Helix - 1st camp of spring

We didn't really have time, but we so wanted to get out for a camp out that we did it anyway.  We took off Friday after work to camp out at the Helix (out Motaqua Rd.).  Supe told us a new, less rigorous way to get there, so we were on new ground.  It was still pretty  rugged road, but we got there...and a wilderness therapy group was camped in the spot we were hoping for.  But we were able to go back a little ways and find a great spot.  We had good food and then our movie would not play on the lap top, but we just went to bed early and listened to some podcasts until we were tired.  In the morning we breakfasted in the tent since it was a little chilly and then drove back and hiked to the Helix, a sweet little slot canyon.  It was fun to shimmy our way through and back and see a lot of really beautiful country.  When we got back we got to go to the temple with a young lady in the YSA ward going through her first time and then we heard about another girl we had worked with some getting baptized and got to attend her baptism.  So even though we had to shorten the camp out, it was worth it for the spiritual feast of the rest of the day!  

Monday mornings with Trigg

I try to make it fun times when Trigg comes to my house on Monday mornings.  I haven't totally kept track, but here are a few of the fun things we have enjoyed together.  Next year when he heads to school, I will miss those times. He has grown so much during the past year.  How sad that Weed is missing seeing her children grow up.  How blessed Derek is to have such a wonderful ward, family and friends that are helping him take care of himself and his children.  The ache will always be there, but the love of so many helps to ease the pain as much as it can be eased.  Love spending time with this little guy and watching him grow up!

We saw a hot air balloon landing and stopped to watch the whole process of putting it away!

Trigg was a little worried about Story Time with Mrs. Mann at first, but then he got right into it and loved it!

Part of our regular routine is to get a Happy Meal and then he eats it at Kindergarten while LaTressa finishes up and I get started on our work days.  He loves going to his "class" and calls the teacher, Mrs. Godfrey, "my teacher"!

We check out the Desert Garden in different seasons!

In the summer Zade joined us for story time. After that we would go and play at the Town Square and then get our Happy Meals!  We like Wendy's because they have good toys and free kids frosties!

Stopping by Brooks Pond to feed the quackers is always fun!

Puzzles, games, making holiday stuff for the family and doing Star Fall on the computer are some good around the house fun times!

This was a fun busy day.  We checked out the animals at Johnson Farm (and Supe's new tiny house), visited IFA and petted baby bunnies and rode a horse, etc., went to see an old tunnel and we also went to Pet Smart to see the animals there!

This day it was raining and Grandpa couldn't work so we hurried out to Snow Canyon to see the waterfalls before the rain stopped!  

We wanted to see what the construction at the Pioneer Park was so we stopped by.  A really nice guy told us what they were doing and then Trigg got to check out his machine up close and get a pic inside.  We also climbed around in the cool rocks and then went up on top of the Dixie Rock!

Webelos Day Hike prep and fun!

Now that we are serving in the YSA ward we don't do Scouts and Cub Scouts anymore, but when they called to invite us to lead the Webelos Day Hike along one of our favorite trails we were happy to say yes.  We checked it out a couple of times beforehand with Grandma after General Conference and then for a date night a few days prior.  This little trail between Brookside and Baker Lake is pretty not matter what time of year you go in different way.  This time of year it is still mostly gray with just a touch of green starting, but the grays of the gnarled old trees is so interesting and this year there is so much more water because of our wet spring.  We thoroughly enjoyed the prep and the actual day of the hike.  And we also enjoyed that the evening before the hike the Stucki's let us spend the night at their cabin in Pine Valley.  We took a beautiful evening walk there.  One thing that was too bad was that with the heavy snows and strong winds many big trees in Pine Valley snapped.  Just hate seeing such a beautiful old tree just broken to bits.  Nature takes it course.  

Joel #3 observed!

We had a fun time celebrating with Joel for his #3 put off until March 26th birthday!  He didn't seem to care that he was 3 years + 3 mos old at all!  (We also got the bonus of attending Brady's piano recital where he did a great job!)  We love you Joely poley!