Backpacking in the Uintas

Don and I went backpacking this last weekend to the Uintas. Grandma Dona watched LiLi for a few days (thank you!) It was the first time I'd been away from LiLi for more than a few hours. I cried.

We camped at Gem Lake. It was close to three other lakes, Joan Lake, D26, and Echo. They were only about a 1/3 to a 1/2 a mile away, except for Echo, which is about an hour away. Joan Lake ended up being my favorite, it was the prettiest, the most swimmer-friendly, and the most pristine.

This was my first backpacking trip. After strapping on our gear, we scrambled straight up a deer trail for about an hour. That's when I realized that Don was slightly crazy, or maybe just completely crazy. He was actually taking it easy on me. Usually he hikes all day there, and all day back, pausing for a day in between to fish.

Don also had a lot to teach me, how to filter water, fish, build a descent fire (it's a lot harder to do it without lighter fluid...give me some slack, we made boondoggles and did skits at Girl's Camp,okay??) He was a very patient teacher,...(bless you, Honey for putting up with your "outdoor challenged" wife). Fishing was fun. I caught a few fish, the dog (that one wasn't my fault), and *cough* myself. I don't really want to talk about it.

Needless to say, we really did have a blast. Between Don's gourmet backpacking meals (i.e. the best fish tacos you've ever had in your life!), swimming, hiking, exploring, photography, and just relaxing, we couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Just me, my honey, ten thousand mosquitoes, and breathtaking views. It was hard to come back, although having a cute baby that I missed like crazy made it a lot easier. Here are some pictures from our trip:


Gem Lake- filled with blooming lily pads, and complete with an amphitheater of sandstone cliffs, it was a peaceful place, and we had the most success fishing there.

I am a chronic "water-gazer".

All of the sandstone was covered in lime green lichen, I loved it. As if the place didn't have enough color.

Lady and I did yoga together (although Don says it looks like I'm praying to her). She's a natural at the "downward/forward facing dog" poses.

Joan Lake- crystal clear water, with just the right temperature for a hot summer's day. It felt like my own personal garden, with terraces of sandstone, and wildflowers everywhere.




Echo Lake- twice as big as Joan's Lake, ideal for canoeing; it's also located near a waterfall, and easy to get to.

The only time I can get Don to smile for the camera is when he's in the great outdoors.

The Sweetened Condensed Version of Our LIves

I hate to view my blog as an on-line journal. And you've probably noticed, I'm not very good at keeping all y'all up to date on the things that are going on in our lives. But some major things have happened that need to go on this blog, so let me give you an update of the things that have happened in the past two and a half months. It's been busy.

For starters, we moved to Bountiful and bought a house. I don't have a picture of our house yet. And I'm too lazy to go take one right now. Sorry. But it's a cute little starter home about 2 minutes away from where Don works. It has wonderful popcorn ceilings and retro wall paper. Both of which are coming down!

A week after moving into the house we got a dog. Her name is Lady, and she's part boxer, part lab. Which apparently is called a Boxador. I like Loxer better. She loves to play fetch with her bright pink ball.


About a week after that Adelei was born. This is actually her at 3 weeks. My little vanilla bean. She makes me happy. Yesterday she rolled from her stomach to back, and peed on my pants through her diaper. She also smiles and coos everyday now. Sometimes, if she's really happy, she'll squeal.



















A month after that Ashley, my little sis, was married on June 22nd, to Cody Robert Webb.





















And since then we've had a series of family reunions (one on the fourth, the other was with Don's family last weekend).
This is our first candid family photo. Adelei's fussing, and I'm not looking at the camera. Here's to keeping it real.



















Oh, and I also chopped a foot off my hair. Do I miss it? Surprisingly, not really. It's easier to take care of, I actually do it more, and it doesn't get tangled in Addie's little hands. Short hair is kind-of liberating. I've also had a career change from Civil Engineer to stay at home mommy.

Okay, now that you're all up to date, now I get to do the fun part. Here are some pictures I've taken over the last little while that make me happy, and a video at the end with my darling nieces and nephew taken on the fourth that I just have to share.



So, my life is pretty sweet right now. Especially with Adelei in it.