What better way to spend Memorial Day than with a hike? I'm pretty sure everyone else in Utah thought the exact same thing.
I can't remember the last time I hiked up to Stewart Falls but I absolutely loved every minute of it! It's a super easy hike that is just the right length. And definitely worth the view!
Utah is definitely showing off this time of year. I am so grateful that it's finally green!
There is just something about being up the canyon that is so refreshing.
No trip to Stewart Falls is complete without actually going in the waterfall...
I think Aspen trees are the coolest! Especially in the fall when the leaves are gold and they shimmer in the wind!
Wow, the last week. I went for 7 weeks straight and let's just say I was exhausted. But I was looking forward to making this week one of the best! It started out RAINING. What in the world. It hasn't rained all summer. So it was kind of refreshing but kind of a downer at the same time ha! From the minute I met my girls I LOVED them! They were adorable and so much fun! I loved talking to them and getting to know them throughout the week.
Thank goodness for SWIG this summer. It was so fun to take a little adventure across the street during free time with our kiddos and lucky for us, we got free drinks and cookies! There really is power in the polo.
Wednesday is hike ROCK CANYON night. I've absolutely loved this place ever since David took me rock climbing three years ago. The weather was perfect this week. Overcast and not too hot with a slight breeze. It was glorious. Our whole group got to stay together this time so it was so fun to see the kids bond and enjoy some nature! Plus there was a beyond gorgeous sunset at the end.
These kids were rockstars. Seriously, even though most of them were just 15 years old, they were so mature and were ready to really apply the things they were learning at camp. It was so fun to discuss with them the principles of the book. They also got so close to each other and we were able to create this environment of trust where they really opened up and talked about some deep things where we were able to help and support each other. It was awesome!
This is my friend Alex. We bonded over good books, traveling, piano playing, being counselors, missions, and wedding dreams. You could really talk to Alex about anything. He's also an amazing dancer and I loved waltzing across the dance floor with him on friday night.
On friday night after the dance, we had to make our way back to the dorms in a giant RAINSTORM. It was pouring. Hence, our lovely soaking wet picture we took to remember the moment.
Now, this week was not without its challenges. But I honestly feel like I was just prepared to do whatever the Lord asked of me this summer. It was so taxing emotionally, physically, and mentally but I know that I wouldn't have had the same experience if it had been easy. i wouldn't have learned as much, I wouldn't have had the same interactions that I was able to with His children, and I wouldn't have had the satifaction of knowing that
I can do hard things.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be a part of this camp this summer. It really does change lives. It's amazing how much control we have over our lives and that we can create new habits and do things that will allow us to be more productive and successful in our lives. Just like with the gospel, when we work on ourselves we then have the capacity to reach out to others, and then we draw upon each other's strengths to make things happen! It's awesome.
Today was one of the best fridays I've had in a while. Let me just remind you that it was February 6th and 65 degrees.
That obviously deserved a celebration. I started out the morning by doing some homework and going to my violin lesson. I absolutely love taking lessons this semester! It continues to amaze me how much I don't know about my instrument! So that was very productive. And then I came back home and watched a show and cleaned my room.
At noon, I went with Elijah to hike the Y. It's been 3 1/2 years so I figured it was about time that I do it again. I was wrong. But at least it reminded me of how much I don't like it haha! I don't know what the deal is, but there's just something about that hike that is not my friend. Once you get to the top, it's not even bad! But the whole way up, you just want to die. But we did it! And we sat on that spray-painted white concrete on the mountain and looked over the whole valley. It was beautiful. Utah, you're almost as good as WA.
Elijah has almost mastered the selfie. I was just proud of him for actually smiling. It's a struggle sometimes! He even sung a few songs on the way back down. He is always so optimistic!
We came home and made smoothies. A healthy choice. I was thinking about how warm weather totally changes people's moods. There's just a certain feeling in the air that seems to say, "Everything's going to be ok!" "Go adventure, be free" "Count your blessings and be grateful"
It's quite devine. and even though there's a time and place for each season, I am thoroughly ok with the sneak peak of spring.
Next stop of the day was long boarding the canyon with Aaron and Tyler. Pretty sure it's on my bucket list. Definitely thought I was going to die. Mary + long board + speed/turns = no bueno. I like to think I have good balance and control of myself. That is, until you put me on a board with wheels. But I'm brave and courageous and adventuresome, so it needed to happen. Right from the get go, I hopped on the board, tried to go down this little mini hill, totally panicked, lost my balance, was going way too fast, and in a whirlwind of events, I ended up on the ground with a very bruised boo-tay and sore neck. I told the boys right there that I was done and that there was no way I was going to make it 45 min down the canyon. (who in their right mind would do that??) but somehow they convinced me that I was going to be ok and so on our journey we commenced. And it was an absolute BLAST! Seriously, I loved it! There was just something about that freedom and being in nature and that weather and the wind in my face that was liberating. And the boys were so helpful and patient with me!
Moral of the story. Never give up. What may seem impossible or painful at first always ends up being rewarding. You just have to believe in yourself, have a little faith, and keep going. Today, I'm in a lot of pain. Like as in I've only left my bed a grand total of 3 times the whole day and when I did, I walked around like an old lady. But it was so worth it.
I rushed home after that, showered, and then headed over to the WILK to have dinner with Bryan. Then we went to see Big Hero 6 at the Varsity Theater. Such a good deal. Only $1 tickets! The movie was super cute and hilarious! And yes, Bryan was right, it makes you want to be an inventor and change the world for good! We also got to sit by Jared and Amanda which was fun. Freshman year reunions are always so good. Then off to the other side of campus to get Bryan's car and then to Pizza Factory with all his roommates for Brayden's birthday! They even brought him a pizza in the same of the number 22. It was the coolest. I had never been there before so Bryan and I just split a mini Hawaiian pizza and a couple breadsticks. It was very good! To finish the night off, we went to their apartment and they were just watching youtube videos. We weren't so sure about that so we were just talking and then started playing ticket to ride. I absolutely love that game. And I always win...(most of the time)
It was a jam-packed, fun-filled day! I am so so grateful for my amazing friends and for the quality time we get to spend with each other! Days like this fill you with hope, with joy, and with a sense of fulfillment. Here's to the many more to come!
I seriously couldn't have asked for a better weekend! Let's just say I'm really grateful for my amazing friends, for the wonderful college that brought us all together, and for the opportunity to adventure.
I think I'll just do some storytelling through pictures.
and so it begins...
those boys and their silly faces...
First of all we spent the car ride listening to Aaron's playlist of music. Quite a controversial topic.
false. I only like a few songs.
at this point, we just rolled with it.
if it has t-swift, it's a win.
the loot of treats. so healthy...
requests:
Bryan: sour patch kids
Aaron: jerky and pringles
Jared: york peppermint patties
and we played a little bit of catchprase. It's gets preeetttttty intense.
3 1/2 hours later we made it to St. George. Home of palm trees, 60 degree weather, and just all around goodness. We watched BYU dominate in some rugby. They looked like this.
kiiiinnd of intimidating.
BYU 50 UofU 22
go cougars!
Right after the game we went on a hike! And it was pretty much the greatest.
We'll begin with some pictures of Jared in the wild.
football in hand. such a natural
he literally just ran up the mountain like it was no big deal
he wanted a picture of his
"best climbing pose"
The kid was all over the place haha!
While we hiked we tossed around the football, sang songs, and tried not to get poked by the cacti.
here we are at the trailhead!
this is what we climbed:
and this is how we got there:
(look close!)
but first, we took a mini-climb to a little cave.
don't they look like they're in a movie?
the closer you look, the funnier it gets.
Aaron's pose and Bryan's face are priceless
Sometimes I just like candid pictures
I absolutely LOVE rock climbing soooo much! It was seriously the best thing ever. I just felt so free and empowered. I felt like I could just forget about everything and enjoy the beauty around me. It almost felt like summer. And I'm starting to learn that summer is most definitely one of my favorite things. So basically I was on cloud nine. I had gone ahead of everyone else and I loved those few minutes when I could just be by myself and just take it all in. We live in an amazing world, and really at that point in time, I couldn't have asked for anything better.
And now the view from the top.
"May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sun(set), enjoy God's creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you - as His precious daughter or son with divine potential" --Elder D. Todd Christofferson
look at that stud!
photo cred: Aaron
You could say we're a pretty good lookin' group
We were jammin' to The Carpenters and John Denver. Major throwback haha!
and now...just because you can never have too many pictures with one of your best friends:
we made it up just in time to watch the sunset. it was presh.
photo cred: Aaron
Then we made our way back down the rock on the opposite side.
the most important thing we learned: watch out for falling rocks!
and some of us learned more effective ways of going down...
look at that cute girl!
When we made it down, we were sweaty, cold, and kind of worn out, but still very happy campers.
and then we ended the day with a trip to the temple grounds.
It was absolutely beautiful.
We took a lap around the whole thing and then stopped at the Visitor's Center.
The best part was that we all got to speak our mission language!
They have sisters that speak english, spanish, french, and german! Basically some of the best languages out there! So we took our sweet time socializing. It really is quite fun that we're all returned missionaries and that we can share those experiences and talk about those 18-24 months that changed our lives.
I really missed my mission that day. I would give anything to wear that nametag and testify about our Savior 24/7 again. What a huge blessing it was. The spirit was just so strong there and I miss having that opportunity to just talk about and apply the gospel so fully each and every day.
We ended the night by staying with our dear friends, the Del Toros. It was so good to see them after so many years! The one thing they wanted to make sure of is that we were converted to St. George. The beautiful view from their porch definitely helped with that.
We watched Miracle and then headed off to bed.
For your viewing pleasure, this little kid never gets old.
We got up early the next morning to make it back in time for church.
When I walked outside that morning, it felt like paradise.
The way back was a blast! We shared lots of mission stories and played Heads Up. Our favorite category is Hey Mr. DJ. We're pretty cultured when it comes to music!
Going to church, all nice and clean, was definitely a great way to end our trip. I'm grateful for the gospel and for the blessing it is in my life. I'm grateful that I have such great friends who share the same standards that I have and that we are able to uplift each other and support each other through everything. I'm grateful for such wonderful examples of hard work and dedication. And I'm grateful for these fun people who are always up for anything and who help make life so enjoyable.
Here you'll find all my favorite things and get to read about my adventures with friends, family, and my third graders. I'm Mary Abigail and I'm so happy you're here!
