Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015
Day 10: While Ryan and Kathrin worked we went out to Tonto NM to see the cliff dwellings there. It was very hot, but also very pretty. We liked seeing the desert bloom including those of the saguaro cactus. Dana made the trek up to the pueblos while Magnus completed another Junior Ranger program. We spent the rest of the day at the Bates’s house while the kids wrestled with stomach aches. We did have fun with their dog, Dash, and their new daughter, June.
Monday, June 1st, 2015
Day 9: After cleaning up camp, Dana hiked to the Homolovi ruins. The neatest part was the pottery shards that littered the ground. Petrified Forest NP was our next destination. We marveled at the petrified wood at Big Logs and loved the multitude of color that could be found. We also hiked the Crystal Forest loop and saw some collared lizards running about. Newspaper Rock and the Painted Desert Inn were also awesome. Magnus became a Junior Ranger and took the oath. We visited the huge rock shop in Holbrook with all the petrified wood. Heading south, we went to Tonto Natural Bridge SP just before they closed. The formations there were pretty stunning. We finally arrived in Gilbert, AZ to stay with the Bates family.
Sunday, May 31st, 2015
Day 8: We started the day driving through Grand Staircase-Escalante NM. We hiked the short distance to The Nautilus, a cool rock formation that looks like a miniature slot canyon. Crossing over to Arizona, Dad took the boys out to see Horseshoe Bend, while Mom stayed in the car with a stomach ache. Outside Flagstaff we stopped at Walnut Canyon NM. Magnus and Dana had fun climbing down all the stairs to see the cool ancient cliff dwellings. Next, we saw Meteor Crater, a really neat, really big hole in the ground. We made it to Homolovi SP in Winslow, AZ, where we camped for the night.
Saturday, May 30th, 2015
Day 7: It was sad to leave the Keelers and Guptils in the morning, but we had to move on. On the way out of Utah Valley, we stopped to see the new Payson Temple. Then we continued south to Zion NP. It was extremely busy, with cars and people everywhere. We luckily found a parking spot and headed for the shuttle stop. We had fun hiking to the Emerald Pools and up toward the Narrows. We loved seeing the beautiful cliffs of Zion, like the White Throne (pictured). When we drove out through the East Entrance we got to see some bighorn sheep. We spent the night in Kanab, UT.
Friday, May 29th, 2015
Day 6: Dana went out early in the morning to hike to Doughnut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is a waterfall that flows through a hole, into a cave, and out again. He also made a quick stop at Rocky Mouth Falls in Sandy. After lunch, we all went to Farm Country and the Museum Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point. The kids all had fun riding the ponies and seeing the animals and fossils.
Thursday, May 28th, 2015
Day 5: In the morning everyone went to visit Grantpa, Ruth’s grandpa, at the home where he stays. It was fun to see him with his great grandchildren. Our family then headed down to BYU to visit our old stomping grounds. Dana wanted to see the new Life Sciences building that was just dedicated, and it was neat. But more shocking was that we came on the day that they were demolishing the Widstoe Building, where Dana did all his insect research in the lab. It was also strange to see the new additions to the Bean Museum and other changes around campus. We stopped to see the almost completed Provo City Temple. We ended with dinner at Nicolitalia and a viewing of Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.
Wednesday, May 27th, 2015
Day 4: We all went hiking up Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons outside Salt Lake City. The first trail we tried was closed, but we found Hidden Falls after a little jaunt over a log crossing. Matthew had fun climbing around with me while I took pictures. Next we went to Lisa Falls. It was a short hike and everyone liked scrabbling around the abundant rocks at the base. We spent the evening playing in the Keeler’s backyard and making slow-motion videos.
Tuesday, May 26th, 2015
Day 3: At the new Keeler house there were many visitors. Emily was there with her five kids, plus us. But the new house had plenty of room. Utah was a bit rainy, but still went to the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point. The cousins all had fun running around together and seeing all the neat exhibits. The zip line was a big hit. Here is Grandma Rose and Emma, the newest cousin, in the hedge maze.
Monday, May 25th, 2015
We give thanks to those who have served our country this Memorial Day.
Day 2: We drove through the Thousand Springs and Twin Falls areas of Idaho today. We saw about 30 waterfalls, including 18 named ones. Lemmon Falls (pictured) was one of the prettiest. We were amazed at the shear amount of falls in the area. We ended the day of waterfalls at Shoshone Falls, always a stunning place. We were relieved to make it to the Keeler home in Lehi, UT after a great day.
Sunday, May 24th, 2015
Day 1: We left Washington after church to head for Idaho. In Oregon, we stopped at some Oregon Trail locations, including these wagon ruts at Deadman Pass and some outside Baker City. We stayed with Aunt Mary in Boise after a nice drive.
Saturday, May 23rd, 2015
We left George Michael in charge at home. Hopefully he doesn’t throw too many wild parties while we’re away.
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015
Amidst some hot May days, we had a nice little bit of relief and a pretty rainbow.
Monday, May 18th, 2015
Before leaving on our trip, we got together for dinner with Grandma and Grandpa. The boys had fun playing on the big play structure after they ate their burgers.
Sunday, May 17th, 2015
Trying to get Gideon to fall asleep at night can be difficult; especially when he takes breaks from being restful to rolling around on the floor and giggle.
Friday, May 15th, 2015
Magnus got this LEGO ship for his birthday, and it has been a favorite. Thanks, Anton!
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015
Dana got a remote for his camera. He tested it out on some stuff around our apartment.
Tuesday, May 12th, 2015
Magnus got some water marbles for his birthday, and we made some today. They are pretty mesmerizing.
Monday, May 11th, 2015
We went out to the Cedar Creek Grist Mill today because we felt like it. It was as pretty as ever.
Sunday, May 10th, 2015
Visiting Else’s house Dana found this spider catching a bee. Dana is liking his new camera.
Saturday, May 9th, 2015
We went to the waterfront to give Dana’s new camera a spin. Magnus said he would protect Gideon. Awww!
Friday, May 8th, 2015
Magnus was a dentist today. He made everybody come in for a check-up complete with swishing and spitting. Thanks for keeping out teeth clean, Dr. Magnus!
Thursday, May 7th, 2015
Dana finally decided to sell his big Star Wars LEGO. It was fun to build and fun to own, but it was time for a new camera, and this paid for most of it.
Wednesday, May 6th, 2015
Magnus put a puzzle together he got for his birthday. He is pretty good at it.
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015
We had Magnus’s big birthday bash tonight. He chose to have a Rescue Rangers theme for his cake. He loved his presents he got. He really loved his Captain America and Thor figures from Brian and Star Wars Rebels LEGO from Anton.
Monday, May the Fourth be with you, 2015
While organizing the storage unit, Dana set the bouncy chair out. Gideon then proceeded to climb in it and take is old place back. But now he is just a tad too big for it.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2015
Happy Birthday, Magnus!
Magnus is turned 4! We had a nice little dinner and strawberry cake at Farmor’s house to celebrate.
Saturday, May 2nd, 2015
Ruth wanted to visit the craft store, so the boys walked around the classic car show that was happening outside in the parking lot. Afterwards, we had a nice Sushi lunch together.
Friday, May 1st, 2015
The new Simpsons LEGO figures came out today. This one reminded us of Will, so we got him one for Father’s Day.
Thursday, April 30th, 2015
Magnus set out these Legos because he was going to use them to build a robot.
Wednesday, April 29th, 2015
I’ve been babysitting for a friend of mine on and off. Today the kids made masks. Pretty terrifying if you ask me.
Tuesday, April 28th, 2015
At the coast we found this cookies and cream soda. We tried it today. It was just OK.
Monday, April 27th, 2015
We went to the beach today! We played at the waterfall at Hug Point. Everyone had a great time.
Sunday, April 26th, 2016
I made Golden Graham smores bars. For some reason they did not turn out as delicious as usual. We still ate them all.
Saturday, April 25th, 2015
We went to the rock show at the Armory! It did not disappoint. Dana and I found lots of neat rocks. Magnus found a couple too.
Friday, April 24th, 2015
Dana is now a merit badge counselor for the hiking merit badge. He went with the scouts today on a 10 mile hike to Hidden Falls.
Thursday, April 23rd, 2015
In the process of weaning Gideon. Sometime bedtimes means mom hiding under a blanket while Gideon sits on her head and cries till he falls asleep.
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015
Sunny enough to go to the park today! Gideon is starting to go down the big slide.
Monday, April 20th, 2015
We went exploring in the Gorge today. We found some pretty wildflowers.
Sunday, April 19th, 2015
We didn’t get to celebrate Else’s birthday till tonight. She requested chocolate raspberry trifle. So we made that for her. We love you, Farmor!
Friday, April 17th, 2015
We did a test cake for Magnus’s birthday. I think this was apple cider cake with caramel frosting. It tasted fine, but we ended up opting for a chocolate birthday cake.
Wednesday, April 15th, 2015
Happy Birthday, Else!
We have been having shoe overload by the front door, so we solved our problems by a trip to Ikea. Yay for shoe domination!
