lake home. : November 2015

Mueller Park Canyon & Halloween

We hiked Mueller Park Canyon to Elephant Rock last week and were able to catch some fall leaves.

We went as Gamora and Starlord to Pat & Becca's halloween party. Gracie was Groot for the sake of the picture, but went to bed before the party.

Gracie was a ladybug yesterday for Halloween! We hung out with dad during the day, getting lunch and breakfast and taking pictures of her. He went to the Utes' game in the evening. I took Gracie to see her grandparents' and to a few homes to trick-or-treat. Dawson and I watched a scary movie when he got home.

With Aunt Jess & her cousins.

Other fall-ness:

-hiking Adam's canyon over Labor Day

-cutting my hair!

-Nightmare on 13th with friends

-Soup & scary movie night with friends

-Ute football games!

-Kourt visiting

Cecret Lake

Oh, how I love hiking, the mountains, & these two!

Kalmy's Wedding in Taos

Gracie and I drove to Taos, NM with my dad & my cousin AJ for my cousin Kalmy's wedding. It was an 11 hour drive and Gracie was, no joke, AMAZING! I was shocked and so relieved, she was so good. I'm sure it helped that I was in the back entertaining her the whole time. It was a beautiful drive through Southern Utah, Colorado mountains (lots of gorgeous trees), and the New Mexico desert. We stayed in a rented house with Mike and Shelley and Michelle, Michelle and I shared a room.

We got there late Friday night. Saturday morning we walked around the town and saw some art shops and walked through the market. The art there and the feel of the town is awesome. It is very artsy and hippyish. All of the buildings, businesses and all, are low and adobe. I love it there! The wedding was that afternoon at a historic catholic church. This was my first catholic wedding, but I missed most of it because Gracie was wild so we played outside.

Gracie with her Grandpa

The wedding reception was on a beautiful ranch. They served delicious food, had a great musician playing, and we danced for hours. I had so much fun with my cousins and I'm so glad I was there for Kalmy's big day! Gracie did great too, with no nap and staying up late, dancing with mom all night. The only thing that was missing was Dawson, we sure missed him!

On Sunday, we went to Aunt Sagen's house in the earthship community and then headed home. Very short trip, but definitely worth it!

Pyramid at the Earth Ship Community

Aunt Sagen's home

The Rio Grande

My phone was broken during this trip so I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted to! They are all from my dad's phone and my tablet.

Gracie at 15 Months

Gracie at 15 months (last month). At 15 and 16 months she is walking, getting into EVERYTHING, has a ton of energy, loves the dogs, loves swinging on her swing outside, loves climbing the stairs, naps once or twice a day, talks a lot and is saying at least a new word every day - I can't believe how smart she is! She makes a lot of animal noises - moo, quack, neigh, woof, meow, ooh ooh ah ah. She loves reading books and is a crack up! She is seriously always making me laugh, even when I am in the middle of being frustrated with her! I love this girl so much!

End of Summer Recap & St. George With My Family

Okay, I am obviously playing catch up here and things might be kind of out of order.

On June 30, Dawson and I went on a date to the Ogden Temple. We did sealings and had a wonderful time. After leaving the temple, while waiting in the drive through for Steak & Shake (hamburgers, always), we received word that Dawson's grandpa was unexpectedly passing away. We were up late waiting for news. We were lying in bed talking about how close the spirit world is right before learning he passed. Being able to be at the temple that night beforehand was quite the tender mercy. We will miss Jerry so much! He had such a strong impact on everyone because he was always so kind and loving.

Gracie playing with her cousins at Grandpa's funeral.

It was fun watching Gracie slowly learn how to walk. It's crazy to think that now she is practically always walking, running, climbing, and moving nonstop! She is so incredibly smart and very active.

At the end of August, we were able to go to St. George with my family. My mom, Gracie, I left Thursday night and were able to spend all day Friday there together, and Dawson, Kason, and Kody got there Friday night for the rest of the weekend. We swam, went on a couple hikes, and hung out.