Back to Bryce Canyon

So while Miki did the sister retreat last weekend in Cedar City again, the older kids and I went back to Bryce Canyon National Park for some camping and hiking. Last year 2/3rds of the park was closed due to a fire, so we had to go back to finish what we started. Shay stayed behind in Cedar with the girls, but maybe next year she will be joining us instead. As always, we had a blast. Here are some of my favorite pictures:

Bryce Canyon 2010

Three Months

Shaylee is already 3 months old and I can't make time slow. I can't believe our little girl is already so big. In the past month she has learned to smile, gurgle, coo, and eat us out of house and home. Shay smiles easily and is even starting to give us rare little giggles. She's a very easy going baby who brings joy to everyone she interacts with. I've had grandma's offer to hold her while I help my other kids and grandpa's stop to talk. Young and old alike seem to notice her everywhere we go.

I can't begin to express what a joy and blessing it is to have Shaylee in our home. If it's possible to be loved to death, I think this baby is in grave danger. Heavenly Father sent us such a jewel for which I'll be eternally grateful.

Mancos Vacation

Our summer wouldn't be the same without a trip to the outlaws! Kaleb and Sage had Cousins Camp 2010 this year at Grandma's house, so we stayed the following week for a family vacation. Thanks to Miki's parents for putting us up and feeding us so well. We always relish our time with them. For a couple of days, we even had the whole clan together for some family picture opportunities. Those who hadn't were able to meet Shaylee for the first time. We had a blast relaxing, watching movies, playing games, jumping on the trampoline, riding the four-wheelers, horseback riding, working, partying, eating, hiking, and enjoying time together. One afternoon we were able to leave the kids with grandma to ride the four-wheelers up into the forest where Miki and I shared a picnic to celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary. Since our camera broke in Sacramento, we bought a nice Nikon D90 to play around with while we were there and got some stunning photos of the beautiful scenery (more photos to come later). It seemed much greener to us this year. All in all we had a great time we will always remember. As always, feel free to follow along in the photo album.

Mancos Vacation 2010

Sacramento Vacation

We were once again fortunate to travel to Sacramento July 16-23. We planned that week around my 20-year highschool reunion, but I ended up not even attending. I will have to catch up with past friends later. But I did get to catch up with a few friends while there, which was great! Saturday and Sunday we relaxed and visited with family and friends. On Monday, we went to Folsom Lake, but the boat did not cooperate with us that day. We took it home and bought a new part for it. Tuesday, we went to Fairytale Town in the morning, then back to Folsom Lake for some waterskiing. On Wednesday, we went waterskiing at Lake Clementine. This day my friend Brett and fiance Jessica joined us for the fun. On Thursday, Miki and Shay stayed at home for some needed rest while my dad took the other kids and I up to Lake Englebright to meet up with Kelton, Zeba, and Mason for more skiing. Then on Friday, we all returned to Folsom Lake to do some more skiing with my niece Kaity and Rose. On Saturday we had to drive back to Las Vegas, but I for one had not gotten my fill of waterskiing yet. I think the kids feel the same. Karter absolutely loved helping drive the boat. He said he would be ready next year to try kneeboarding. Kaleb and Sage learned to wakeboard this year to add to their kneeboarding skill. They are little pros! I don't know where they get it from!?! We were a little nervous about how Shay would do with all the car travel and being on the boat all week, but she buried all our fears with ease. She is such the little trooper. Waterskiing everyday is definitely my kind of vacation! Nothing else compares to being on the lake! Thanks to my dad and mom for letting us stay with them, feeding us, and taking us skiing everyday. Love you! Check out just a few of the many pictures below to follow along with all the fun.

Sacramento Vacation 2010