Cabin Time

Island Park is probably the happiest place on earth, and we are so lucky that we were able to enjoy it again this summer. It had been nearly 3 years since our last visit to the cabin, so this year's visit seemed even better than usual! We spent a very busy week there, and still weren't able to fit in everything we wanted to do. I guess that means we will just have to go again!
Here are a ton of pictures of some of the fun we had.

Breck and I practically share a birthday. While her and I just happen to be the only people out catching guppies in the river, the rest of the family decorated the cabin for our "surprise" party.

We both got these awesome shirts for our birthday that say " BridgeCo Builders" I guess it is an AMAZING construction general contractor company that has done some INCREDIBLE work for our family. We were really excited about these shirts since BridgeCO Builders is so great.

Some good old 4wheeling after a rain storm. Best idea EVER!

Highlighting Breck's hair. Not really the BEST idea, but a pretty darn good one :)....

(sorry Breck!)

Ernie's Big Horn Deli... Best sandwiches in Montana.

(This picture is for Cousin Bill, because we know that he loves this place a LOT)

Enjoying our Eagle's Chocolate Malt's.

A little fishing on the Snake River. I caught this little dude on my second cast!

Some more fishing... Brady caught this big whopper!

Just re-living their childhood. I am not entirely certain that
they've actually ever left child-hood.

Camp-director keeping us warm.

Looking for guppies.

Jumping off the trestle. It only took everyone 45 minutes to talk me into doing it. I am not sure what I hate the most; the temperature of the water, the free-fall feeling, or just the anticipation of both. Any of those factors are reason enough for me to keep my feet on the bridge. What got me in the water? Bridger telling me I would have to ride the "wuss mobile" home if I didn't jump. Thanks Bridge!

A little motorcycle ride into West Yellowstone.

And of course, the Jell-O eating contest.
Lime Jell-O taste's like what I imagine Pine-Sol to taste like.

Not so delicious.

This is after burrito night (courtesy of the Huntsman Family)

The boys had to polish off 3 boxes each of a concoction of flavors.

And the winner is.........

Turns out there isn't "always room for Jell-O."

Some of us had to learn that the hard way.

Boating at the Reservoir.

(We love you too, Brynlie and Kristin!)

A Busy Month...

These last few weeks have been filled with a lot of up's and down's, sleepless nights, laughing, crying, and good times. After many months of playing in the desert, Brady is finally home! Here are a few pictures of my trip down to pick him up.

A motorcycle ride through the desert with Jed....

ending with Vinny's New York Pizza!Award ceremony the night before graduation. Eric on the left of Brady, and Jonny on the right. Way to go boys!
After the Graduation Ceremony. So glad it is finished!

So proud of him! A real live soldier!

Just 10 short years ago this graduation was Buck's. What big shoes to fill! Thanks for being such a great example Buck!

A little celebrating with some friends! All of which are/will be very missed.

On a hike to see....

Pictographs!

Leigh and I riding to Vegas!

After seeing The Phantom of the Opera - a must see for anyone traveling to Vegas!

A visit to the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel. Please excuse this photo, for so many reasons!

The gang about to enjoy Mystere. I walked out of that show completely amazed. I had no idea the human body could do the things they did. Certainly my body doesn't do that!

Sun, family, and friends... all in all it was an excellent trip. We are so grateful for the many "adventures" the military life has brought us. We are especially grateful for the friends that we have made. It is always bitter sweet to finish an experience. It is so nice to have Brady home, but he will miss the good times with all of his friends. I am grateful that he was able to spend the last 6 months with such good people. It definitely made it easier to be apart knowing he was having a good time.

Right before Brady graduated we had a death in the family. We are so blessed to know that through the Atonement we will be able to see our loved ones again. Cody is greatly missed, and we are so glad that we were able to have known him. Brady's hunting trips will not be the same without him. Miss you Code!

Christmas Break

It's sad how quickly time can go by when you just wish it would last forever! Brady was able to spend 2 weeks home for Christmas, and they of course, flew by. We were able to spend a lot of time with family and friends, and of course hunting! We are looking forward to having him home again in March! Here are some random pictures from when he was back in town....

Christmas morning, talking to Buck

Sledding with the family

Duck hunting

Brady and Cannon headed back from the blind

Chukar hunting in the desert with Damian, Marty, and Cody

I know, I know, it has been much too long since I have posted last. Unfortunately there haven't been very many blog worthy events taking place lately, so I am sorry!

I should probably start with an update on Brady. As I am fattening up for the winter, he in his shorts and flip-flops enjoying the Arizona heat, and soaking in the sun. Well, it isn't exactly that warm, but he is still in shorts. He is loving his classes, and is learning a lot. He will be home in almost 2 weeks, and I am looking forward to spending the holidays with him.

A few weeks ago I was able to fly down for a last minute trip and visit him. Unfortunately I forgot to take my camera, so I wasn't able to document all of the fun things that we did. However, I was able to swipe some from friends that were there, so here we go:

This is Tombstone. It is a ghost town that they have transformed into a tourist location. They do reenactments daily and of course have souvenir stores galore. That evening when we were back at the hotel, we watched Tombstone the movie. It is one worth renting.

These are from Patagonia Lake. Brady was really sad that he didn't have his fishing pole. We got there too late in the day to rent a boat or play in the water for very long, but we had a good time BBQ-ing and listening to Jonny play the guitar.

The best part about my trip, (aside from seeing Brady) was Daisy Mae's. It has to serve the best steak in the country. Thinking about it makes my mouth water. If you are ever in the area, DO NOT miss out on going here. You wont be disappointed!

Home at Last

There are many things that we missed about Utah while we were away. Some of the top items are....


Cafe Rio


We were very accustom to Cafe Rio about once a week before we moved to Cali. After just a few days in Monterey, we began to have major withdraws. Unfortunately there is just no other place quite like it. So you can understand our excitement to have a Cafe Rio down the street again. (This was the first place we ate when we made it back to SLC)



The dry air

I know that is a strange thing to miss. Especially because Monterey is not especially humid. However, being next to the ocean brings just enough of moisture in the air to keep your hair frizzy, your clothes and towels moist, and assist in mold and mildew growth.



Seasons


I love the fall time, and I love that it feels like fall here. Monterey is consistently between 55-65, all year long. Christmas time was exceptionally rough for me to adjust to. I grew up with all 4 seasons, and I am conditioned to expect a change every few months. So that is really nice to have again. Although, I'm not sure if I am quite prepared for the extreme change in weather quite yet.

The Great Outdoors... Utah style

We are glad to be back in our element. Nothing feels more like home to us than a day hiking in the Wasatch Mountains, shooting ducks at the duck club, or scouting for animals on the hills at 10,000 feet. (the hunting is more familiar for Brady than it is for me)

Last Hoorah

The last weekend that we lived in Monterey, we were able to go kayaking for the day with some friends and Brady's parents. We had a lot of fun, and were able to find lots of sea animals. The boys attempted snorkeling, while the girls just lounged on the beach. After we went to the very best sandwich joint in the whole world, Compagno's. (on Prescott and Taylor in PG for those of you who have not experienced it's greatness)

We are so sad to have left such a fun place. We made a lot of great friends, and have a lot of fun memories.

My in-laws

.

Brady and Michelle

The Girls

Dan getting ready to snorkle

Joel kicking back while Dacia does all the work :)

A crab

Brady deciding if he really wants to put his face in the water.

Yet again, a very late post

My birthday was a few weeks ago, and I am so greatful to all of the people that made it so special for me. The day was filled with a lot of friends, treats and presents. What else can a girl ask for?

My sweet Mother-in law sent these to me. I apologize for the poor photo quality. They were much prettier than this picture is giving them credit for.

BBQ with some of our friends