9.04.2011

Escalante - Coyote Gulch


If you ever have the chance to go hike some of the slot canyons in Southern Utah . . . DO IT!  DO IT NOW!  It was the most beautiful and unexpected scenery I've ever encountered.  One moment you are in a pure desert environment with nothing but sand, sage brush and cows as far as the eye can see.  The next moment you are delved into an oasis tucked down hundreds of feet below the desert surface.  It's cooler, greener and protected from the hot sun.  

We hiked down into Coyote Gulch located just above Lake Powell.  In total it was about 12 miles.  We spent one night down in the canyon and did a "one-way-hike" up the river.  The lush vegetation, natural arches, and company made for an amazing trip.  Kayden got to stay home with Nana & Papa Stahl - but we are seriously thinking of toting him along for the ride next time we go.










Time Flies, Kids Grow, and Lessons are Learned


Time Flies
*Here we are 8 months later from my last post.  I can't believe it's already September!  I loooove September, fall, and all the holidays contained therein.

Kids Grow
*I categorize "kids" as both my wonderful son Kayden and my hubs Brett.  Kayden is going to be 2 this week and that causes some serious reflection.  Where have these two years gone?  He can even say, "Happy Birthday!"



*Brett had a birthday turning 29.  He's having some anxiety with being so close to 30 - he can't believe he's that young.

Lessons Learned
*I know with complete confidence that the Lord has a sure and steady hand in my life.  He seems to provide me with "lessons" that have been long overdue or even some reminding.  
*Families are forever and how grateful I am for that!  If I knew that after I am gone I wouldn't be able to see those I love most again, well what is this all for then?
*Perseverance.  Whether that is in my personal or professional life, it is all the same: push through to the end.
*Patience & Empathy in all things.  I sure try at this, but it is certainly hard.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle".




Summer and Some of its Events


Kayden loves to get outside and I love to be outside - so it's a great combination!  We've gone on a few bike rides, hikes, camping trips, road trips, to a few farmer's markets and started some new "Chapters" in our lives as a family.  Brett went back to school and is hoping to finish with a degree in Hydrology.  I'm so very proud of him and his willingness to work hard for his family.

**K after a bike ride to Kaysville's Farmer's Market


*Growth of the beard on my Hubs

*Some fun swimming time at Nana's

*K picking some wildflowers on a hike
**K with his "no pants" policy whilst camping

Visit to Holter Lake, Montana

*Family Photo at July visit

*Boat ride to Gates to The Mountains

*Great fireworks show outside our back door

 



1.27.2011

Validation

Maybe if we all gave each other the uplifting compliments we needed to hear, we would go about our days with a more happy demeanor.  I've just been thinking alot about how we treat each other, whether stranger or not, it has more impact than we can ever imagine . . . even just a smile.

1.11.2011

Christmas for Kayden

I think I could forgo all gifts for the rest of my life if I could watch Kayden open gifts and get excited as he did on Christmas.  It made me extremely happy.

*Enjoying his Mickey Mouse Airplane from Great G & G Bennett

He's such a wonderful addition to our family and we are so grateful for his sweet little self.

1.06.2011

Black Dog Touring


Hey all!  Feel free to follow our other blog: Black Dog Touring Co. 

We are really excited about this!  We will be posting photos, stories, experiences, and adventures that go along with BDT so keep your eyes peeled for new posts.

-Mal

11.25.2010

Random Pictures





 
just a few photos I found on my phone ...... so cute!

11.22.2010

Family Photos

We did a combined photo shoot for family pictures and Kayden's one year pictures.  It was so much fun!  We had my cousin Malissa Mabey do our pictures and had fun taking them around a friends "farm" up in Manuta.  It was looking like fall and was so beautiful.  She did a wonderful job!








*This is a photo that captures Kayden's personality to exactness


*He loves pretending to drive . . . such a boy!

Halloween



This year was kind of a bust, but we still had Kayden dressed up. . . it was pretty dang cute, especially since he toddles about.




He's growing up too fast!  I can't believe I have a child who is walking and talking (sort of, in his own language atleast).  We sure do love him!