Fall Break Trip to California

In October, our family took an Allegiant Flight to California and spent the week visiting my parents in Merced, California.  We took some really fun day trips to Columbia, an old gold-mining town, and saw a hilarious western comedy play.  We also drove to Yosemite National Park and saw the majestic giant sequoia trees.  What an incredible sight!  Then at the end of the week, we drove to San Francisco and enjoyed that beautiful and vibrant city by the coast!  What a blast this week was!

There is nothing quite like having breakfast out on Grandma's Patio overlooking her gorgeous backyard.

In Columbia

Two of my very favorite people in the entire world.  I am so blessed to call these two my parents!

BYU Homecoming and Boss's Day

 For Boss's Day, our amazing staff took Tom out to lunch and surprised him by all wearing ties! ha ha!  It was so awesome!  Then they bought him a nice shirt and tie as a gift.  Super thoughtful!

Later that month we headed up to BYU Homecoming to help Chantal Carr celebrate her receiving the Distinguished Alumni Service Award.  We were able to personally meet the new president of BYU, Kevin J. Worthen.  He was so kind and took a lot of time to talk with us.  

 That night, we went to the BYU Spectacular and saw our favorite performing groups, the International Folk Dancers and the Young Ambassadors.  Watching them perform brought back SO many great memories!

 Early the next morning, Tom and I just had to be a part of the gorgeous fall colors so we took a hike up to Horsetail Falls - one of our favorite hikes in Alpine.  It was breathtaking to see all of the beautiful colors!

 While in Utah, I found these darling Christmas stockings for missionaries!  I sent one to Kohler in Argentina, one to his companion, and one to Keaton Peterson, Kohler's best friend who is serving in Peru.  

I could just stare at these colors all day long.  It's amazing the beauties in this world that Heavenly Father created.

BYU Football and Zion's Hike

 In September, Tom went to the first BYU Football game in Austin, Texas.  We whipped those Longhorns!!!  What a great shot with Cosmo and Tom!!

Went to Austin, TX with my buddies, Chad Prusse and Doug Chipman.  Great friends and great football.  

Later in the month our friend Dallin Everton had his Eagle court of honor and had a live eagle there---soooo cool.  Spencer is a scout now and is working so hard to get an eagle just like his older brother Kohler!

 The morning of Spencer and Dad's 3-day journey into Kolob Canyon.  What an adventure we had!

 This was our view during our descent.  It was beautiful going down, and grueling coming back out! 

 We found this grub on the way down all alone on the trail.  It was huge!  Luckily, we weren't hungry for a big grub meal!  Haha!

 Still descending as we enter the canyon at about mile 5. 

A Good view of the canyon.  We hiked all the way to near the end of the canyon to a place called, "Bear Trap Canyon".

 When we finally made it to La Verkin Creek, we were hot.  It felt so soothing to wade into the creek and cool off.  We pulled out our stove and ate lunch creekside.  No restaurant could compete with our view and taste of our hard-earned lunch! 

The infamous foot photo appears again.  Relaxing alongside the creek, enjoying the day. 

 Kolob Arch: The world's largest natural arch bridge. It was truly magnificent.  And the only way to see it, is to hike 14 miles up the canyon.  

 We had a great time in the hammock.  We read and played games stretched out on either side.  But mostly we took turns rocking rocking and relaxing.  

  On a day hike up the canyon to Bear Trap Canyon.  

 About dinner time we look over our campsite and about 10 feet away is a good sized rattle-snake making its way toward the river.  We followed after it and found a wild turkey wandering close by as well.  We opted to leave them alone and settle with our dehydrated meal.  

 Our campsite and kitchen.  Such a great campsite! 

Back at the truck, victorious.  We hiked 14 miles and climbed a mile in elevation on the way out.  It was grueling but no complaining was heard.  If Spencer can do this hike at 12 years old, he will no trouble with any scout hike he will encounter.  I was so happy and proud to be with him on this epic journey.  Can't wait to plan another one soon.