All Along the Way: November 2009

Thankful

I'm thankful for oh, so many many things this year. Here's the short list: I'm thankful for warm socks (to keep my feet warm on the hard wood floors), paperclips (to help me stay a little bit more organized), computers (the better to keep in touch with all of you), hot chocolate( because it's GOOD), erasers (because I make a lot of mistakes) and Kleenix with lotion. I'm thankful that Trent and I have finished all the adoption application paperwork. I'm thankful for so many of you that are keeping us in mind and praying for us. I'm thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for loving brothers and sisters, kind and faithful parents, nieces and nephews, friends far and near, and my loving husband. I'm so blessed.

Football Fun

These last two months have been fun. My sisters have been taking turns letting their kids stay at our house on Saturdays while they go to the football games. It is awesome! We play games, make cookies and read stories. One week I borrowed a computer projector and we played movies big screen style on one of the walls. That was a big hit. Trent has invented sock snowball fights. The boys just love chasing him around to pelt him with their socks and playing hide and go seek. No matter how cold it is we have fun playing tag and horseshoes in the backyard. We do catch some of the game on the tv but have more fun just hanging with the nephews and nieces.

Peek-a-Boo!

Cute Little Pumpkins

The Calm Before the Leaf Wars Begin

Making Brownies

Treasure Search in the Dark

Getting Ready to Play Horseshoes

Waiting for Mom

Duck Fork

The drive was long and bumpy on washboard roads. We even took a wrong turn in the dark but once we got there we had a blast. Trent and I went camping in his favorite camping spot this year- Duck Fork. We camped right by the reservoir where Trent could catch us some fish. We went hiking and 4-wheeling all around the area. It felt good to breath the fresh clear air and see such beautiful views. I love to hear the wind in the quaking aspen and be surrounded by quiet beauty. I love to sit by a warm fire and toast my toes. Most of all I love being with Trent and getting away for just a little while.

Trent caught a few small fish and one really large fish. I of course took a good book to enjoy while Trent fished. Good times.

We camped by an old sheepherder. His cute little Australian shepherd dog came down to visit us each night. He was so friendly and reminded me of the dogs my family had when we had sheep.

We could here elk bugling all over the mountainside. We hiked down close to one group and watched them for quite a while.

We got caught in the rain on one trip. We snuggle up under a tree and listened to the storm roll by. Then enjoyed the rainbow that followed.

Lake Powell

Amazing views, warm water, fun, adventure, and most importantly- time with family. These are the things that make the best summer vacations. In August, Trent and I went down to Lake Powell with Julie and Curtis. It was absolutely awesome, just the break we needed before I went back to school. Trent says it was the best vacation in his life.

We had fun hanging out on the houseboat. At night we played games and watched the stars from the top deck. During the day we surfed, wake boarded and played around on the jet skis.

Trent was able to both surf and wake board. Check out the farmer's tan.

Julie taught me to surf. I fell down a lot. Luckily the water was warm and everyone was so patient. later that day Julie and Curtis took just a few of us out so I could try again with no pressure. After a few more trys I made it up and it was wonderful. I'm glad my nephews got to see that I don't give up.

Our nephews were amazing. They have been doing this every summer since they were 2 years old. They were attempting flips and catching huge amounts of air as they jumped the wake. Julie also had her brother and sister with a few of their friends along. They were all so much fun to hang out with and fun to watch as they showed off their water skills.