Youth of Zions :)

Well, I am embarrassed to admit it, but I finally went to Zions for my first time (at least that I can remember). It was glorious, I am ashamed it took me so long. We only went for a short visit, but that is better than nothing right? This weekend was the PERFECTO getaway for Bryce and I. I have been sick the past two weeks with a nasty flu/cold/whatever that just didn't want to let me be happy. So, I decided to take Friday off and take a little time for rest. It was just what I needed apparently because I feel good as new. You know, it takes being sick to really appreciate feeling well doesn't it? I feel very very very good. Anyway, about SG, it was fabulous. On Friday we just chilled around the beautiful condo, I even got to read outside and felt WARM, it was wonderful. I watched the Aves change her baby's diaper a few times :), and loved to just hang out with her, Eliza Mae, Annie, and Brynne while the boys did some manly bonding. That night we went swimming for a little bit (it reminded me of the good old days at Nana's pool) and then we headed back home for Bryce's fav, Cafe Rio. The next day we went to Zions and went on a little river walk with the kids. I got to push Eliza for the first half and then cute baby Kole the second half, it was delightful. I just love my nieces and nephews. I had a little relapse to my own childhood when Elle started to cry because she was scared of a rock Iuri had her sit on for a photo op, sorry Dad, I probably did WAY worse than that and way more often. It was fun to feel sympathy, I know just how the poor girl felt. It was even more fun to watch Bryce save the day and go up to try to help Iuri out. Love those Melos, it was fun to spend the day with them, singing High School Musical and just talking about cool things like that :). We missed Brynnie though. That night we played a little hearts, I lost terribly, but I am going to practice Beeks. Next time, I will win and I will do it shooting for the moon. It was a great trip...I am sad to be back to real life and dealing with parent teacher conferences, tests, no child left behind, and things like that :), but oh well...that's what makes vacations great right?

Here's Bryce and I, loving every minute of Zions. We can't wait to go back and do a little hiking, although, I may pull an Elle Xs 100 if we have to hike Angel's Landing.

Just me and my buddies. Thanks to Ansie and Kates for letting me steal their children constantly. They were most excellent company.

I was trying to make it look like we were rugged hikers. Did I achieve that? I don't think so...looks more like Zoolander.

Poor little Elle Boo--aka Mandi jr. It was a really high rock though, so I give her props for climbing up in the first place. I especially loved that Jona (2) climbed up and almost jumped off with no hesitation :).