Thursday: The last day for Jon and Manda to be in Utah. We had had such a fun filled week that we decided to take it easy today. We met up for lunch around 1:30 and went bowling afterwards.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Bowling
Boating Day
Wednesday. Still had the time off so we went boating with the whole family. It was the first time the parentals got the boat out this year. So we were all excited to be together for that. It was kind of a chilly day. The high was about 75 so we mostly wore out sweat shirts and huddled in blankets while we were driving around. But still worth being with the family.
Jon took Gus for a swim. Gus totally loved it. Even after getting him out of the water he was still doggy paddling in the air. It was pretty funny. Especially since when he get went he looks super skinny.
This was probably the one moment Cy was smiling while he had his vest on. Jesse was tickling him, but the rest of the time Cy was rolling on the ground almost like he was trying to get it off.
Ryker was really brave the time. He went out on the wake board with me. He just stood in the middle and held onto the rope until he wanted to stop.
Before that he tried out the knee board with Grandma Teresa hanging onto the back.
Finally around lunch time this tired little guy fell asleep. He just was so miserable. Flopping his body around and whining because he was so tired. He naps well, but only in his bed. Jesse and I were actually deciding to take him home, so as we start to head over to the dock Cy of course falls asleep in Grandma's arms. So we then went back to the cove where everyone was playing on the beach.
Ryker was being transformed into a Merman!
The finished product! haha. Ryker thought it was pretty cool.
Once Cy woke up we blew up the tube and took him for a little ride. He didn't look too happy but Jesse said he was the whole time.
After the kiddie ride Chantel bravely volunteered to go with Jon and Jesse. After a long time my dad finally got them to fall in the water.
That night we all hurried home, showered and went to my parents to celebrate Mom and Chantel's birthdays.
Then to because Jesse's Uncle Christian was in town and we wanted to see him, so after the party we went out to the Smith's to play games. We stayed up WAY too late! But we had a good time!
Jon took Gus for a swim. Gus totally loved it. Even after getting him out of the water he was still doggy paddling in the air. It was pretty funny. Especially since when he get went he looks super skinny.
Then to because Jesse's Uncle Christian was in town and we wanted to see him, so after the party we went out to the Smith's to play games. We stayed up WAY too late! But we had a good time!
Part 3 of our Trip
Tuesday morning we all slept in as long as we could until our tents got to hot to be in. Once we were up we ate breakfast. And then we started to clean up camp. It was time to go home. Our short little trip had come to an end.
We pack lunches for the day and then we loaded everything up in the trailer. My dad was very generous to let us borrow his Suburban and Trailer. When you camp you can't have any shortage of supplies so the trailer came in handy.
Once camp was broken down we headed on out. We stopped at a local park once we got into the city and ate our lunches. After that we started our trek home.
An hour into our drive we all start to get really drowsy and we're all taking a nap. I'm about all the way asleep when Jesse slams on the breaks. I wake up and I see a tire just FLYING through the air. It hits the hill on the side of the road and went several feet in the air. That thing was hauling!
I asked Jesse what that was and he says I think the axle on the trailer just broke. Unfortunately he was right.
We all got out to check out the damage. I think we stood there staring at it for quite some time trying to figure out what to do.
You can see in this picture that the holes where the bolts go in are just warped and warn out. We figured out that the little trailer my dad built wasn't exactly fit for highway speeds.
After much deliberation we decided to fold down the back seat of the suburban and fit as many things inside as we could.
The rest would have to go on top. Miraculously we made everything fit. The crummy part was Ryker, Chan, Manda and I all had to squeeze in the middle seat together. The rest of the way home wasn't all the comfy. But we did what we had to do.
Our only option was to leave the trailer on the side of the road. We pushed it down more into the gully so it wouldn't cause any accidents being on the road.
Quite eventful for the quick little trip it was. Definitely one to be remembered.
We pack lunches for the day and then we loaded everything up in the trailer. My dad was very generous to let us borrow his Suburban and Trailer. When you camp you can't have any shortage of supplies so the trailer came in handy.
Once camp was broken down we headed on out. We stopped at a local park once we got into the city and ate our lunches. After that we started our trek home.
An hour into our drive we all start to get really drowsy and we're all taking a nap. I'm about all the way asleep when Jesse slams on the breaks. I wake up and I see a tire just FLYING through the air. It hits the hill on the side of the road and went several feet in the air. That thing was hauling!
I asked Jesse what that was and he says I think the axle on the trailer just broke. Unfortunately he was right.
The rest would have to go on top. Miraculously we made everything fit. The crummy part was Ryker, Chan, Manda and I all had to squeeze in the middle seat together. The rest of the way home wasn't all the comfy. But we did what we had to do.
Our only option was to leave the trailer on the side of the road. We pushed it down more into the gully so it wouldn't cause any accidents being on the road.
Jesse called my dad with the bad news. Thankfully my dad was really understanding. We all got talking later and thought that the situation could have been MUCH worse. What if there were other cars around and that tire hit them? What if it went through the suburban back window? Thankfully none of those were the case. Angels were certainly watching out for us.
On our way home we picked up Cy from the Smiths. Since we didn't have any extra room we had to unload our gear to fit Cy in. Manda, Jon's and Chantel's still fit so Jesse and I figured we'd pick ours up later.
Once got home and unloaded everything we had a family car wash. And cute Ryker and Little Cy helped us out.
Smith/Duke Trip (part 2)
Monday Jesse wanted to take Jon on a bike ride and the girls (and Ryker) were suppose to drive to pick them up from their destination a few hours later. So while we were waiting for the time to leave we all hung around camp reading and napping. Ryker was so good to just hang out with us boring girls.
Jesse gave me instructions to drive to the end of the dirt road from our campsite and turn right. Then to follow that road until the end and turn right. Well I thought that he would be meeting us around that area.
So we head out a couple hours after Jon and Jesse left and about 45 minutes later we get to the "Destination" to where we "Thought" Jon and Jesse might be. We stayed in the gas station parking lot for awhile hoping they'd submerge from some unknown place. And while we are waiting and worry about them I was wishing that I would have asked more specifically where they'd be ending their bike ride.
Jesse had said turned right at the end of the road so we decided to drive a little further down that road. But the further we went the more wrong it felt, so we'd turn around and go back to the gas station and wait. I was afraid to drive around too much just in case I'd miss them.
In the parking lot of the gas station I noticed a Visitor Information Store. I decided to go in and ask if they might know possibly where this bike trail came out of. I explained to the guy where we were camping and that J&J had went on a bike ride really close to camp. The guy didn't seem to know much about our camping area. But he said that they "Might" come out by the Capital Reef Visitor Center which was 10 minutes down the road.
We headed in that direction. (Which was the road that Jesse said to turn right on)... but again the further we went it just didn't seem right. I turned around again (Mind you I'm pulling the trailer to put the bikes in so turning around was tricky because I had to find the perfect place that didn't require any backing up).
So back at the gas station again. By this point we had been searching for over and hour. I'm starting to feel sick with worry. It was hot out. What if something happened? J&J didn't take their phones with them because there is no cell service. Ahh, if only there were cell service I could find them.
Well after over thinking things again I decided it would be best to at least drive to the Capital Reed Visitor Center, just in case. So we head back AGAIN down that road. 10-15 minutes later we turn right into the Visitor Center.
I went inside to ask for help. Again I explained where we were camping and where the boys left for their bike ride. The lady gave me a map and showed me that if it's the one she was thinking of that I needed to drive down the Scenic Byway which the Visitor Center was on. 10 miles at the bottom I would reach the end of the trail and that's where they would be.
It all made sense, but I was second guessing it. I thought for sure Jesse would have told me about this part. But I had come this far I'd hate to not even try. So we head down this Scenic Byway. About a half a mile in I come to a fee station. AHHH! Again something else that Jesse hadn't told me about. This can't be it. I start to turn around (again another struggle with no experience backing up a trailer).
But again I think "I've come this far why not just drive down a little bit.. forget the fee." So we head again back down the byway road.
Within a half a mile Angels began to sing because I saw Jesse and Jon coming up the road! I honked the horn with excitement! I had found them! The poor things were exhausted and dehydrated. They had to ride up the paved road for 9 miles before I met up with them. Oh I felt terrible.
I told Jesse he gave terrible half leading directions. We had driven around for 2 1/2 hours trying to find them so I was really happy to finally find them, but mad at the whole situation. He had forgotten that I'd have to turn onto that Scenic Byway and still drive 10 miles. Oh Thank Heavens we found them!
We headed back to that same gas station to fill up and buy some ice. Then we went to a neighboring city called Torrey for some ice cream. It was this cute little burger joint that had picnic tables outside with nice cool grass and a little playground for the kids.
Afterwards we headed back to camp and I cooked up some Spaghetti. (Do you like the stove that Jesse got for Father's Day? It came in handy for our little trip)
Jesse taking it easy and rehydrating himself while I cooked dinner.
After dinner we decided to go on a little hike close to camp. Sort of explore what the area had to offer. The pictures can do most of the talking. It was a perfect leisure hike and the area was beautiful.
Testing out the self-timer on my camera.
The whole gang!
We made it back to camp just in time as the sun went down and get our tired selves in bed.
Jesse gave me instructions to drive to the end of the dirt road from our campsite and turn right. Then to follow that road until the end and turn right. Well I thought that he would be meeting us around that area.
So we head out a couple hours after Jon and Jesse left and about 45 minutes later we get to the "Destination" to where we "Thought" Jon and Jesse might be. We stayed in the gas station parking lot for awhile hoping they'd submerge from some unknown place. And while we are waiting and worry about them I was wishing that I would have asked more specifically where they'd be ending their bike ride.
Jesse had said turned right at the end of the road so we decided to drive a little further down that road. But the further we went the more wrong it felt, so we'd turn around and go back to the gas station and wait. I was afraid to drive around too much just in case I'd miss them.
In the parking lot of the gas station I noticed a Visitor Information Store. I decided to go in and ask if they might know possibly where this bike trail came out of. I explained to the guy where we were camping and that J&J had went on a bike ride really close to camp. The guy didn't seem to know much about our camping area. But he said that they "Might" come out by the Capital Reef Visitor Center which was 10 minutes down the road.
We headed in that direction. (Which was the road that Jesse said to turn right on)... but again the further we went it just didn't seem right. I turned around again (Mind you I'm pulling the trailer to put the bikes in so turning around was tricky because I had to find the perfect place that didn't require any backing up).
So back at the gas station again. By this point we had been searching for over and hour. I'm starting to feel sick with worry. It was hot out. What if something happened? J&J didn't take their phones with them because there is no cell service. Ahh, if only there were cell service I could find them.
Well after over thinking things again I decided it would be best to at least drive to the Capital Reed Visitor Center, just in case. So we head back AGAIN down that road. 10-15 minutes later we turn right into the Visitor Center.
I went inside to ask for help. Again I explained where we were camping and where the boys left for their bike ride. The lady gave me a map and showed me that if it's the one she was thinking of that I needed to drive down the Scenic Byway which the Visitor Center was on. 10 miles at the bottom I would reach the end of the trail and that's where they would be.
It all made sense, but I was second guessing it. I thought for sure Jesse would have told me about this part. But I had come this far I'd hate to not even try. So we head down this Scenic Byway. About a half a mile in I come to a fee station. AHHH! Again something else that Jesse hadn't told me about. This can't be it. I start to turn around (again another struggle with no experience backing up a trailer).
But again I think "I've come this far why not just drive down a little bit.. forget the fee." So we head again back down the byway road.
Within a half a mile Angels began to sing because I saw Jesse and Jon coming up the road! I honked the horn with excitement! I had found them! The poor things were exhausted and dehydrated. They had to ride up the paved road for 9 miles before I met up with them. Oh I felt terrible.
I told Jesse he gave terrible half leading directions. We had driven around for 2 1/2 hours trying to find them so I was really happy to finally find them, but mad at the whole situation. He had forgotten that I'd have to turn onto that Scenic Byway and still drive 10 miles. Oh Thank Heavens we found them!
We headed back to that same gas station to fill up and buy some ice. Then we went to a neighboring city called Torrey for some ice cream. It was this cute little burger joint that had picnic tables outside with nice cool grass and a little playground for the kids.
Afterwards we headed back to camp and I cooked up some Spaghetti. (Do you like the stove that Jesse got for Father's Day? It came in handy for our little trip)
Jesse taking it easy and rehydrating himself while I cooked dinner.
After dinner we decided to go on a little hike close to camp. Sort of explore what the area had to offer. The pictures can do most of the talking. It was a perfect leisure hike and the area was beautiful.
Our little trip with the Dukes (part 1)
Back in January my sister, Manda and I were talking that we wanted to plan a trip together. Our first thought was to use Mike and Heidi's time share and buy a burn week in Cancun. We picked the week that Jon and Manda had a break from school. June 16-23. But as time got closer Jesse found out that he had the BPAD test with Salt Lake City Fire Department on the 22nd. So We decided to do a smaller trip from the 16th-21st where we'd meet Jon and Amanda half way.
We came to the conclusion that San Fransisco would be great because Jesse's Uncle Christian offered his condo for us to stay in while he was out of town that same week.
Well a few weeks before the trip Manda called me to tell me she looked at her school schedule and she didn't have her next break until the first of August. Being due with baby Duke on August 27th she didn't think she could come visit in Utah that close to her due date. So she decided that instead of going to San Fran she wanted to come to Utah.
My mom and I decided while she was in town it would be a great opportunity to throw her a baby shower. So I made the invitations and mom mailed them out the next day.
Manda and Jon arrived late Thursday (14th) night. And the shower was scheduled for Saturday the 16th.
So back to our little trip... Since Jesse and I had taken Saturday to Thursday off we still wanted to go somewhere. But not not exactly sure where. I first thought was to go camping in Moab... but after thinking and discussing it with Manda and Jon we figured it would be to hot for their dogs and for pregnant Manda.
Jesse suggested Capital Reef/Escalante area. He'd gone there last summer with the scouts and really liked it. Better yet it's 20 degrees cooler than Moab because it's at a higher elevation. So after all that we finalized on Capital Reef! Quite the ordeal to figure out where to go. haha
After the shower was over Manda, Jon, Chantel, Jesse, Ryker and myself got everything packed up and headed on our way. We stopped by the Smith's to drop off Cy. Heidi was so gracious to watch him for us. He is still to little to go camping and too much to handle at his age. One more year and he'll love it.
Within an hour of our drive Ryker zonked out in the back seat.
About a 3 hour drive and we made it to a campsite. Claimed it. And set up Camp. We camped in Lower Bowns which was by a lake so it was nice and cool. When we arrived we were worried it might be too cold, but later in the trip we grew to appreciate it.
The following morning (Sunday) we ate breakfast, packed lunches and headed off to Escalante to hike Calf Creek Falls.
All ready to go hiking! I love these two. Where would I be without them?
It was much, much much warmer here than back at camp, so we took several breaks in the shade. Ryker and Gus (one of Manda and Jon's dogs) were thoroughly enjoying the coolness of the shade.
Considering the heat it was still a beautiful hike. But it seemed to take forever to get to the falls. We were all really hot and we stopped alot for Ryker, the dogs and Manda. It seemed to be the longest 3 miles ever. The heat from the sand was scorching hot that poor Tok (the other dog) couldn't walk on it. He started to shake after awhile. Manda and Jon got creative and cut the back out of Jon's shirt and tied little booties on Tok's feet to protect them from the burning sand. They didn't stay on all the great, which resulted in stopping more.
As we got closer and we could hear the waterfall we got a burst of energy. And once we made it we were THRILLED! There was a ton of shade and the cool mist from the water felt great. Totally rejuvenating!
It's pictures like these that made us miss little Cy!
Even though it was really refreshing to be by the water, it was Take-your-breath-away COLD!!! Jesse asked me if I was going to get in and swim to the falls. And I said Yes. But he didn't believe me. So of course I had to prove him wrong.
I decided the best way would be to run in all at once to get the initial cold shock over with. So Chantel and I went for it...
Chan gave up half way, but not me.. I had Jesse watching and I HAD to show him I could do it.
...and I did. Once I got to this point I could hardly breath because of how cold the water was.
We hung out at the falls for a few hours taking it easy. It was actually really relaxing. Especially after a long and hot hike. I think we took extra time at the falls because I think we were all dreading the hike back. We knew what was ahead of us.
Surprisingly the hike back seemed like a breeze compared to the hike in. I think there was more shade so the heat wasn't as bad. Jon and Chantel had given up their socks to Tok and tied shoe string around each foot to ensure a better booties for his feet. Those stayed on much better so that made it so we could go longer stretches before we had to take a break. But poor Ryker, he was so exhausted that Jesse carried him on his shoulders pretty much the whole way back. What a great Dad! Kind of ironic because it was Father's Day!
That night we cooled down at our campsite, cooked up so awesome Jalapeno Burgers, roasted marshmallows and went to bed. Mmmm.. What a great day!
We came to the conclusion that San Fransisco would be great because Jesse's Uncle Christian offered his condo for us to stay in while he was out of town that same week.
Well a few weeks before the trip Manda called me to tell me she looked at her school schedule and she didn't have her next break until the first of August. Being due with baby Duke on August 27th she didn't think she could come visit in Utah that close to her due date. So she decided that instead of going to San Fran she wanted to come to Utah.
My mom and I decided while she was in town it would be a great opportunity to throw her a baby shower. So I made the invitations and mom mailed them out the next day.
Manda and Jon arrived late Thursday (14th) night. And the shower was scheduled for Saturday the 16th.
So back to our little trip... Since Jesse and I had taken Saturday to Thursday off we still wanted to go somewhere. But not not exactly sure where. I first thought was to go camping in Moab... but after thinking and discussing it with Manda and Jon we figured it would be to hot for their dogs and for pregnant Manda.
Jesse suggested Capital Reef/Escalante area. He'd gone there last summer with the scouts and really liked it. Better yet it's 20 degrees cooler than Moab because it's at a higher elevation. So after all that we finalized on Capital Reef! Quite the ordeal to figure out where to go. haha
After the shower was over Manda, Jon, Chantel, Jesse, Ryker and myself got everything packed up and headed on our way. We stopped by the Smith's to drop off Cy. Heidi was so gracious to watch him for us. He is still to little to go camping and too much to handle at his age. One more year and he'll love it.
Within an hour of our drive Ryker zonked out in the back seat.
About a 3 hour drive and we made it to a campsite. Claimed it. And set up Camp. We camped in Lower Bowns which was by a lake so it was nice and cool. When we arrived we were worried it might be too cold, but later in the trip we grew to appreciate it.
The following morning (Sunday) we ate breakfast, packed lunches and headed off to Escalante to hike Calf Creek Falls.
Even though it was really refreshing to be by the water, it was Take-your-breath-away COLD!!! Jesse asked me if I was going to get in and swim to the falls. And I said Yes. But he didn't believe me. So of course I had to prove him wrong.
Surprisingly the hike back seemed like a breeze compared to the hike in. I think there was more shade so the heat wasn't as bad. Jon and Chantel had given up their socks to Tok and tied shoe string around each foot to ensure a better booties for his feet. Those stayed on much better so that made it so we could go longer stretches before we had to take a break. But poor Ryker, he was so exhausted that Jesse carried him on his shoulders pretty much the whole way back. What a great Dad! Kind of ironic because it was Father's Day!
That night we cooled down at our campsite, cooked up so awesome Jalapeno Burgers, roasted marshmallows and went to bed. Mmmm.. What a great day!
Two Wheels!
Jesse and I have been saying for awhile now that we need to get Ryker to ride his bike without his training wheels. Reason we've procrastinated this long is because our street doesn't have sidewalks and the street itself is really curved. So in order to ride he'd need to be right in the middle of the street. Not safe.
So last week Jesse took Ryker over to the church parking lot to work with him. Heidi and I were hanging out at the house with Cy. After about 10 minutes we decided to go over to the church and see how Ryker was coming along.
Surprise to us we pull into the parking lot and he's riding around like he'd been doing it for years. I could believe he caught on so fast. I still have vivid memories of the struggles of learning to ride a bike without training wheels. So it made me really proud of him for doing so great.
He needed a little push to get started because he couldn't quite get that part down. But the next day while he was at Grandma Heidi's house he practiced and now he can start and stop all by himself.
This kid is Awesome! There's nothing he can't do.
So last week Jesse took Ryker over to the church parking lot to work with him. Heidi and I were hanging out at the house with Cy. After about 10 minutes we decided to go over to the church and see how Ryker was coming along.
Surprise to us we pull into the parking lot and he's riding around like he'd been doing it for years. I could believe he caught on so fast. I still have vivid memories of the struggles of learning to ride a bike without training wheels. So it made me really proud of him for doing so great.
He needed a little push to get started because he couldn't quite get that part down. But the next day while he was at Grandma Heidi's house he practiced and now he can start and stop all by himself.
Monday, June 11, 2012
My Latest Passion
I don't know if it has to do with the fact that I have a nice new(ish) kitchen but lately I have enjoyed cooking, baking and creating. About a year ago I started to notice a change in me. I started to have this desire to eat healthy. I guess eat more clean. And as time as progressed I have learned a ton about nutrition and exercise. Yes I have become one of THOSE women. I always try to make sure a meal has lots of color. It's not only good for you but it's pretty on the plate. haha
I find alot of my stuff that I make off of skinnytaste.com...if only I could be like this woman. She has THE YUMMIEST recipes that are healthy and easy to make. Some day!
So to be kind of a weirdo I started to take pictures of things that I have cooked (Jesse teases me for it).
Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Yogurt Cupcakes. Thanks to skinnytaste.com
Just a fun way to serve watermelon (Got this idea from my Mother in law, who in return got it from pinterest).
Tuna Bites. Ryker surprising loved these.
This picture doesn't do this Yummy Jalapeno Popper Baked Chicken any justice. It was so good that Jesse asked me to make it again. (skinnytaste.com)
Garlic Tilapia. This is a big deal for me. I use to not eat fish (except tuna out of a can) and lately I'm starting to like it. I don't know if it's because my pallet has changed or if I like it because I know it's good for me? (Tilapia recipe on skinnytaste.com)
This is something I created myself. Not really sure what to call it. But it's Baked chicken with spinach and mozzarella cheese stuffed inside with Marinara Sauce on top. Yum.
Chicken Panini. My first time ever making a panini at home using my George Forman Grill. I was half way done eating it when I remembered to hurry and take a picture before I ate it all gone. I got this too from skinnytaste.com and the recipe called for mayo and chiptole sauce to be mixed together. Then I put some cooked chicken, spinach and provolone cheese. It was Divine.
I have been practicing on how to make the perfect omelet. And Wa-Laa. isn't she a beauty? I like to put spinach, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli (if I have left over from the night before) and a little cheese. SO GOOD!
This Artisan Bread Recipe I got from a girl in my ward. It was quite the task to master this. So once I got it down I had to take a picture of it. This bread is super yummy. The best part is there is only four ingredients. Flour, Water, salt and yeast. Can't get any more natural than that.
Coconut Chicken atop a mixed green salad. This was the first recipe I tried from skinnytaste.
A friend of mine has her own blog where she posts recipes and such (bodyofamother.blogspot.com). I got the idea from her to make cereal with fruit and nuts. More filling, more healthy and lasts longer than cold cereal does. So I tried it. I had some raspberries, strawberries, pears and walnuts. Put a little aguave on it and some milk. I couldn't believe how yummy.
So that's what I've been up to lately. Hope you enjoyed it and it'll motivate you to go and cook something healthy and yummy.
I find alot of my stuff that I make off of skinnytaste.com...if only I could be like this woman. She has THE YUMMIEST recipes that are healthy and easy to make. Some day!
So to be kind of a weirdo I started to take pictures of things that I have cooked (Jesse teases me for it).
Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Yogurt Cupcakes. Thanks to skinnytaste.com
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