Skipping back to cheerful recollections...
...every year the re-emergence of the yellow spring flowers makes me smile. Ski runs are swapped for hiking trails, and it all makes me happy.
This is the very first year I've gotten to enjoy these trails with a dog.
Zion has plenty of flaws, and I certainly have moments when I regret becoming a dog mom. However, when it comes to hiking the trails, he is fantastic. Just like with me, the mountains bring out out his best self.
Plus, how can you not love those ears.
Here we are hiking up to The Living Room.
This is my kind of arm chair.
I'm not quite sure why he was licking his face so much this day, but it was pretty hilarious.
More puppy pictures back at home. Annika adores her naughty pal.
As for me, I love Annika (and Talia and Eli) enough to tolerate Zion's antics. Even when he eats my pens. Here are a couple photos that I took while trying to get a decent one for my new nursing badge. Also, why do I stress about these things? Badge photos never resemble anyone anyway.
Just a girl and her dog. At least it's not a wolf.
I'm glad the foothills are close so that Zion can get time off leash to be free.
Annika enjoys the freedom too.
Moving on to more cultivated flower elegance, here are some more glimpses of spring in Salt Lake. These tulips are in our front yard. I love the few weeks when the flowers shine bright and the weeds are still shy.
A gorgeous tree in the International Peace Gardens. Brianna, Violet, and I met up here for a bike ride along the Jordan River trail.
What a cutie!
Believe it or not, after nearly nine years of living in Salt Lake City, I finally made it to the Conference Center rooftop this spring. It's absolutely perfect for viewing the city and the ongoing construction of the Salt Lake Temple.
Glad Eli and Talia came with me!
More crazy adventures--meeting up with the Wilhoits at the whale. Two pups is more than twice the fun.
Spying on the baby owls in the cemetery. I adore how they come back to nest here every year!
You can almost always find deer in the cemetery as well, especially in the spring.
We have our own Popcorn Popping tree.
This naughty pup ate ALL the provolone. In general he doesn't steal food off the table very often, but apparently cheese is a weakness.
Zion ought to join Sonja and I for a run to work off the indulgence. In truth, he's kind of a pain to run with in the morning. He often doesn't want to leave his crate, and after we get him outside he barks at all the cars. At least the sunrise was gorgeous.
Crazy hair, don't care!
Checking out the flowers on Temple Square. The display is always stunning.
Back to flowers in the Foothills. I know. This post has absolutely no cohesiveness. But hey, ain't nobody got no time for that.
Last but not least, here are Talia and I enjoying the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. This cute girl had never been. Frankly, she can talk me into taking her nearly anywhere since I am going to miss her so much when she leaves in a couple weeks for college. Except Scotland. Much to her chagrin, we still haven't made it to Scotland. Maybe next year. :)
Feeding frenzy.
Perfect place for a cartwheel! Remember when she was into
gymnastics?
Yes, smiling flowers make me so happy, but smiling family is best.
