Happy Trails to You!

Colin’s Family came to see us for his graduation in August and to bring his twin brothers up to their fist year of college (our little guys are getting so big!). As past of their trip they found a place where they wanted to take us all horseback riding. I’d never been on a horse before and had always been intimidated by them. When I was a kid, I remember hearing my mom talk to a friend’s mom about some kid that got kicked by a horse and suffer major damage. Being a  overly cautious child, I decided then and there that a horse was no place for me. Later, I worked  in a treatment center for girls that had an equestrian program and realized that many of these horses are the gentle giants others had always made them out to be. I got to feed the horses, pet the horses, saddle the horse—and then watch someone else ride them.   Kinda a bummer. So I made sure that riding got put on my permanent bucket list. Plus, with a guide that looked John Wayne, Roy Rodgers, and Yosemite Sam all rolled together (See below. Note mustache), I was sure nothing could go wrong.

I cant remember now what my horses name was. It was either something regal like Duke, or something to do with peanut butter like Reese’s. I guess memories are funny like that. The moment I got on top of he he started to trot around. Even with Yosemite standing guard, I would have thought my reaction would be to yell “where’s the breaks!!” shortly followed by “devil beast!” and threats of turning the people who got me into this into glue. But to my surprise I just started laughing. It was actual uncontrollable laughs of glee at something that wasn’t in the least bit funny. After that, me and Duke Reese’s were the best of friends.

It was funny to see Colin up on his (Buttercup maybe?). He had gone particularly paternal on his particularly hungry horse. “No, no you! This is no  time for snackin’! Move along.” He also got particular joy from saying “hold your horses.” In our home, lame puns are pretty common parts of conversation. I’m pretty sure when I get old I’ll be one of those old ladies who tells the baker he has nice buns. The again, in a retirement community, that’s probably tantamount to sexual harassment. I’ll have to re-think the habit.

Adorable Otters from the Seattle Aquarium

You cant help but love these little guys! Otters are my favorite and I always look for them when we go to the aquarium. Just another thing to get crazy-stupid excited about.

Sunday Walks

Recently, we’ve made a habit of going on walks Sunday afternoon. Sometimes we’re too lazy to go anywhere further than our own neighborhood, but this week we were a little more adventurous and decided to do the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.  When I first moved here from Virginia I thought I would never acclimate to the severe lack of trees. And while I still wouldn’t trade my trees for Utah’s hot and dusty summers, I’m beginning to see that the place may have a beauty all it’s own.

Roof Top Concerts

How much do I love going to the free Roof Top Concerts in Provo?
More than Barbie loves changing careers.
And that's a lot. 
Friday we went to see Fictionist with frosties in hand. It was absolutely perfect weather and there were plenty of puppies and babies for me to mooch. I was relieved to find out that the one who licked my ankle was of the canine variety. Colin and I made octopus jokes and gawked at hipsters. 
All and all, a pretty perfect night. 

Saddest Day Ever!!

Colin took this in our front yard this morning. So much for spring planting this week!

Amateur Photography. Just pretend to like it

Took these for the BYU south campus stream and trail photo contest.





This was part of the photos we took for the BYU South Campus Water Feature Photo Contest. We didn't win the contest but we did spend a nice day outside taking pictures. We got free "River Rock" ice cream and rock candy. Sounds like winning to me.







What can I say? I like pipes.

Snowshoeing

This week Colin and I went snowshoeing for president's day up in Provo Canyon. This is an activity I never would have done before meeting my snow-loving husband, but since he was so excited, we had to go.  I can stay that even as a staunch cold-hater I had a lot of fun. We were worried that with no snow in the valley, we wouldn't have very much to work with up the canyon, but to our surprise there was more than plenty. As awkward as a snow shoe looks, it's really not bad to walk in. It seems like the snow was a lot more awkward for people around me who ended up punching three foot deep holes in the snow bed with each step.

Below is a little fun we had with snow shapes. It's a heart. I know it's hard to tell.

 
 


This is a snowman we made. Well actually we stumbled across one that someone else made. But I did change the former letter "g" into a letter "c" for Colin. It was a lot of work, but what is a loving wife for anyway?

I just like this picture.

We tried to make another heart in the snow once we got up higher, but we overestimated our stamina and ability to see large shapes at distances. When we were done we saw a few footprint paths leading back to what we thought was a trail back where we started. By the time we got down there we realized they abruptly ended at a small cliff. At least I say it was a cliff. Colin was almost ready to go sliding butt first downward across a tree lined 75 degree slope. It looked like some of the people before us had taken this route and smoothed out a bum sized chute down the hill. Judging by the footprints some had turned around and come back too. I decided to keep my spine intact and try for the latter. 

Portland Trip