Zion National Park - October 2014

Zion National Park is simply breathtaking. Everywhere we looked we were in awe of the scenery around us-so naturally we took a bazillion photos (brace yourself!). 

We started the day by taking the shuttle all they way up the canyon to the narrows trail and made our way back to the bottom of the canyon throughout the day.

Jayne was beaming and ready for a day of fun!

Keeping busy on the shuttle

Jayne zonked out. She's such a good traveler!

After hiking to the base of the narrows we took the Weeping Rock trail and followed its loop around. It was a perfect hike and gave us stunning views of the Court of the Patriarchs and the diversity of the canyon.

Weeping Rock in the background (you can see the water seeping out)

Weeping Rock waterfall

 Court of the Patriarchs

It was a full day spent at Zions. It was stunning and we loved every second of it. We can't wait to go back and spend more time exploring!

St. George - October 2014

While Phil's parents and sister Rachael were here visiting we decided to make a trip down south to show them another part of Utah, one our beautiful National Parks and Las Vegas. Our first stop was St. George where we explored the historic LDS sites in the area. We visited Brigham Young's "winter" home, the historic tabernacle and drove by the Jacob Hamblin Home.

Brigham's Bed

Eating our suckers like Jayne

Then we enjoyed the beautiful St George weather and  relaxed in the pool and played on the hotel's playground. Jayne loved swimming in the kiddie pool and even took a few toddling steps.  She didn't even mind when she fell over and plunged into the water (with mom and dad right there of course!)

We visited Zions the next day (will post about that day soon!) and then that night we went to the Tuacahn to see one of my favorites, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Phil's mission companion and his wife kindly watched Jayne for the night while we enjoyed a child-free buffet dinner and show. We loved it. The Tuacahn never disappoints!

Our wonderful babysitters!

On our way out of town the following morning we were able to visit Phil's mission secretary, Carol Dudley. She had nothing but praises for Phil and even though it was a brief visit, we enjoyed seeing her

Then we hit the road and headed to Vegas (yet another future post). Thanks St George!!

Holiday Season 2014

We've loved this holiday season. The weather has been beautiful (except we'd love some snow!) but if it isn't going to snow, then it may as well be warm right? And guys, kids make holidays 100 times better. Jayne points out every Santa Claus, Christmas Tree, lights, elves...anything and squeals "iiiiis dat!?" So cute!

We went to the Festival of Trees early in December. Its a festival where people donate Christmas items for auction and all proceeds go to Primary Children's Hospital. Rows and rows of Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, wreaths and anything else Christmas-y you can think of = happy Phil and Jayne. I love it too, don't get me wrong, but my Christmas loving husband and squealing child were the highlight of the night for me :)

Big trees and mini trees this year

The big trees have a whole scene set up with them. It all comes as a whole package-this one was elaborate!

BYU!! Go cougs!

And the gingerbread houses...oh they are amazing! I was in awe of how talented people are!

Despicable Me!

This snowman was insane--each snowflake made out of candy and it covered the entire body-each flake was different. Crazy!

Later this month we went to an AF Band "Brinner" fundraiser where Jayne met Santa for the first time. After loving Santa from afar, she became like any other child, scared and clinging to Daddy. Once she got a candy cane and realized Dad was staying right there, she gave us a little grin :)

We've visited the Riverwoods (where Jayne touched every christmas light within reach), the Dicken's Festival and the Alpine Live Nativity. We are loving this holiday season!

Merry Christmas everyone!