Up until this pandemic, our family was all about getting out. We love adventures. If there is anything better than a family adventure, it's sharing that adventure with, well, family!
In February, our cousin Alesia came to visit from New York. Wow, did we play hard! Looking back, I'm so glad we seized the opportunity to get out and enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer. COVID-19 is teaching us that life is uncertain. Take nothing for granted, as it can change in an instant.
Here's Alesia picking Annika up from first grade. Wow, does Annika ever miss school, especially her teacher, Ms. Blank. Heaven bless Alesia (also a first grade teacher), who recently sent a care package with all sorts of reading for our little Annie.
Alesia came with a special present for Jason.
Isn't his hat fantastic? Alesia knit it out of yarn that came from a hat she made for her Dad (our Uncle Jay.)
Dance for me, dance for me.
Alesia helped us celebrate Valentine's Day with some special hairstyles.
Annika's feeling the love.
Cupid's cafe was much simpler this year. Cupid brought breakfast, and you could only order one thing, be it snugglin', smoochin', huggin', kissin' or lovin'. You then got the entire pot of oatmeal, a gallon of milk, the jar of cinnamon, or the whole bag of craisins, depending on what you ordered. Fortunately everyone was generous and willing to share the food love.
The rest of Valentine's Day was spent on the ski slopes at Brighton teaching Brooklyn's good friend Jasmina how to ski.
We were so glad to have Alesia there as well as an expert ski instructor.
Here's Alesia making her way through the trees.
We brought a pot of chili for dinner and skied all the way until closing at nine. Looks like we wore Eli completely out! A fantastic day all around.
The next morning we loaded into the car and headed for Southern Utah. Talia crocheted her plarn blanket to pass the time.
Our first destination? Zion National Park. Here we are aboard the shuttle bus.
A picture with my honey.
For our first hike, we ventured off to see the Emerald pools. The beginning of the trail was closed for maintenance, but we were still able to see the second two pools..
For our first night, we stayed at the new Springhill Suites in Springdale. Such luxury! If bedhead is any sort of measure, Eli slept well.
Breakfast with a view.
Zion National Park has become increasingly popular since we moved from St. George in 2013. We were pretty shocked by the backup of cars waiting to get in for President's Day weekend.
Feeling brave and ambitious, we decided to tackle Angels Landing for the very first time. We've held off on hiking it as a family until now since the trail is notorious for its steep drop offs.
Three gorgeous blondes, all up for the challenge.
Pausing for a water break.
Peek-a-boo Wheelers.
Now for the white knuckle chain section. I'm not afraid of heights myself, but as a mother I worry plenty for my children. We knew Brooklyn, Talia, and Eli would all do great, but Annika is our wild card. Fortunately she did an excellent job of listening and being cautious. She made the 1500 foot ascent all on her own. Five miles is a long trek for little legs, but she was so proud of her accomplishment. Just today she asked, "Can we hike up Angels Landing for my birthday? I love it."
Brooklyn's turn.
Um, yeah. The drop offs certainly are intense. Angels Landing got its name because it was said the only way to reach the top was to fly there like an angel.
This California condor kept us company on our ascent.
At last! The summit.
Bravo, Alesia! Thank you for your tackling this insane trail with us. Our hike was so much happier with you there.
I think your Dad was glad to be included in our adventure.
Some pictures of the whole group.
What do you think of the photo bomber?
Our adorable dude lets us know it's time to head back down.
The perfect day with perfect company.
Just grateful we didn't add to the statistics. It looks like they've already had to modify their sign.
Apparently we still wanted more adventure since the next day we headed up to Red Cliffs for some rappelling. Getting everyone set up is a lot of work, but Jason helps us all with a smile.
Jason and Talia test the ropes, not so figuratively speaking.
Alesia's turn.
She made it look easy. I love how she and Talia match.
Now for Brooklyn and Eli. I don't know what Eli enjoyed more--rappelling, or flying his drone around to video the rest of us as we made our descent.
It's a messy business, but the thrill is worth it.
The only one not completely sold yet is our Annika. She made it down...once. Truth to be told, it might be a while before she tries it again.
I still think it was the sweetest thing to watch her Daddy help her down every step of the way.
Can't blame her for feeling a bit scared. It is a long way. Plus, she got her thumb stuck in the belay device. No injury, but it still frightened her.
Once she made it over the edge and could dangle free, she loved the experience. "I'm flying!"
Brooklyn shares some love with her little sis at touchdown.
After lunch, we went for a hike. This trail is short, flat, and beautiful!
The kids can't wait to go back when the weather is warmer so we can play in the water.
Cousins are the best.
On the way home, we stopped by the new Creamery in Beaver.
We slipped in right before closing, and the place was packed. (It's strange to look at pictures of crowds during these days of social distancing. Will they ever feel normal again?)
Our double decker ice cream cones were definitely worth the wait.
Back in Salt Lake, it was back to school and the busy grind of life. (Wait, busy? That used to be a thing too, didn't it.) Still, we carved out time to make marzipan. Afte all, Alesia is the clay expert.
Dolphins, death stars, roses, Harry Potter books, and knitted hats...I love how everyone's personalities come through. Cousins are the best!
Thank you, Alesia, for sharing this special time with us. It was amazing!
On this Good Friday, our family is participating in a worldwide day of fasting and prayer for relief from the pandemic. We are especially mindful of Katie, Ryan, and the rest of your family in New York today, as the darn virus is too close to home. We love you all!
