A Little R&R With R&J

Over the weekend (April 24-26), I reunited with two old (correction) dear friends, who are getting older, just like me, at Zions Park. This is a place where we 30 years ago had gone several times with a group of friends to camp and play. This time we checked in at lodgings in Sprindale, but visited the park to play. These pictures are a random sampling, not in time order. The above is the Virgin River at the end of the Riverside Walk (Temple of Sinawava), a gently sloping walk. This is also the end of the "Narrows Hike" which is 16 miles long, much of it through water, at points with the walls so high you can't see the sun, and at one point so narrow that you can almost touch walls on both sides. I have done this ike three times in my life!! Thank goodness for memories.

This very fuzzy and friendly guy isn't shy of people. There are signs posted warning we humans not to feed the animals, that there will be a fine and to report any violators.

One of the many BIG rocks. Shot was taken outside the lodge where we went for breakfast Saturday morning. These majestic mountains were once part of 3000-feet-deep sand dunes.

Indian Paintbrush, which is blooming right now in the park, and grows readily wherever this is some sand embedded on the rocks.

Checkerboard Mesa.

Joy, yours truly and Robin. We're so happy to have Robin with us, as her past 9 months have been filled with surgery and chemo--thus, this trip was really a celebration of life.

Taken Sunday morning as we were heading into the Park--very busy, two lanes going in.

Joy and Robin on Saturday's walk to the river bottom.

Zions is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the oldest national park in Utah--was originally designated Mukuntuweap National Monument by President Taft using the Antiquities Act, later changed to Zions National Park in 1916 by Congress. The first white man, Nephi Johnson, was guided into the area by a Paiute Indian. Annual visitation in 1917 was 1000, but today nearly 3 million people visit yearly, necessitating the shuttle system, a very efficient way to allow so many people to come and visit. What a jewel here within my home state.

Moving From the House to the Outdoors

The above lovely size 13 feet belong to Victor. He turned his ankle a couple days ago while playing ball and even spent a day on crutches, but has made a quick recovery. His dad felt like he needed to get outside and move around on the ankle. Ah-hah!! I have just the perfect walking activity; it's slow and this brace will provide the perfect support for your injured ankle. Now get out there and limp along boy!!

Jared's soccer team hit the playing field for the first time this season today. Actually, they had their first official game two weeks ago, but due to a heavy snowstorm the game was cancelled. Today was absolutely lovely. His team won and here's a shot of him coming off the field and with his team doing the soccer handshake. That would be the one with the long skinny legs and the very short shorts. I think we should look around the house for some sliders.

Can't forget Tony, but don't have a picture of his time outside today. He's actually taking a golf class through the community college, as he needs a half credit of gym for his high school completion, so he's at the course swinging a club. And where if R right now? Yes, he's also out swinging a club. hmmm??

A Rite of Spring

One good thing about having your children mature is that they're old enough to require minimal-to-no supervision. One bad thing about your children growing up is that what was once a much-anticipated event loses its shine. Such is the case with decorating Easter eggs. Luckily for me, I still have one child who wanted to color eggs. I provided the prep'd eggs and Jared went to work, producing a couple dozen eggs which we used for decorating the Easter table, also providing for some egg salad sandwiches this week.

Tony chose to spend his time w/friends at his school prom. An excellent choice. I'm hoping to have a picture or two here shortly to post.

Victor went with two of his friends to meet up at the Gateway with two girls he met last year from EFY. The girls live in Davis County, so Salt Lake center was a good half-way point. They hung out at Temple Square and the Gateway. When I picked him and his buddies up at the Trax Station that night, they had smiles on their faces--a good day!!

Ahhh General Conference Weekend

It's Monday morning following General Conference, a much-awaited-for weekend!! I listened to all the sessions, 'though have to admit I closed my eyes the last session and checked in occasionally. I LOVE this weekend--casual Sunday. As always, the talks were great. There were comments on the current economic situation, but to be of good cheer. When you're doing as commanded, there's no reason to be a pessimist. Also, I noticed yesterday that there were three talks about the temple, the importance and benefits--so have regular temple worship.

Jared had his first soccer game last Saturday, but it was cancelled because we got hit with a good four inches of snow Saturday morning. Tony's afternoon golf class also was cancelled, although the snow was pretty much melted and the sun coming out by that time. R and I went for a walk yesterday after conference down at the Jordan River bottoms. It was absolutely gorgeous--blue skies and a still breeze. Wish I had taken my camera.

My parents are coming in this evening because my mom has a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning. They were in last week also. Dad went to the airport Tuesday to fly to Phoenix so that he could get their newest acquisition, a motorhome, from Quartzsite and bring it home. R had Tuesday off, we we drove my mom back to Castle Dale that afternoon. It was good for me and mom as I drove her back; we had some time to chat. R drove me home and I had borrowed Shelley's phone card so that I could work on the way home. The weather held, as a storm started coming in that night once we were back, delivering a couple inches of snow during the night.