Buckhorn Basin

Hieroglyphs are pictures that are drawn onto the face of a rock or other surface and stand for an object, sound or idea or so says the Itchy Feet Traveler. We saw some on our trip to Buckhorn Basin recently. I really wasn't expecting to be impressed at all. Seriously...whatever is at the end of a 5 hour car ride had better include my kids or Disneyland because nothing else will allow me to forget that I just sat in a car that long. This place wasn't quite as cool as seeing my kids but...it was pretty dang cool.

These Hieroglyphs are 1000 years old!! I loved making up my own interpretation. This one is a family pic with a heart below it. Obviously I pull that from my own existence. I miss my own kids so much that that is what I would plaster on every single wall I could reach.

We were here with my Dad and Zeffie. I love the relationship that my Dad and Jim have. They have been buddies forever and I love that they like to do the same kinds of things together.

The weather was perfect. It was warm (for mid-November) and sunny. Not a cloud in the sky. We just couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.

Sunshine and stunning vistas made this a top ten day for sure!!

This was before the hiking part of the day (which wasn't bad at all).

Dad, Zeffie and Jim reading a bit of the history of the area.

Fall foliage and blue skies.

The sheer cliff that the hieroglyphs were on went straight up from the ground. It was awe inspiring to stand there and think about the people who stood here 1000 years ago and drew on this rock.

I'm not sure how soon they can convince me to go back...not without staying the night somewhere close by. But I do want to go back and see more.

Who wouldn't want to see this again??

First Snow

It snowed for the first time three days ago. It was beautiful. Big fluffy flakes softly falling. It was magical. I was glad I had my tree up so I could sit by it and watch the snow while listening to Christmas music.

Luckily is melted down here in the valley. I know we will get more. I'm just not quite ready!!

And this cute boy got a haircut!! Isn't he just the cutest thing!!

The Little Cupboard: Before

This little cupboard has been handed down through our family through three/four generations. My Great Grandfather (Grandaddy) made it. It has been around forever!!

Jim helped me fill some holes. 

There is a lot of wear on this piece. A lot of love too.

Layers and layers of lead based paint.

It's going to take a lot of work.......

But I think it will be completely worth it!!

Stay tuned.......

Halloween

Let's start with a couple pics not from Halloween. This boy is growing so fast!! It is killing me to be so far away from him.

He is sassy and sweet. And completely perfect!!

He was Thomas the Train for Halloween (or as he calls him, Favass). He could watch Thomas all day and play with his trains at the same time.

Jim dressed up to hand out candy this year. He was so excited to sit in the driveway with our little propane fire and see all the kids.

He dressed a little scarier for the older kids. It was funny to watch him try to scare them.

Later we snuggled on the couch and sent funny snapchats to our friends and family. We are so funny. LOL

Garth Brooks 2.0

About 22 years ago my mom and sisters and I went to a Garth Brooks concert in Pocatello, ID. It was in the old days before the internet. Mom and Dad and Travis switched off staying with Michelle and Kim while they slept out in the parking lot in line for tickets. I was 7 months pregnant with Jo so they gave me a pass. Our tickets were terrible. BUT WE WERE THERE. It was a really fun show and we loved spending time together.

Our tickets still weren't the best....but again....we LOVED it. 

Mom wasn't where we could see her this time...but we were together. And we had a great time!!

We had dinner The Cheesecake Factory.

Then walked over to the concert arena. Garth was as good as ever. The guy in the pink shirt and black hat is him.

He sang and entertained and we danced and sang right along with him.

He was energetic and played all our favorite songs.

This shot was before the show started. It was a FULL house!!

We laughed. We cried.

And we talked about how lucky we are to have each other. The biggest blessing of moving to Utah has been being able to see these girls all the time. I have missed them and their kids.

I think if he tours again we'll try to grab a show...and maybe better seats this time. After all, the third time's a charm!!

All About the Dogs

This post has a TON of photos of my dogs. Mostly Darla. So feel free to skip this if you aren't a dog lover. Sometimes Darla just needs a snuggle.

Sometimes she's pretty sure she needs fed.

And apparently dad thinks three blankets on the couch equals an explosion. Guess he forgot what Jo's room looks like!!

There are times they get along and share.

Darla loves her belly rubbed!!

Darla is a super freak. She's super freaky.

She likes to sit on my chest and gaze adoringly at me. I mean, who wouldn't.....

I know she wants me to do something....I'm just not sure what....

I always know what Nellie wants. One of two things...go for a walk or food. She's easy!!

Darla is a little more complicated. Food, play AND sleep are on her list as well as snuggle, praise and more food.

If you ask Nellie, "Who's here?" she will look toward the door until she's sure no one is coming to see her.

If you are still reading this you are a true dog lover (and you have too much time on your hands) ((just kidding)). Thanks for being my friend.

The Cook Off Prizes

I wish I had taken some before pictures (I can tell it's been a while since I did a project like this!!). I was asked to come up with prizes for the chili cook off our ward is having at our Fall Festival this week. I went to Deseret Industries and hit the jackpot! Three plaques that I spray painted black. I used my dusty vinyl cutter and cut some plaque filler....

Then I glued spoons on to represent the places (the bigger the spoon, the better the place). 

They turned out better than I imagined (which doesn't happen very often AT ALL). 

And the rusty ladle goes to..........