DuRoss' come back! and then we all meet in the Swell...

Erika, Finn, and Nola came to visit for their Spring Break.  It was a lot of fun visiting, playing, hiking, and making meals together again.

I mean, seriously.  These two expressions are too much.

Then, some more DuRoss' came into town.  This time, Nana and Papa arrived.  

Ruby and Owen were excited to get out into the Spring weather and do some hiking.  We definitely turned a corner in this department.  We hiked over 4 miles to "The Living Room".  Owen and Ruby needed a bit of piggy backing, but not much, and every time we picked them up they were asking to be put down.  We aren't breaking any land speed records, but we are not worried about that.

We did another hike with Nana and Papa up to the dry creek overlook and got a day of skiing in at PCMR.  Spring is bonkers.  Thanks for the fun visit, guys!

And, another visit.  This time we all traveled to The Swell to celebrate Chris's 40th birthday.  There were about 7 families, quite a few hikes, three popped tires, one desert talent show, and lots of laughs.

This takes "kids table" to a whole new level.

"A Taste of 40", that was the name of our talent show.  Chris presided as the all knowledgable 40-year-old.  

Lots of good acts including an instrumental number by Finn and Nola, a midget dance by our team DuRoss, some renditions of Happy Birthday in other languages, and Ring Around the Rosie like you have never seen it before.

Lots of good props and costumes too!

And don't forget the cake!  Erika fashioned 21 individual chocolate cakes, baked in jars, with yummy toppings.  Ooolala!

Oh yeah, and then we culminated the evening with a hike through the "crack of misery".  Chris even wore his cape we made him.  It was narrow, and dark, and totally fun. 

Us at the top before shimmying back through to make our way back to camp.  A perfect ending to an incredible day.

Happy Easter!  The morning started with the most epic Easter egg hunt you have ever seen.  The girls stuffed over 200 eggs and the boys, in the dark, hid them.  The kids were rock climbing to get some, stumbling over boulders to get most, and rejoiced in a few easy finds in the low bushes.  

Can you find the egg in this picture?  Ruby needed a boost for this one. 

We did alright. :)

Now, brunch.  I don't really like bacon, so the sight of this dutch over FULL of bacon turned my stomach.  However, I did then EAT the bacon when it was done.  Look how crispy and amazing it came out!  Brilliant!

Eggs benedict, ala Kirby's, as usual.  Can't believe they pulled this off in the desert.  This whole Easter in the desert thing will be a repeat for this group, that is for sure.

Oh yeah, and here is the motley crew.

Goblin Valley today

And, Goblin's Lair.

Random finishes here- We popped two tires on the Nissan on Saturday so Chip and Jay took the day to get us two new tires in Green River.  After that, they hiked WAY above our site and got this crazy photo of our posse.  

Sunday and Monday were windy.  It was really nice to have Pedro.  We definitely christened the trailer. 12 people made, ate dinner, and hung out Sunday night in Pedro's windless respite.  

Can't wait for next year!! Thanks y'all!

St Patty's Day

March 2015

My favorite quote as of late.  Ruby had it memorized after the first time I told it to her.  She loves to inform people at random times that they can't stop the waves, but they can learn to surf.  It's a good message to pass out, don't ya think?

We have been into juicing carrots lately too.  We put carrot juice in our daily smoothie, so this helps us save on lots of plastic bottles being used, we get fresher juice, and the options for juice mixes once I have more time on my hands is infinite!

We are all about independence around here.  :)

Skiing!

Swimming!

This was the first winter Ruby and Owen took ski lessons.  The Deer Valley locals program is unmatched as far as we were concerned.  Gregory was a great instructor.  Ruby and Owen learned a lot and had a blast, as you can see by Owen's affection for his coach. :)

Love this little stylish guy.

St Patty's Day started with Aunt Mindy coming into town, green eggs for breakfast, and getting ready for the parade downtown.

Ruby and Owen did their own face paint in case you couldn't tell.

So much green!  We are not getting pinched surely (as Ruby might say).

We always hook up with the Kirby's for this event.  Ruby and Graham love each other. :)  This is the second year Chip has joined us after working a night shift.  Not sure how he does it.  Amazing.

Group shot.  I really do love all these people.

Then, home to do some science with Aunt Mindy.  She got some dry ice, which gave us what seemed like hours of entertainment.  It was so much fun.  Ruby and Owen have no idea much they hit the family jackpot...in so many ways.

It was beautiful on Sunday before Mindy had to leave so we took Ruby and Owen to the park.  Ruby hoped on this little pedal bike we have...and rode it!!  Aunt Mindy was the perfect one to push her a bit and mom was happy to be the photographer and videographer.  Nice work, Ru!!  Video link to come.