Family Vacation

We are in Brian Head, Utah right now on vacation with Eric's family. His parents rented a very nice cabin for the whole family and we are enjoying our stay here. Yesterday we drove into Bryce Canyon and did some hiking. It was so much fun. I have never been there before, and it was amazing!! Ryan did alright. He wanted to get out and walk around, we were all so nervous because there are drop offs all over around the hiking trail. It was fun to watch all the guys and us following every movement Ryan made, trying to make sure he didn't fall off a cliff. They were so much fun watching them play with Ryan. We are having lots of fun! Here are some pics from yesterday.

Ryan watching the chipmunks! It was so cute!!!

Camping

Well, we finally made it out camping! We went up into the Uintas yesterday afternoon, found a great spot at Shingle Creek and spent the night. Ryan was a hoot. He is a natural in the outdoors.

The first thing he did was get a huge handful of dirt and throw it. He was filthy within the first 10 minutes. We got camp all set up, Ryan loved helping.

He "helped" hammer in some of the stakes. The ranger came to our camp and got us all set up and told us that there had been a bear seen the day before about 700 yards from where we were camping. What a perfect way to freak me out! I was up a good chunk of the night last night, especially after I heard a gun go off at 2:00 am. But even with that I loved it! Ryan got a bit cold, so he slept in the bed with us and he did so well.

Yesterday afternoon we drove up to Mirror Lake and walked the trail around it.

What else was fun...

Ryan roasting marshmallows

Watching Ryan throw rocks in the lake

Kicking Eric's butt at cards...yeah!

Ryan actually falling asleep in the car while we drove

Watching Ryan scarf down his breakfast

and Just being together. I loved it.

Oh Dear!

On Saturday as I was scrubbing the house... I heard a bang and saw some kids by my car. I ran outside and they came up and said that they had crashed into my car while they were playing on their bikes. Wow, they hit the car hard!! There is a huge dent in the side and it broke part of the back light. Luckily, the kids fessed up to doing it and we spoke to the father of the boy yesterday. He is going to have it fixed. Thank goodness they are being so good to work with.



Now we only need the passenger side front side to get repaired and then we'll have a new outside to the car.

Girls Camp

The past couple of days I have been at Camp Piuta with the Young Women in our ward. What a great experience it was. I was a bit nervous going since I just miscarried a couple of days before I left, but I am so grateful that I went. The youth in my ward are some of the most exceptional ladies I think I've ever met. There was never any "drama" with the girls, they were so welcoming and inviting to all of the girls and leaders there. They were grateful for all the time and effort put into it and they were so pleasant with great attitudes. I feel so lucky to be able to serve with them. I really think that I needed those couple of days to cope with what I've just been through and the young women and other leaders were amazing for me. I know that miscarriages are common, but that doesn't make it any easier when you are going through it. If any of you are reading this please know from the bottom of my heart that I love you and am so thankful to have spent these last couple days with you!

Now for the fun pictures. The pic above is Julie, Holly, Annie, me and Camille during the hike. We went on an amazing hike. The Earth is the most beautiful creation and we hiked in some magnificent areas of it.

Katie and Holly (I couldn't get her attention to turn around)

Chars face in this picture absolutely cracks me up! I had to add it!!!

Just read!

It's almost awkward writing this post. I mentioned on my last post that we were going to be expecting our second child in February. Well, yesterday I actually lost the baby. We spent the afternoon in the Emergency Room and it was confirmed that I was miscarrying the baby. We are doing alright, but are obviously very sad by the news. I just thought I should let everybody know so hopefully I won't have to do it in person. It's much easier just writing it. Sorry for this to be such a downer, but there you have it. Hopefully the next post will be more upbeat!

Happy Independence Day (Belated)

I love the fourth of July! Yesterday was just a wonderful day. We got up early to get to the Parade and get Eric registered for the race. He ran the 5K in 20 minutes 14 seconds. Wow! Ryan did so well during the Parade, except for the part where he fell on the street on his head. Yeah that didn't go over too well. The problem was Ryan got sick as the day progressed. It was not a head injury...thank goodness. He spiked a fever and was just so sleepy the whole day. We were still able to make it to the fireworks in the evening. He was beyond exhausted when the day was over, but we had a great time.

I guess the other bit of news for us is that we are going to be expecting our second baby in February. We found out a couple weeks ago that we are having another baby! Ryan and this one will be close together, but hopefully I can handle it. We are so excited and hope this pregnancy goes much better than Ryans did. Fingers crossed!!

Yeah, it's been a while!

(A favorite Photo)

Sorry for the delay, but boy has life been crazy lately. The weather is nice and warm and we have been spending lots of time outside and napping. The heat just drains it out of you. I love this time of year. I think Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays!!! I love the music, the patriotism and the fireworks! Hopefully we can post some fun 4th photos.

Life has also been crazy because my cute little sister, Kara, recently miscarried her baby. It has been so heartbreaking seeing her have to go through this, but I am constantly amazed at how strong she is, for herself and her family. I only hope if I had to be tried with that I could handle it the way Kara did. Love ya sis!! (So, don't bug Kara if she hasn't posted in a while)

Also, a sincere Thank You to all of the armed service personnel and their families. Thank you so much for putting your life and your loved ones life on the line to fight for the freedom of us. I truly appreciate it!!!