Our Christmas Tree

This year we went to chop down our very own Christmas tree! It was my first time hiking through the snow for the perfect pine and I had a blast! We were so lucky becuase they weather ws great and we spotted the tree from the road so we didn't have to hike too far up the mountain! We took Jasper along and he loves the snow. We put it up the second we got home and decorated it that night! So much fun! I love Christmas!

Lately...

Here is a quick update on our busy life and some cute pictures!

For Halloween this year (yes I know I should have posted this a month ago!) Cole and I had to help out with the Institute Trunk-or-Treat...because it is our calling! But we were happy to do it and love being Institute Reps! It was supposed to be outside and all the cars were going to be parked in a circle with the candy in the trunks...but we had to have it inside the institute building because of the weather so it wasn't a fun as it should have been! But still fun! There were alot of people, candy, donuts, hot chocolate, and music! Each ward had to decorate a doorway (instead of a car). Chad, Anna, and Cambree came up from Saint George to help. We were all Zombies if you couldn't tell. And 15 minute Zombies at that! I got off work just in time to throw on that awesome dress and slap on some makeup. I wish you could see my shoes in the picture. They were lovely. Cambree was a spooooky witch! And refused to wear her hat most of the night... but she was still cute!

The day after Halloween, Cody blessed Macy. We went to visit her Halloween night in hopes of catching her and Savanah in thier cute costumes, but Vani was still out catching the candy and Macy was bathed and ready for bed! I snatched a cute picture with Macy...check out my sweet t-shirt! Don't be jealous.

I was able to go home for Thanksgiving...but Cole had to stay home and do HOMEWORK! I felt so bad. It's his crazy O-CHEM class and it's ruining our lives... Ok, that is extreme but it is seriously putting a damper on things. Like Thanksgiving! I went to Delta Thursday morning and came back home Friday morning. While I ate turkey and mashed potatoes, Cole ate Burger King... because it was the only thing open. Sad stuff. I did bring him home some good eats though. And we did have a ward Thanksgiving dinner earlier in the week. Jasper had fun though! His best buddy Ruger was there to play with so he was non-stop crazy for 24 hours. All my family was home (minus my husband) and it was good to see everyone. I love my family sooooo much! Both of my families! I didn't get to see the Rasch's on my short lived trip and I miss them very much but we will be home for Christmas in a few weeks and we will see you all very soon! Here are some pictures!

Jasper on the ride to Grandma's!

Cambree loves dill pickles!

Anna giving Jasper some sugar!

Me and Camzilla!

Holly and Chad!

Jasper and Ruger's never ending battle.

My beautiful Mom!

My lovely parents!

Mr. Daveeeee Hawkins!

Pretty ladies!

Bubba Cheese jamming out!

Auntie Holly and Cams

The three stooges! Jasper, Ruger & Zoey

Christie, Derek, Chad, Dave...watching the Jazz game!

Jasper pouting on the way home. He didn't want to leave!

Meet Barry!

Cole called me yesterday while I was at work to tell me about this adorable Boston Terrier he spotted at the Cedar City Animal Shelter. He was on his way to the park with Jasper when he saw Barry outside in the shelter's dog run. The shelter worker let Cole get Jasper out of the car and go into the run to play with the little guy! We wanted to take him home so badly but don't think our land lords would let us have another dog in the house. Sad. I sure hope someone adopts him soon. He is a sweetie! He's house trained and knows basic commands. He loves to play fetch. I played with him for a bit after work and he loves tennis balls and the swimming pool! If anyone wants a good little buddy, go get him! Sadly the shelter here is not a "no kill" shelter. They only keep the dogs for a week or so before putting them to sleep. It makes me so sad. I hope all those lonely dogs get a good home soon.

Another HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Yesterday was my baby sister Anna's 20th birthday! Wow! I can't believe she is already 20. I went down to St. George to watch Camzilla while Chad took Anna out for her B-day. While she was out eating yummy Outback... I was eating mac and cheese with the little lady (See picture below) and watching what else but...MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE! Ha! She did at one point scream out Bebob (Sponge Bob) so we watched a little of that too. She's a funny little girl! I hope you had lots of fun last night sis! I love you lots!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Mama Leslie's B-day was Monday the 12th! Sadly we had school and work and were unable to go home to celebrate...but we are headed there tonight for some party and laughs! I haven't been home to visit since the end of July so I'm super excited to see everyone! We LOVE you lots!

Today is my nephew Austin's B-day and he turned 7! Happy Birthday Bubba! I can't believe he is getting so big. He'll be baptized next year...I'm so excited for him! Love you big guy and miss you lots!

The Narrows 2009

The last weekend in September, we went to Zion Narrows with a group of Casey's friends for some good solid hiking. It was so much fun. We hiked the entire 16 miles in one day. Most of the group made it in 10 hours. A few of us (Cole, Casey, and I) took slightly longer after an unfourtunate hammy pull (Casey). Luckily we were rescued and made it out safely! Ok, rescued sounds so dramatic... we had a few friends who had been waiting for over 2 hours hike a mile and half back up the river when night fell and there hadn't been any sign of us since lunch. Good souls. All in all, it was an amazing trip and I loved every minute of it! Casey's roommate had hiked the Narrows last summer and recommended renting special shoes from Zion Adventure Company. Super shoes for wet conditions! They are hideous but sturdy with amazing ankle support. We wore neoprene socks and our feet stayed so warm and comfy. A few in our group decided to wear thier own tennis shoes and got terrible bleeding blisters and rolled ankles. I felt so bad. I can't wait until next summer so we can go again! Below are lots of pictures!

This was taken just after we got off the shuttle. It was an hour and half ride from camp. We left at 6:30 and arrived to the trail head around 8:00. It was so cold! Only 40 degrees! It did warm up though!