ZION and more.....

Court of the Patriarchs

“One hardly knows just how to think of it. Never before has such a naked mountain of rock entered into our minds! Without a shred of disguise its transcendent form rises preeminent. There is almost nothing to compare to it. Niagara has the beauty of energy; the Grand Canyon, of immensity; the Yellowstone, of singularity; the Yosemite, of altitude; the ocean, of power; this Great Temple, of eternity—” -Frederick S. Dellenbaugh

With a craving for a bit of nature we packed our bags and drove north on the I-15 to Zion National Park. Last summer we made a visit and succeeded at the small, touristy hikes, therefore we agreed that we were up for something a little more challenging this time. We began at the River Walk/Temple of Sinawave trail and walked the mile in to where the trail ends. From this point on you are wading through the river, hiking on rocky banks and at times crawling over large rocks. Since we got a late start we didn't know for sure how far to extend ourselves up the canyon knowing that we would also have to hike back out. Since this is the tail end of the Narrows hike I was determined to see some super narrow canyon. At every turn of the river we decided that maybe ONE more turn would be the one. Finally we made it to the Orderviile Y and walked up into the narrow canyon that was about 12 ft wide. After a few snacks and some water we put ourselves in reverse and trekked back down the river proud that we had made it so far. I told the kids that maybe next summer we'd attempt the full Narrows hike from the top...... I guess we will have to wait and see!

Walking down the trail....

Beginning our hike in the river

Gorgeous canyon walls that surrounded us

Jason and Jace crossing the river

Lauren and I crossing the river

Mr. Skinnyton....

Lauren and Jace in the "narrow" canyon

Jace, me and Lauren

Family photo

Lauren resting on a rock at the end of our hike

Jace you rock!!




That night after our hike at Zion we drove up to our cabin in Cedar City. The next day we drove up over the mountain and stopped to admire Cedar Breaks for a bit.

This furry squirrel was waiting to greet us

Lauren and Jace at Cedar Breaks



Since our Zion pass was still valid we drove the back road on the 89 highway and into Zion from the top and went through the tunnel. We had lunch outside at the lodge and enjoyed the great scenery. It even sprinkled on us for a bit.

Jace after lunch

Jace liked this little waterfall on the trail to Weeping Rock

At Weeping Rock

Jason and Jace at Court of the Patriarchs

Jace, me and Lauren at Court of the Patriarchs

It was so nice outside heading out of Zion that we rolled down all the windows and nearly blew the kids away...... and they loved it! Sadly we had to return to the dust ball we call home but we get to look forward to going back again someday......

Smarty Pants......

SCHOOL'S OUT!! SO HERE'S A WRAP UP.....


LAUREN:

-Survived 5th grade

-Mr. Friedrich was her teacher again- she had him for 3rd grade too

-got her Great American Award which meant she memorized:

*Pledge of Allegiance and had to write it in cursive with no spelling or punctuation mistakes *Pre-amble
*Gettysburg Address
*States and capitols in alphabetical order
*All the Presidents in order

-her class wrote and performed a play titled "The Homework Excuse" in which Lauren played a mime

-She recieved awards for "A" Honor Roll, citizen ship, Great American, and Grand Gladiator(which means she scored "meets standards" or above on CRT test)

JACE:

-made it through the 3rd grade and had a great time

-his teacher was Mrs. McNeil who Jace says is the best teacher ever

-enjoyed playing silent ball

-got awards for "A/B" Honor Roll and Excellent Gladiator (which means he "exceeded standards" on all parts of the CRT test)

The medal around his neck is for the "Excellent Gladiator" award

CHANDRA:

-took a summer Sociology class and got an A+!! In fact since I had a 99% I was exempt from the final exam.... that was nice!!

**Now we can enjoy our three whole weeks of summer break before we start it all over again!!!**

Guilty as Charged

*bystander effect(bystander apathy) is a social psychological phenomenon that refers to cases where individuals do not offer help in an emergency situation when other people are present. The probability of help has in the past been thought to be inversely proportional to the number of bystanders; in other words, the greater the number of bystanders, the less likely it is that any one of them will help.



Was I actually going to threaten the norm and be on time for Sociology class? Time, for the moment, expressed a great interest in being my ally. Wait for it. A red light can make you wait, but only when you don't want it too. I notice something. Something in the intersection. It is moving. The ambulance making the left turn also spots it. The driver looks at it with a thoughtful glance but continues on his way, though his sirens are dead. My eyes stay focused on the situation while my heart hopes for success. There is something jangling and jingling from it. It must belong to someone,I should check. Perhaps someone will. Those people are closer, they surely will intercede. Must be on time for class. Good,it has moved out of harms way. Oh, my light has relieved my impatience. The gas is once again flowing and the clock is still in my favor. Made it! Listening to lecture. Sociology is an interesting science, it digs deep into why we behave the way we do. Still listening. Time to go. My morning commute is now in reverse. Made the light of that intersection this time. Driving through it I notice something. Something in the intersection. It is not moving.


(Dedicated to the little vanilla creme colored chihuahua that I felt compelled to help but brushed off figuring somebody else would. It had a collar and license which meant it was most likely loved. RIP little doggy)

*Brigette, I know you would have done the right thing- I still talk about your dead dog story.....

Lauren's Dance Recital

Every Thursday night for 9 months finally paid off on June 19th when Lauren had her dance recital. She and her class performed a tap number to "You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home" from the Hannah Montana movie. Their costumes were super cute and sassy and definately fit the dance.

Family photo after the recital

Lauren promised me plenty of photo opportunities, but when it came down to taking the pictures I got more attitude than cooperation. This one turned out pretty good though. I keep telling her that one day she'll wish she had more pictures of herself--- not working......

After the recital we went to BJ's and had a late lunch/early dinner. We even got a free Pazookie because they burnt Jace's pizza and he had to wait for them to make another.

Please Don't Snog my Blog........

though you may be tempted to.......

Friday, April 9, 2010. Wanted to see Neon Trees and 30 Seconds to Mars but the days had waned on with no luck of winning tickets. Three hours before the show was set to begin Jason and I decided that we would highly regret it if this opportunity drove on by. So I called the box office, got ready and we picked up our tickets at will call (no fees that way!). To our pleasant surprise our stubs led us straight to 3rd row center. The Pearl was quite full so our only contrived explanation to our premium seating was that the seats must have been on hold and released last minute.

The Neon Trees opened first. I learned of them from a friend and became an immediate fan. The best part is they're a bunch of Mormons from Provo! After they performed I caught up with them in the lobby and got a few photos and had them sign the CD Jason had bought.

Tyler (the singer) and me

Elaine (drummer), Chris (guitar), me and Branden (bass)



Neon Trees on stage



Next up was 30 Seconds to Mars. All you ladies out there who are my age I'm sure you remember a show called "My So Called Life." Everyone was in love with "Jordan Catalano"- his real name is Jared Leto and he is the singer of 30 Seconds to Mars. Now you know and knowing, my friend, is half the battle......
Jared sporting a pink mohawk

The place went dark and some random drum soloist came out on stage. Just when I was about to open my mouth to complain, Jason nudged me and pointed to our aisle. It was dark but I could tell something was going on. Just then a spotlight shown down upon a pink mohawk. Yes it was Jared Leto less than FIVE feet away from where we were sitting. It was a highlight for sure!

He talked and sang there for about 10 minutes then took off running through the crowd and jumped down to the floor area to make his way back on stage.

Saturday, April 10 we had the distinct honor of attending the concert of Muse with Silversun Pickups as the opener. Thanks to persistence, these tickets were free, won from 107.5. I really enjoy both of these bands so I was really looking forward to this night. This concert was held in the arena at Mandalay Bay.

Jason and I waiting for the concert to begin....

Muse on stage

They had great effects during the show and put on an extraordinary concert. When a show is that great you can't help leaving an even bigger fan.

Two great shows in two nights, it doesn't get much better than that! I have to add some footage of the concerts below. As usual the sound is crappy but I love the live action- almost like you were really there!! Well I was really there, but since you weren't, well I guess some of you might have been- just check it out.....

Neon Trees.....

Some Muse......

*disclaimer: blogger pretty much sucks at uploading videos so I only got these 2 up. Anything longer tha 40 seconds it just can't handle it! Step it up Blogger!!

HeRE i gO AgaIN.....

1. Glee and excitement soon turned to sadness and mourning-

Jason caught Jace this lizard just days before his birthday. Lizard was fed and sheltered yet still succumbed to death a few weeks later, much to Jace's dismay. The old saying still holds true-"It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all." RIP little lizard......

2. Memorial Day weekend is always fun when you can get out of town.

Took advantage of the long weekend by going to the cabin in Cedar City.

Lauren brought along her friend Shelby and together they had fun trying on the funky hats at the antique store.

Jace's hair was growing out of control so we talked him into a trip to the barber shop.

Ready for summer now!! Looks good!!



Lauren and Shelby drove around the go cart until it ran out of gas..... then we filled it up and they drove some more!


I had the privilege of shooting Jace's new BB gun.




Jace shooting his BB gun




He is such a good shot that he shot this lizard right in the head. Poor little lizard!!

Jace was the first to shoot through the red dot.

3. Cousins + swimming = lots of fun!!

Cousin Koben's first swim!

Jace causing trouble

Lauren's friend Haley giving cousin Ava a ride in the water taxi

Jace giving cousin Jaxon a ride in the water taxi

these two plastic cups entertained Jaxon for quite some time

relaxing in the spa!

4.1st annual Cub Scout carnival. Will the fun ever end??

the pic a part yard donated this car to be smashed up. This "game" had the longest line all night. I believe Jace did some damage on his turn!

Jace and I ran the bean bag toss game. When Jace saw this picture he laughed and laughed- he thinks he looks weird!! He told me not to put it up but it's the only one I got so too bad!!

5. Jace's first season of soccer comes to a close.

Coach Cory had a swim party for the team and handed out their awards.

6. Eight kids that are all bored?? Take them to the Springs Preserve!

It was a wee bit too hot for the playground

everyone say "traaaash"

watch out for the flash flood!!

Lauren and her friend Haley getting cool by the stream

and that my friends is what we have been up to. THE END

you gotta check out this video. The girls were driving the go cart around but Ray (the dog from down the street) kept running in front of the them. It was quite funny!