Recent Happenings

Elena has continued to take swim lessons since last fall and has loved it so much. I'm amazed at how much she has learned, I can guarantee she is a way better swimmer than I am:)                                                                               

One of Elena's assignments in school was that she was able to bring home a bear to keep for a week, and then we had to document everything bear did while he stayed with us in the "Bear Book". First thing, Elena had to show bear our UTE Pride by letting him wear daddy's Ute hat. Bear ate with us, went to Bug's swim lessons with us, story time, everything... The girls love having bear around for the week.



One of the first warm days of spring, Chanel couldn't wait to get outside to play. She had to try on Elena's roller skates, and with some help, she loved every minute of it:)

We planted a new tree in our backyard. It's a fruit salad tree! It will grow peaches, nectarines, and plums and we cannot WAIT for it to start to produce fresh fruit for us (which won't happen for a few years... oh well, we're still excited!)

Catching Up: Chanel Turns 2!!!

Our Chanely turned 2 in March and I can't believe how much she has grown in the last year. She is so smart and it amazes me everyday how much she knows and is learning. For her birthday this year, we took her to the zoo. It was cold and wet, but it was worth not having to battle the crowd.

Just seconds after taking this picture, the tiger lept up onto the glass at Austin. I don't think I've ever screamed so loud...



 The coolest part was how active the tigers were. I think this was everyone's favorite, especially Elena, can you tell?

We were happy that Aunt Natalie could spend the day with us. We were able to see the baby elephant, Zuri, who doesn't really seem like a baby anymore. I guess that's because she isn't:) Chanel does the best impression of an elephant sound, it definately beats mine. You should have her do it for you;)

Later, we had dinner and opened presents. We gave her a cheap dress hat and wicker purse (which she actually picked out herself) books, and some stylin' sunglasses. She couldn't wait to wear everything. She also got more books, clothes, and really cute shoes, which she also had to wear right away:)

Chanely, I can't believe you are two! You definately hit the terrible two's way before this, but your personality shows more and more everyday and we just love the little angel you try to be are!:) We love you so much, and thank Heavenly Father everyday for sending you to our family.

Catching up: VEGAS!!!

Back in Feb., Aus and I had the chance to go with some great friends on a weekend couples getaway to St. George/Vegas. Our first adventure was a bright and early breakfast at the Bear Claw (yummy!) then headed out to hike Angel's Landing in Zions.

Here we are at the trailhead... This picture was NOT edited in photoshop:o)

Mr. Mountain Man...this is how steep it got going up the ledge of the mountain with cliffs on either side. It was INTENSE, but we loved every minute of it!

Our group at the top of the landing. Everyone was relieved to make it to the top since we braved slick, icy conditions the last half mile of the hike (which was literally straight up!)

The men with their celebratory jerky, courtesy of Boompa:)

The ladies of the group:) Brita was booking it the whole time and beat all of us to the top. Some by just a minute or two, me- by about 10 minutes....Hahaha!

Our gaaazorgeous view! I totally want to frame this picture. The wind was really strong and the landing wasn't very big, but the view was to die for! I don't know why we don't do this sort of thing more often. Definately planning on more hikes like this in the future!

After the hike we got all cleaned up and headed into Vegas. We met up with more friends and had dinner together before we went to see Jabbawockeez (which was such a fun show! No pictures though, darn it!)

This was seriously such a fun group to go with...

The following day, some of us attended the World Wide Leadership Training at the local Stake Center while our spouses slept in and had breakfast. We met up later for a session at the Vegas Temple, but for the ride there of course we had plenty of entertainment. The guys stuck Big Red gum wrappers t their faces to see who could keep it there the longest. I'm not sure who won but they all had red forehead entering the temple. Haha!

The guys kept us entertained the whole trip, especially with their rendition of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" moves.

We had dinner at a tapas bar in Henderson called FireFly. It was amazingly good! Everyone just orders appetizers and shares with the table. We were passing food like crazy to try a little bit of everything. Soooo Yummmy! Then we headed in to see Phantom, which I was so impressed with. I had never seen a show in Vegas before, and the both shows we saw were so fun and entertaining.

We're definately planning another trip like this in the future. It was so much fun to get to know some of our friends a little better and to have some grown up time:) Thanks everyone!