Observation Point

After Henry handled our first hike in Zion like a champ, we decided to push him a little further and attempt Observation Point. It was mere 8 mile round trip hike with 2500 feet of elevation gain and a few drop offs that made the one weary of heights (aka the man carrying our precious child) a bit nervous. In short, a perfectly "easy" hike to do with your 18 month old. It was also possibly 102 degrees that delightful day which is hot to just about anyone, but especially hot to those who were previously living in the never ending winter state of Wyoming.

Whew, we made it to the top! And yes, the bald child is the only one without a hat on...

I'd say if you're in Zion, skip the crowded Angels Landing Hike (unless you want to do the end scary part) and go on this hike instead. It's way less of a "Disneyland" attraction.

Jake really appreciated Henry's blanket being draped across his neck all day.

After a quick swim back in St. George, Henry was out for the night...at 5:17 pm. Perhaps we should take him hiking every day.

Angels Landing

Oh Zion, you tried to scare us away with your 100+ degree weather and slightly scary hikes with 1200 foot drop offs but we made it! And Henry James, thank you for being the coolest toddler there ever was and handling those hikes like it was a walk in the park.  We had an amazing time even though after awhile other hiker's comments got a bit old...

"Yes, we too would like to be carried up the mountain instead of walking, yes he does look quite comfy in the backpack, yes we are somewhat crazy for bringing him,  yes he is wearing sunscreen, and no we will not let him run off the cliff..."

Beginning our Angel's Landing Hike.

Oh Utah, aren't you gorgeous.

Henry will need to get used to this. Walk ten feet stop for a picture. Great for those who are insanely out of shape.

While it may appear that we are holding hands, we are doing nothing of the sort. 100 degree weather makes human contact disgusting.

For this portion of the hike, Henry and I stayed behind. Jake made it part way but turned around before reaching the end. Thank the good Lord. Makes me sweat thinking about it.

Don't judge the sleeping baby. It's hard work being totted around in this luxurious pack.

18 months

18 months old and as crazy as ever! Weighing in at 24 pounds this kid knows how to throw his weight around to get what he wants. He continues to be a chatterbox and has recently added "good morning" and "duck Dada" (in reference to Daddy needing to duck while going under trees so H man doesn't get hit in the face) to his vocab. He  has discovered the joy of Elmo and often times the first word out of his mouth in the morning is a whispered "Elmo?" We have tested his limits recently with long hikes and even longer car rides, but so far this sweet boy continues to go with the flow.

Photo shoots are sooo funny.

My girls

Almost 12 years ago, I was blessed with three of the most amazing girlfriends. Those beginning stories of how we met seem to change every year, but I know there was eye contact made from across a crowded room at the University of Idaho and that nothing would ever be the same.

Last weekend I released Henry into Jake's care- I like how formal that sounds- and headed to Salt Lake City for a weekend of non-stop fun with my girls. I won't make you jealous with all of the details, but our weekend consistend of eating and shopping non-stop.

12 years of friendship with many more to come. Thanks for such a fun weekend girls.

2013: Taking a break from eating to explore Temple Square. We were too full all weekend to  get a proper jumping photo.

2012: Someone had a newish baby and was moving to Wyoming so sadly no reunion. Lame!

2011: Showing off our mad jumping skills in Arizona. I've got a ten week little Henry in me belly.

2010: Living it up in Boise. We made the two pregnant girls jump at least 20 times before we got this photo. Shockingly no babies came early.

2009: What! You don't do this when you go on vacation? And no, we did not always all end up landing on the bed. And yes, my head if oh so very close to the ceiling. Seattle, you were so very good us.

2008: Celebrating, in CDA, the marriage of a favorite friend from college and plotting to get together every year for a girls weekend (obviously without the groom or sweet child).

2007: All together in Portland for the wedding of an exceptionally tall couple.

Girls, thankfully I am too lazy to scan in the pictures I have of us from college, some hair styles/make up techniques/glasses are best left in our fuzzy memories.

Can't wait to make San Diego happen!

And thanks to all the dads for keeping our kids safe and probably hopped up on sugar while we were away.

Forgotten Roots

It's almost as if he doesn't realize that he should be wearing tie dye shirts and hemp beanies...

To this boy, that lovely Eugene life is slipping away. Goodbye organic veggies and the occasional smelly hippie. Hello life full of cowboy hats, meat (okay, I'm still his mother so mainly black beans) and diesel trucks galore.

And there right beside my child was an animal carcass.

If you've never done a photo shoot with gunshots echoing in the not-so-far-away distance and never had  to make sure your toddler didn't pick up any of the nearby stray animal bones (or complete rib cage) then you've never done a photo shoot in Wyoming. Oh Wyoming.

I am 17 months old. I am a gem.

I am 17 months old. I am a rapscallion.

I am 17 months old. I am always on the move.

I am 17 months old. I am a dreamboat.

The one where Jake ruins all the photos.

So technically he didn't ruin all the pictures. Henry looks absolutely adorable. His Dadda, on the other hand, couldn't quite handle the bright light and was having some posture problems. I don't think these will be making the walls anytime soon.

"It's surprisingly bright out here."

"I don't know what to do with my eyes? Will people notice if I just close them?"

"How's this look?"

Ha, I love these boys.