good clip because I envisioned the sun going down and us being stuck on some hillside. I hiked him the rest of the way in.

We made it. The whole way. Unscathed. And actually happy.

Of course the boys had to pee. Probably because the thought of aiming into a ginormous canyon was enticing. It wasn't until after I led them into the brush that I noticed this sign. Right next to where they emptied their bladders. Perfect.

After spending some time at our destination, we started back. I put Presley on my back and headed out with the 3 older kids, while Shawn took it really slow with Landon. Landon actually walked the entire mile back. All by himself. Or, his self, as he would say.

Pres fell asleep on my back on the way down. Once we got to the car, she needed to get out and run around before she was strapped back in. The rest of the kids were wiped out. But still happy. Which makes this one of my best family vacations too.

Road Trip Detours....

Like I mentioned in my previous post, we headed back west for Kate's wedding day. Which happened to fall 2 days after Thanksgiving. Which meant we were able to spend the holiday with our extended families this year. The Thomas Family graciously ate their meal on Wednesday so we could be a part of the festivities. It's actually the first time in 14 years that we've all been together for Thanksgiving. Pretty cool. We sure have grown in numbers over the years. The kids all ate in the kitchen. The adults ate in the living room. My camera never made it past the kitchen.

On the actual holiday we headed to Salt Lake to eat with the Crook family. Minus Dusty and his brood. My camera didn't make it into the bag that was packed to leave with us to Salt Lake. But we still had a great time. Then back to Idaho for the wedding. Sounds easy, right? The drive to Salt Lake is 4 hours. The kids were troopers for all the miles we put in.

Sunday we decided to head south to St. George. But. Our kids had never been to Temple Square. We decided to stay the night in Salt Lake and see the lights. Uncle Charlie happened to be there with his friend Armine---so we spent a little time with them too. We hung around inside out of the cold to see the Christus, and see a short film on Christ's birth.

Then headed out to see the lights. For whatever reason, as soon as we were outside my kids were done. Done done. Like, I wanted to leave them never to return to them kind of done. It was irritating. And cold. The live Nativity was beautiful. And the kids watched it for .0000009 seconds before deciding Charlie's camera was more exciting.

Then Landon wanted to use my camera to take pictures of his uncle. The fun never ends.

I really wanted a family picture by the Temple. I got one. In fact I told the kids that if they'd sit still for these two pictures we'd go back to our hotel the second they were done. If they didn't cooperate, we'd stay for another hour. They cooperated. So we left. I still think it was worth the trip.

I find it ironic that the two whose coats glow like angel halos were the least angelic during this evening adventure.....

Monday morning we left our hotel room and headed to BYU. Shawn was determined to outfit the entire family with apparel supporting his--I mean our--team. We headed to the bookstore. Jack and Landon crawled under all the dressing room stalls, Presley took everything off the shelves that were in her reach (after we lost her once), Ethan whined that he was hungry, and Kennedy wanted to buy every article of clothing in her size. After 1 hour I decided I was needing a break and lunch was in order. The Cougareat was where we headed. We tag-teamed. I stood in line at Subway with the 4 older kids while Shawn found a table big enough to seat us all. Then he sat with the eating kids while I stood in line at Teryaki Stix for us. Perfect. While standing in line all alone I had time to take notice of the students around me. The just married couples carrying their own brown bag lunches too poor to buy food. The newly dating couples laughing continuously at one anothers comments. The newly engaged couples engaged in conversation and oblivious to those surrounding them. Wow. We sure have come a long way. We at one time were a part of each of those scenarios. I took special notice of my own scenario as I made my way to the table Shawn chose. 5 little bodies devouring sandwiches. Landon eating his under the table with his shoes off. Presley squealing because she wasn't within reach of her sippy cup. Shawn breaking off bits of sandwich to place in front of her. I couldn't help but smile. I also wanted to turn around and sit alone to eat in peace, but I decided I'd better join them. Then back to the bookstore. After 1 more hour of climbing, pulling, whining, begging, and running, we did it. We all came away with something BYU that met Shawn's approval. And I came away with a serious headache and a promise to never return until my own kids are enrolled to attend. I also came away with memories of our first years of marriage. All the newness that comes with it. Those were good times back then. But I feel like now is filled with even better times. Amazing. And a fabulous blessing.

Katelyn....

This is Katelyn.
I call her Kate. Or Katie. My kids call her Aunt Kate. She is my baby sister. (I can refer to her as that because there is a 13 year age difference.) Katie was 7 when I got married. I'll pass on letting you know my age when she got married last weekend. Because she was so young when I left the house, we don't have your typical sister type relationship. She would come spend some long weekends with us and it was like a vacation to her. (I think). I've always enjoyed Kate. She is very laid back. And pretty calm. It's hard to ruffle her feathers. At least I've never seen it. My kids adore her. So. When she called to let us know she would be tying the knot, Shawn and I opted to drive a bazillion hours to witness the occasion. And meet the guy that stole her heart. Cory.

Who is adorable himself. And one lucky guy to nab Katelyn as his wife. (Odd that I don't have a picture of them actually together on their wedding day.) But I do have one of us together. Man. I need some sleep. Or botox. But Kate. She is breathtakingly beautiful. Especially in her white dress.

The entire family showed up for this wedding. The first time in a few years we've all been together. My brothers obviously adore Kate. You can tell by the looks on their faces as they watch her. Ben. Matt. Charlie.

They love me too. Matt just shows it in public.
And then the sisters. Me. Kate. Lyndsey.
Congratulations Kate. I'm happy for you that you found your prince charming. We all are. Thanks for letting us enjoy your special day with you. You two are the perfect match. Next in line to Me and Shawn of course. I can't imagine a match more perfect then ours. But I'm sure you are right up there next to us.