Crossroads of the West

So way back like a month ago we went to Zions National Park and some other places with my family. I know I said I was working on these posts a few weeks ago, but that was pretty much a lie. Unless you count vaguely thinking about the fact that I needed to post about it. But, I figure you don't really want a whole lot of blah blah blah about all my summer vacations, so just look at these pictures. They're more interesting anyway. If I waited until I was inspired in the literary realm, this story would never see the light of day.

BEHOLD... the first day...

So as we were driving down to Zions we saw this motorcycle towing a Barbie houseboat trailer. WTF?! Was it a trailer disguised as a Barbie houseboat or just a Barbie houseboat? Why, for the love of all that is good and holy would you possess such a thing?! People are INSANE.

After seeing the Barbie houseboat we got pulled over by a couple cops so a giant dump truck bed could pass us. It was HUGE.

Thus ended the first day. And it was good.

BEHOLD... the second day...

Waiting for the shuttle bus.

These kids. Sheesh.

The squirrels on the Narrows trail had no fear of humans. Seth actually nudged one with his foot and it just sat there. A few of these guys just about got stepped on!

Seth likes to pretend to hike while he's hiking.

Hiking the Narrows.

Lily and her dad. They made a pretty cute team.

I love this picture of Seth. *swoon*

Annie looks like she's crossing the river to kick my ass.

Such a cute little family. Gotta love these guys and don't even get me started with that kid.

J.R. started carrying Lily through the deeper water. She was good at playing "damsel in distress."

Group shot... minus Annie and Eric who turned back a little earlier.

Later on that night we celebrated my 30th birthday. Meh, 30 is way easier to say than 29 anyway.

The festivities were moved inside due to windy conditions (hard to keep the candles lit in a breeze). Notice my monkey face. Now THAT'S hot. Thanks for the gifts everyone, and those cupcakes rocked, Mom! I'm pretty sure I ate like 5 of them.

Thus ended the second day. And it was was good.

A Bit of a Motley Crew

Ok so there's some good news and some bad news. Good news is I've been taking a lot of pictures lately. Bad news is they're all piling up and I'm a little overwhelmed with them and don't really know where to start so I'm procrastinating in hopes that some magic fairy will come and take care of it all for me.

Alright, alright, I know there are no magic blogging fairies. So I guess that means I'm going to have to tackle this myself. To start the multitude of really amazing things to come, I thought it fitting to introduce you to my family. My dad took some family photos during our recent Zions trip and they all turned out so great! I can't wait to get these printed up and hung on the wall!

The crazy kids who started it all...my Dad & Mom a.k.a Fred & Denise. Best parents ever. My dad loves Fresca, can you tell?

My older sister, Corinne and her family. That's my bro-in-law J.R. holding Bryce. Corinne is holding Reid.  Lily is front and center with Ella on the left. Such a cute family. Wish I could see them more often... it always seems like the kids are growing up so fast. Love all those dark brown eyes!

This is my younger sister, Annie with her husband, Eric and their adorable daughter, Belen. Aren't they the cutest? Love that these guys live so close. Makes it easier to be the favorite aunt! HA!

 It's hard to be this good looking, but we take our trials and deal with them the best we can. (But seriously... isn't Seth so amazingly handsome and manly? I love those baby blues.)

Eh, it could be worse!