Going West!!

This summer I had a chance to go out west with my family to deliver my little brother to BYU to start his freshman year. The trip was alot of fun. We got to see some sights on the way out and on the way back plus we turned it into a family reunion. Everyone, except Steve and the kids, were able to meet up at Jamie's house in Utah. I enjoyed my first real steak dinner, visited Arches National Park, Canyonland National Park, saw my first MLS soccer game, moved Christopher into his dorm, visited Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Badlands National Park, saw some LDS Church history sites in Nauvoo, and enjoyed the company of my mom, dad, and little sister. It was a great trip and we had lots of fun. Enjoy a picture tour of our trip.

The back seat sitters on the drive out: me, Elizabeth, Mama

The Norrod's in Cheyenne, WY. This is who took good care of me while I lived there.
Ruth's Chris Steak House: the anticipation was almost to much

Marianne and I enjoyed the "Windows" in Arches

Finishing our hike out to Landscape Arch

Jamie and I accidently wore the same shirt

Sitting in front of Delicate Arch.

The whole family!!

This view is in Canyonlands National Park. It was really windy, a storm was moving in.

You can't go to Provo, UT and not get some Cafe Rio!

This is the day we ALL moved Christopher into his dorm room.

Christopher is all grown up. This is right before we left him to start his own new adventure!!

MLS Soccer Game: it ended in a tie.

Father's Day Breakfast in bed.

This is the beginning of our trip home. First stop, Yellowstone and Old Faithful

I got to see my friend Marisa while we were in the park. So fun!

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Up close and personal with the bison.

On our rafting trip down the river - we saw 5 bald eagles!

Part of the Grand Teton Mountain range

Mt. Rushmore

A cave we happened upon while driving to Mt. Rushmore.

Nauvoo Temple

Pleasant View Cemetary

We had a chance this summer to spend a peaceful Saturday afternoon at the cemetary where Catie is buried. It has been about a year and half since she passed away and we continue to miss her as much as ever. When life throws you curve balls, such as the loss of a loved one, it makes you rethink about lifes priorities and what is really important. I love my family very much and am so grateful for them each and every day. We miss and love you Catie.

Mary's Six

It is hard to believe that Mary is already another year older. She had a great birthday party at Bounce U with alot of her friends from school, church, and the neighborhood. Upon Mary's request, I attempted to make a flower cake. She had lots of different kinds of flowers to share with her friends!!

Memorial Day

A friend of Steve's took us out on his boat on Memorial Day for a nice swim in Jordan Lake and a few tries at wakeboarding and water skiing. It was a warm day, perfect for getting wet. Everyone had a great time and I survived a few rounds of wakeboarding. I was pretty sore for the next couple of days. Don't watch the last few second of the video because you will see me take a nice fall! =)

Creeper Trail Adventure

Over Memorial Day weekend, I brought a bunch of my friends from North Carolina to experience the hills of VA/TN. We enjoyed a beautiful, sunny Saturday on the Creeper Trail. We rode from White Top Mountain down to Damascus. Everyone appeared to have a great time and it could not have been a more perfect day!! We also went to the Carter Family Fold but I have no pictures to document. Lots of dancing occurred!!

Three Forks Decoration

Every fourth Sunday in May, my mom's side of the family has a decoration at the family cemetary. This year I was able to go and I brought Sarah with me. We get to the cemetary early and put flowers on the graves and visit with family. Afterwards, we go down to my cousin, Anne's house and have lunch. As a child, we always got to ride horses during the cookout. There is a cave across the street that is always exciting for the kids to explore.

This is my Aunt Lois, she is my grandmother's sister. The only sibling still living.

Here is Mama and Sarah next to Nana and my grandfather's grave.
The gentleman is 100 years old. We are related somehow!! =) I have an Uncle Shorty still living that is 104 but he was not at the decoration this year!

Christopher's Graduation

My little brother, Christopher, graduated from high school this year. He is going to attend Brigham Young University - following in his older siblings footsteps. We are very proud of him and excited for his future adventures. Love you Christopher!!