Zion National Park

On Saturday we went down to Zion National Park.  Such a beautiful place!  I haven't been there since I was a kid.   Joe and the two big boys did Angel's Landing while the rest of us did kid friendly stuff.  We did a hike, threw rocks in the water, played in sand, and rode the bus around for the sites.  

Cousin fun is just that, fun. :)

Sarah, Isabelle, Annabelle, Michael

Dax and David were awesome with my boys.

I have lots of pictures of Spencer, because I love him and he's cute, even asleep. :) 

The weather was absolutely perfect for hiking.  No sun, slightly chilly and just pleasant. 

Michael wasn't on his best behavior most of the time because he just wanted to throw rocks.  Poor kid is completely surrounded by rocks and he got told over and over again not to throw them.  We finally found a spot perfect for rock throwing and he was in heaven!  

Spencer sat and played in the sad forever.  He dug around and found a couple of sticks and then dug the sticks in the ground.  This sand was so perfect, even I sat playing in it.  Soft and fine and pretty much the best sand ever. We had a blast playing in it for a while.  

That night the girls all had a sleep over in our condo.  They watched a movie with candy.  When it was over, I said it was time to go to bed and Isabelle said, "But I have more plans!"  She had also planned a pillow fight, dancing, and telling scary stories.  They did those things and decided they wanted to watch one more movie and then went to bed SUPER late. They all had fun. :)  

We left Sunday morning after church. It was such a fun trip.  I just was in awe at how different the Earth is and how much variety there is around us.   Heavenly Father gave us so many details to help us enjoy this mortal existence a little more! 

Pioneer Park

Friday we went to Pioneer park, the children's museum and a splash pad while Joe and the big boys all went hiking. 

Pioneer Park is so fun!  The kids were expected a park with slides and swings. They were not disappointed with all the climbing and rocks and dirt and sand.  Kids need outside. 

St. George's children museum is a actually pretty decent.  Everyone had a good time.  It's right  next to a splash pad where the kids had more fun.  

Fall Break

For our Fall break this year, Mike's dad got us all condos in St. George from Wednesday to Sunday 

(15-19).  Mike's parents, and two sisters and families came.  I LOVE getting to spend time with them.  It's always fun.  The kids always have a blast spending time together as cousins. It started out rough. My family was sick most of the week before.  I got hit the hardest.  I was pretty miserable still on Wednesday, but by Thursday night I was feeling much better and on the mend.  I was glad we still went. 

The drive down.  Thanks to technology it wasn't too bad, minus....you guessed it, Luke! He still is our most difficult traveler all 3 years of his life.

Everyone arrived late Wednesday night.  Thursday morning started out at the pool for everyone else while I slept more.  Mike drugged me up and I went along for the trek to Snow Canyon State Park.

Everyone but Mike's mom and I and the 3 babies did the lava caves. This was them coming out of the hole. Watching them come out of the ground was funny. All these strangers were right by the hole and the kids were first in the group. They helped them all out. 

Oh Michael and his maps.  The stash by his bed is growing.  He was sure to add to it this trip.  Every where we went we made sure he got his map.  His map skills for a 4 year old are quite impressive. He does more than collect them, he studies them at home.  It's pretty cute.  

Such beautiful scenery.  I was taken the whole trip about how beautiful the earth is.  So much variety, especially in Southern Utah.  I love hiking through the details God has given us to enjoy. We just need to take the time to enjoy them! 

Then we went to a slot canyon.  The kids had fun climbing around.  

So funny!  Trying to get a smile out of Isabelle was pointless.  

That afternoon we went back to the condos and I took some more medicine and slept while everyone else went swimming.  That evening I was finally starting to feel human again. 

For the Love of...Soccer?

Heading to Isabelle's LAST soccer game and she mentioned how much she's going to miss it and she "just LOVED soccer!"  Where in the world was that ALL SEASON?!  She actually played her little heart out and passed up being goalie and is that?  A smile?  Why yes it is. 

She was totally in the zone and attempting to actually figure out what was going on.  Silly Girl! 

She got all embarrassed for her coaches' cute awards ceremony and wouldn't look at the camera.  

What a fun soccer season for everyone!  I'm ready for a soccer break, but will be happy to follow this road with my kiddos.