Oh Utah, How I Love Thee...Part 1.

Or in other words, the only time of the year when I wonder why I live in New York. 

 

There are so many pictures that I will be posting, that I can't do my whole Utah trip in one post. 

Well, I guess I could, but I would rather not.  That's a lot.

 

First of all, let me just acknowledge that I may be a little bit obsessed with taking pics of great scenery, which Utah is full of.  Not sorry about it.  Starting with my customary backyard pictures.   I'm in love with this view!  Not bad to come home to, I think. 

 

I loved, loved, LOVED my trip home.  It was a long one; 2 1/2 weeks.  But every day was great and so worth being home for.  Except for the day I was a little bit sick.  That was kind of a bummer.
I arrived on the 3rd so I could spend the Fourth at home.  The first thing I did in the morning was run my first race!  I ran the Freedom Run 5K in Provo with Cyndi and her family, although most of them did the 10K.  I'm not that cool yet.  But it was actually really fun, and I got a great time!  I was so proud of myself.

Elissa, lighting up the world, as usual.

The rest of the day was spent at Seven Peaks with Dave, Mike and kids (herding cats, I tell you), and then just at home where we hung out, barbequed, lit fireworks with the little ones, etc.  A great, relaxing day.  Post Seven Peaks, that is.

Sunset in Mapleton

Mom and her scones.  Of course.

 
For the whole next week we were up at Aspen Grove family camp in Provo Canyon.  We have been before, 8 years ago.  It was even better this time.  So gorgeous up there in the mountains, and beautiful weather to boot.  We had a great week. I discovered a love for the pottery wheel, though when I will get the chance to actually delve into that craft in my life I have no idea.  Maybe when I'm retired.  I'll write myself a note so I remember how much I liked it.  But I especially liked it when Sarah and Mike recreated the Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore pottery wheel scene from the movie "Ghost."  And of course I was singing "Unchained Melody" to provide the soundtrack. #gross

Finally getting to meet Maggie.

Lucy, just taking it easy.

Dad and I training for the Hunger Games

Best photo bomb ever.

Crafting

James.  This kid.

We did family competitions, swam, ate, hiked, and hiked some more.  With that came the requisite family talent show, heart to heart conversations, and just kind of a nonstop party.  Have I told you my family is great?  And the KIDS!  I can't even start.  But I'm going to.  I have the best nieces and nephews.  Ever.  From the oldest who are on missions and preparing for college and just becoming incredible adults, to the babies.  There is nothing better than a teenager actually wanting to hang out with you, and a toddler wanting to snuggle. 
And everything in between.  I'm just in awe of my siblings and the way they are raising their kids to be such amazing humans.  I can only hope to take advantage of their examples with my own. 

Matt, just taking a moment. 

Ainsley proving, once again, that she has no fear.

My girl Eva.  I couldn't be happier.

Dave and I also climbed a rock wall and did a ropes course.  I used to climb occasionally with C; it has been a long time, and it was a little bit scary.  The ropes course- I was sitting there waiting to go, and I all of a sudden remembered that I had hated it the last time I did it.  It was terrifying.  What was I doing??  I think I really do have a fear of heights.  I hated every second of that dumb course, but I did it, dang it.  I did it.  And Dave sported a nice steri-strip all week from some mishap, proving how all out he goes on his quests for a good time.


Amy turned 16 while we were at Aspen Grove.  She is one of my favorite people.  I loved getting to spend her birthday with her!  Oh, she makes me laugh.  And Jonny turned 14 on the same day.  He is such a sweet boy, quickly turning into a man!  Crazy.  What a great big brother. 
Tim, Carolynn, and Tim's brother Jim and I hiked up and around Stewart Falls. 
It was a beautiful, slightly cloudy morning, so the fact that we took some serious detours only added to the fabulousness of the day.  

Eva and I had a little bit of a crush on each other.  I felt great about it.

Just hangin on Day 6. 

Sarah and James, LIVING.

Can we talk about the family dance at the end of the week?  Let's do.  It sounded a little cheesy to me, honestly.
 A big family dance, that would then wind down so that the teenagers could continue with their own.  But let me tell you.  It was SO FUN.  We Ridings, we know how to party. We were all, old and young, babies to teens and adults, shakin' it like a Poloroid picture. (Thank you, Outkast).  Sweaty, hyper, freaking out all over our own little corner of the room.  Even the teens weren't embarrassed to be seen with us, which is quite an accomplishment, I think.

It was an incredible week.
I laughed so hard, and played so much.  And did I mention that there was BYU Creamery ice cream and BYU mint brownies up there? I may have eaten one or the other of those every day.  At least once.

But really, I just need to sign off using the Native American name I was given.

Aspen Grove was a rousing success.

Love,

Mighty Stallion Mountain Song.

(Soon to be legalized).