Natural Bridges with Jodi

Jodi came to visit for the weekend.  Her bucket list included a fun hike so we went to Natural Bridges.  We didn't want to do more than a 5.5 mile journey so I horrified my daughter and actually hitch-hiked from the first to the second bridge so we didn't have to do the overland hike.  Worked out great. We didn't get murdered and we didn't have to hike two or three miles after we were back out of the canyon just to get back to our car. 

Photobomb as only Jodi can (and regularly does):

Only one drawback to a perfect day: Jodi touched something she was very allergic to and really had some uncomfortable moments on the trail.  Her hands looked like red baseball mits. By the time we hiked out she was feeling fine but decided that in the future she ought to travel with Benedryl.

Photographer's note:  I love beautiful landscape photography, but unless a person is in the photo, it just isn't quite as interesting to me.  Guess that is why I love taking pictures of families.

Kindred Spirits

One of the most important truths I took away from Anne of Green Gables was the notion of "kindred spirits" or people you meet here on earth that you must have known before you came to earth and are just destined to become bosom buddies.  Susanne is that kind of friend.  When they moved next to us in Monticello as we were both just starting out, it felt like we had always known each other.  We moved away but now that we are back, it sometimes feels like we never left.  I walk with the same gals I walked with as a young mom 30 years ago.  Cassie, Susanne, Cyndra as well as a few new faces (Tanya and Julie) meet at the same corner early every morning and hike up to the reservoir and back.  Balm for the soul. These friends are the same great people they were all those years ago only more refined and more wonderful than ever. 

Susanne had a Grandma school and I offered to take them to Blanding for a few fun festivities.  I couldn't resist taking pictures.  My favorite shot was the one of Great-grandmother Ruth Nielson and little Ruthie.