Snowshoeing in Big Cottonwood Canyon to ring in the new year. A stop along the trail for much needed refreshment. Pull out the backpacking stove and "Presto" hot chocolate and doughnuts... YUM!

First day of school...again! (already!!)

Well the girls started school again yesterday (Mon. the 28th). McKenna is now in 4th grade and Katelyn is in 3rd. Although I haven't had near enough time with them, they seemed excited to go back. Anyway...here's some fun first day pics.

Another trip to "The Spruces"

We returned to "The Spruces" for another visit. This trip was especially nice because we got to take Grandma Bonnie with us. We also got to have Grandpa Steve and Uncle Scott spend a night with us. The trip was filled with laughter, hiking, good food and "squirrel catching". Everyone had a great time although the time was too short as always.

The Spruces

One of our families favorite places to go is The Spruces up Big Cottonwood canyon. Not only is it an absolutely beautiful spot but it's also so close to home. We have camped there many times and always have a great time. This last week Gary and I went up by ourselves because Katie and Kenna are gone visiting their Dad. We were lucky enough to have some visitors on Sunday though....Garrit and Kalee brought up their kids, Brie and Gage. It was Brie's birthday that day so we also got to celebrate with her. She has decided she wants to be in a rockband so of course Grandpa thought she'd need an electric guitar. She had so much fun jammin' away. Gary's sister's Tami and Lisa came up and also Dani and Joel came with their kids. We had a blast hanging out with everyone and eating yummy food. After they left, Gary and I stayed for another couple of nights. It was so nice to just relax and enjoy some time being together. We got to watch three moose that were hanging out in the campground next to ours. We enjoyed listening to the creek that ran right through our campsite. All in all it was a fabulous few days!

Another year of school is gone...

Well you have to wonder how time flies so fast. McKenna and Katelyn have finished another year of school. Kenna will now be heading into fourth grade and Katelyn into third. I can't believe it! They are growing up way too fast. We are so proud of them for all their hard work this year. Kenna has learned to write cursive and do multiplication. She is the greatest story writer. Her teacher has encouraged her to learn the writing process and McKenna just eats it up. She loves to show me her outline, rough draft and final draft. She writes so many creative stories. She has also made some great friends this year. She got an award at the end of the year for testing in the top 10% of the nation. We are very proud of her accomplishments.

Katelyn's class has been able to do quite a few fun things. I was able to go with their class on a few of their field trips which of course was an adventure. Katelyn has turned into the best little reader. She has tackled the Harry Potter books and is now in Book 4 which I believe weighs more than she does. McKenna is also reading them however Katelyn has caught up to her big sister even though Kenna started quite a while before Katie did. Little Katelyn is quite the determined soul. If she puts her mind to something there is no stopping her! The girls have both had a great year and I am so proud of them.

Backpack Adventure

We had a new adventure this last weekend... We packed everything that we needed in our packs (which got rather heavy) and hiked to "Desolation Lake". Which is situated in the top of the Wasatch range at an elevation of about 9,000 feet. We spent the evening alone with a campfire and some dehydrated food. The next morning we climbed to the Wasatch crest and looked into Park City. After eating some super yummy dehydrated eggs we packed up and walked out. Now from Andrea, a few things Gary failed to mention. First of all, this was much harder than I ever thought. It seriously kicked my butt. Three days later I am still incredibly sore. Second, I think someone should teach a class on how to properly pee outside. That's all I have to say about that.... and third, if you ever go and you say, "honey should we bring the bug spray?" and he says, "I think we'll be fine without it", DON'T listen! Just hide the can in your pack. He'll be glad you did too. We really did a fun time though...

My new car!!!!!!

So after waiting and waiting for things to be perfect for us to buy a new car for me, we finally did! Gary decided his wife who is now an LPN deserves a shiny, brand new car. Lucky me!! Katelyn has been telling me our car isn't worth five bucks but she thinks this new one is awesome! Anyway, I had to share....