The Grand Canyon

I've never been to the Grand Canyon (at least not since I was a baby). So when Patrick's parents asked us if we wanted to go, we were pretty excited. The drive was long but so peaceful. We stopped at the cutest little cafe called "The Three Bears."

When the scenery started changing into brilliant oranges, I was in awe. I couldn't stop staring at the magnificence that surrounded me on all sides. The scenery was so altogether different than what I am accustomed to...and soooo beautiful.

Looking over into the depths of the Grand Canyon literally took my breath away. I have never seen anything in nature so utterly fascinating.

And hiking it? Now that was an experience. We woke up at 3:30 in the morning, started the hike at 6:30, hiked over 7 miles down the South Kaibab trail, ate lunch (at 9:30) at Phantom Ranch (walked a couple miles down there) and then hiked back up the Bright Angel trail (nearly 10 miles more). Patrick and I completed the hike at 2:30 pm. There were so many lessons I learned. It was simply amazing. I will be finishing up a post for my other blog (writinginthestillness.com) that you can read about the lesson I learned while hiking this trail. It was amazing. And I can't believe I did it.

Also, as a side note, we visited the historic Route 66 twice during the trip to eat at little restaurants. So I guess I can finally say, I got my kicks--on Route 66!!

All in all, it was a trip to remember. I just loved spending time with Patrick. He will forever be my very best friend and I relish any time we get to spend together alone. Thank you Mom and Dad for such an amazing trip!!!

General Conference and Easter Weekend

Around these parts, our family counts down to Conference. It's as special as Christmas for these littles. Our activities this year included: painting birdhouses (thank you Grammy!), coloring giant posters, and drawing/writing notes. 

In-between sessions we planted our fruit trees. We now have three apple and three peach trees, all of different varieties.

Then, while Patrick went to Priesthood, we took baths and colored Easter eggs.

A few of my notes from Conference:

EASTER MORNING:

We woke up and had breakfast together and then the sweeties went on an Easter egg hunt for all of their goodies. We surprised them with brand new albums we had made from Instagram. We hope to add more pictures of them as the years go on so they will have a nice little compilation someday when they're all grown up.

Afterwards, we listened to Conference again, which was enriching and such a blessing to my soul. It never fails to provide the much-needed refreshment that I seek.

Between sessions we drove over to Nana and Papa's and enjoyed the last session with them.

Nana and Papa created a lovely Easter feast for us and we gathered as an entire family around the Easter table.

It was a beautiful day indeed.

We celebrated an early birthday party for Dad, Mom, and me. While everyone went outside to eat their cake and cupcakes, Patrick and I stayed in to enjoy a few minutes (literally) of solitude. My mom even provided us with candlelight. It was delightful--other than the fact that we look like we're on a Daddy-Daughter date since I was on a tiny chair and Patrick was on a tall bench...

And this, was one of my favorite quotes from Conference that I decided to hand-letter:

Holidays are always amazing--because we can share them with the people who matter so much to us. Family is everything!