Mike's B-Day present and Kochia's release

Good thing we both would rather do something for our birthdays/holidays rather than spend money on gifts. What is money anyway? I forgot.  Anyhow, we met Grandma and Grandpa W in Delta and stayed in their trailer for a few days.  The first full day we were down there, Mike and I decided to hike Notch Peak both to celebrate his day of birth 32 years ago, and to spread Kochia's ashes as we had promised him.  We took the east Sawtooth route (4.5 miles one-way, 9 total).  It was one of the most amazing hikes I have ever done.  To be above and have a birds-eye view of some of the most awe-inspiring places I have ever been was a very magical, spiritual experience.  To feel the deep rumble of the earth in your soul and be shoved into a meditative state is something I have only experienced in that area.  It was only appropriate to release Kochia's ashes in such a place; to feel the touch of a tragically lost friend. 
      Man....plus, it added fuel to the 'I want to climb Notch Peak' fire.  I'm in pretty poor shape still, but it only took us 3 hours to summit, which was the bottom end of time estimates I had read.  Imagine how fast we could have done it if I didn't have to watch my heart rate and pace myself accordingly!  While we were hiking, Juniper went rock hounding with the grandparents.  The next day, we all went to the Topaz Mtn area hunting rocks.  Juniper has a fantastic eye for 'sparky rocks.'  Here are a few photos and videos:

From Notch Peak

From Notch Peak

Halloween and Other Fall Fun

As the year + from hell continues, we have definitely managed to pull through more fun times than 'stable' folks come away with. Halloween was no exception. Juniper dressed up as Kiki from 'Kiki's Delivery Service;' her favorite movie at the moment. We knew 99% of the Loganistan population wouldn't get it, but Juniper would. As she unwrapped her costume, she squealed in delight. Purple dress-check. Red shoes-check. Red bow-check. Black cat-check. Broom-check.
Our Halloween tradition for many years now, even pre-child, is to go over to the Perry's house for hot-totties and go trick-or-treating with Miles and Eli. This year was no different-well, only if you count Juniper flying up to doors and saying 'twick-owr-tweat' and then 'tank-you' and flying off to the next house. However, Juniper's favorite was to run full speed with the Perry boys to answer the door, watch Miles hand out candy, and then close the door. Oh, the sugar CF!

28 months

Catching Up

It has been a whirlwind of a year this far; something that we're trying to make the best of. I'd rather not go into to any of it because it is too depressing. I'd rather highlight the positives:

Juni turned TWO! We did a super fun birthday camp out (to test our her new bag).


Since we're both looking for work, and most work is not in Utah, we've had to go on a lot of out of town trips for interviews. For Juniper's sake, we have made them into little excursions to Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon. There's way too many photos to post, so please check out our updated web album.

27 months

26 mos

Please visity this site!

Please take a moment to visit this website!

LONG LIVE B!!!

Brian

Brian

Our good friend Brian Cardall was killed by the Hurricane police yesterday.  Don't know what else to say; Our hearts are heavy and with you Ava, Anna, and baby girl.

Here's a photo (thanks Mary) of Juni roped up on a 5.5.  The rope is too much of a distraction for her; she prefers solos.

City and Castle Rocks

Last weekend, we took a trip to City of Rocks/Castle Rocks.  Juniper is quite the climber when it comes to being rope-less.  I'm guessing she's able to do up to 5. 7 slab!  Once she is roped up, it's all about the swinging and dangling rather than the climbing.  Here are a few photos.