The Perfect Snowshoeing Day

December 1st ended up being one of the best snowshoe days I have had in years. I was at work Friday and a friend from soccer posted pictures of her snowshoeing in the American Fork Canyon and it looked amazing. I had no idea there was enough snow in the canyon because the valley had not had any snow yet. Her post made me realize I needed to get up there. Amber was willing and we had a great day. We hiked from Tibble Fork to Silver Lake. We were in deep fresh snow the entire way. the sun was out and it was a gorgeous day.

 Luckily Megan, My soccer friend had broked the trail the day before. We were still working pretty hard, but we were grateful the trail had been broken most of the way.

 There was so much snow and it was so pretty.

 Moki was in heaven!!! Anytime she went off trail she was buried in the snow. It was so fresh and deep.

 This is one of my all time favorite pictures. It is so beautiful.

 Moki had to stay behind me in the areas where we broke the trail because it was so deep.

 It really was the best day with the best snow!

Then to top it off I met my brothers in Salt Lake at the Pie for some pizza.

 The weekends go way too fast!

Temple Day

Caleb invited Anthony and I to join him for a session in the Provo City Center Temple. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Thanksgiving!!!!!

Everyone except Caleb was in Oroville for Thanksgiving. That is a lot of people but it was also fun. It was a crazy year to be home. The Camp Fire was still burning. The fire that destroyed the entire town of Paradise among other little places as well. After hearing of all the destruction and pretty much being glued to news updates it was good to see family and be near them.

I was able to spend the night at Angelee's. We had a good old fashioned sleepover. Her husband, Nick, was a very good sport. We talked late into the night and woke up way to early to volunteer at a %k race. So fun to spend time with Angelee and be out serving!

 after the race I headed back to Oroville and we got ready for Thanksgiving. My mom invited all of my Dad's family. We reserved the church so we had a bigger space to eat and hang out. It was a really fun afternoon with lots of visiting. I was so grateful to be surrounded by so many people I love.

 It was a fun afternoon of food and games and visiting. Unfortunately that was the only time we got to see everyone. Ben and Katie had other stuff going on and our extended family all live far enough away that we didn't see them again.

Aaron using his dog whispering skills.

 Audrey is obsessed with Moki. I think a lot of it is Moki's texture.

 Mikila, Angelee and I went out to dinner and hung out. So fun catching up! Overall it was a busy long weekend. It was great to see friends and family.

Poor Anthony had vertigo the entire trip. He was out on the way back to Utah.

Nieces and Nephews

I just have some cute pictures on my phone of my nieces and nephews that I want on my blog. I love these kids so much. They make me so happy. Caleb just went home for the weekend and sent me a picture of each of Ben's kids. Gosh they are adorable!

 I am in love with this picture of Olivia. She is beautiful!!!! She just turned 9. The sweater she is wearing is what I sent her for her birthday. There is a story about it. I have had one for years. I was wearing it around her and she kept touching it and said she loved it. After a while she said maybe you can get me one of these for my birthday. This was three or four years ago. Well they are not cheap and so I had to find one on sale. I have looked every year and never found one in her size on sale. This year I not only found her size but also her favorite color!!!! I think it looks lovely on her!

 I thought these pictures Katie posted of Braxton and Olivia on Halloween were so cute.

 The last Sunday of October was Aunt Loralie's birthday. We went and had dinner. All my Utah siblings and all Loralie's kids that live close came. It was such a fun night with family. We visited, ate, played games, played with the kids. The boys all watched the Jazz game. We all doted on little Audrey.

 I mean she is adorable!

Just a couple more pictures of Audrey that Sam has sent. This girls is too cute!

I can't wait until Thanksgiving. We will all be together and it will be so fun!!!!!

More Hiking!

I have been hiking so much! I am trying to stay in shape for my trip to Everest Base Camp that is coming up. Moki doesn't seem to mid. We hike most days after school and then sneak in a longer hike on Saturdays. The time changed last night and basketball starts this week so we will see how that changes are evening activities.

I had the opportunity to do a Saturday hike with a former student and athlete, Coral Gardner. It was so fun to reconnect with her and here about her life. She is a great kid . . . well person:) We wanted to hike Nebo but we got all the way up to the Nebo Loop and the road was already closed. Total bummer! I think they closed it because of all the fires up there this year. We were bummed but still determined to hike. Another hike that has been on my list is Spanish fork Peak or Mapleton Peak. It starts at the campground in the Mapleton Canyon. It was a steep but gorgeous hike. We for sure got a great workout in.

We ran into the snow right before we got to the lake. We stopped at the lake for lunch and went up to the top of one more ridge before we decided we didn't want to hike in the snow anymore.

From the Lake looking out.

Our turnaroun spot. Moki loves loves loves the snow. She was so happy laying in it.

 Have to get a selfie in:)

 It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. According to my apple watch we hiked 9.11 miles, climbed 3,383 ft, burnt 1,387 calories in five hours and fourteen minutes. It was a workout!

On Halloween I always head to Jana and Ben's to hang out. I never take any pictures . . . LAME! Before I made it to tehir house Moki and I tried out a new hike. We hiked up Dry Canyon. We just hiked up for an hour then turned around. Our totals were 1:51:50 hiking time, 4.32 miles, 692 calories and 1797 elevation gain. It was a great workout with some gorgeous valley views.

 

Friday evening we had a great hike up Slate Canyon. We hiked a total of 1:18:59, 3.67 miles, 1,468 elevation gain and burnt 749 calories. It is definitely fall in the canyons.

 

The best moment in the hike was the view of the sunset right as we were getting to the parking lot.

Saturday Amber and I hiked up Rock Canyon. We went to the campground. I didn't take any pictures. It was pretty chilly in the canyon. We had a great hike.It was 5.81 miles, 2:26:29 was our time, we climbed1,679 ft and burnt 721 calories. It was a good start to a Saturday.

One common thing about hiking in Utah is you always go straight up! I have been loving my hikes in the evenings.