Impromptu Bear Lake trip & Morgan's need to log driving hours

     We came up with a plan for a quick trip to Bear Lake. Not only would we take care of the camping spot but we'd also get Morgan some much needed drive time before she started her instuctor driving this week. She's a little nervous about getting on the interstates so we thought this would be a good opportunity for her to get a little confidence in her interstate driving.
     Mitch got us out of Salt Lake via I-15 to Ogden, this is where the journey began for us. We had Morgan drive from Hwy 89 into Brigham City just to get her warmed up since it has less traffic and a slower speed than I-15. She did great, so she continued her drive through Logan Canyon ALL THE WAY to St. Charles, ID.
    If your not familiar with this route it contains steep inclines and declines, switch backs, curves, only two very narrow lanes, abrupt edges to either the ragging, swollen river or rocky cliffs or sheer drop offs. Oh and I'm pretty sure there are a couple loop to loops as well! Needless to say we I survived! I have never had such anxiety in my life. I drive around with her quite a bit doing errands and just getting her practiced on the surface streets but it's a whole different experince when you're in the backseat faced with the afore mentioned factors!
    On our way home her challenge was I-15 from Ogden to home. (Mitch drove us back through the canyon of death this time). I learned from previous experience to completely occupy myself in the backseat with movies and Nintendo ds and do not look out the window! I think she did pretty good ... she did mention she preferred diving on I-15 as opposed to the Canyon! I think Mitch's stategy was to give her the hardest driving experience first...then all else will be a Sunday drive.



Don't let her fool ya with that smile




Still in a daze after the ride!

  

The creeks and lake are so full! 




Mitch's night to cook



Trying to stick an axe in a log from 6 feet away.
What a great thing for boys to learn!



Oh and as usual Bear Lake was as wonderful and relaxing as it always is! What a fun overnighter it was!

Piano Recital 2011

Musically talented as well!

Ethan has a real knack for playing the piano. It comes fairly easy for him and he seems to really enjoy it. I just love that he will be walking by the piano and just stop and practice or even just work on some of his sheet music he's picked out to learn.

Morgan is a great piano player as well and I hope someday she will appreciate her ability to play the piano, even though today she only does it because I "make" her. I am so proud of her and all that she takes on and manages!

Someday they'll thank me.... atleast that's what I keep telling myself!

Jaxon's First Fish

Jaxon got to spend the first weekend in June in Bear Lake camping and fishing.... just him and Mitch. They both had such a wonderful time together. They were the only ones that didn't have work or baseball commitments that weekend. They did a lot of work getting the camp trailer ready for the summer as well as mowing and trimming. When a break was needed Jaxon would get out his new birthday fishing pole and head to the creek!

He loves his "Bare Yake"

The Six Sweaty Chicks return to the Sawtooths

Ohh the enthusiasm and excitement the night before the relay!

Linda was excited too but apparently thought we were jumping on the count of 4?



Gettin warmed up for my first leg.



My second leg was a killer, a nice head wind.
Thanks for the Gatorade!

4:45 am! 15 min later start time than last year.



Deb - our super awesome team captain!
Check out those 'shake weight' arms!


 

Jilly Beans



Rachel performs this jump right in the middle of her running!

 



Muy Caliente



 

We finished the 62 mile relay in just over 9 1/2 hrs beating last years
finish time by 10 minutes!

 
 Deb, Camille, Jill, Linda and Rachel! What a super fun time it is running this relay. Not only does it help motivate me to get out and run but the girls weekend is a wonderful benefit as well! Can't wait till next year!


Such a beautiful place to run through!