St. George, Sand Hollow and Toquerville Falls

Jake and his brothers (and awesome sister-in-law) were running another Tough Mudder. This time in Phoenix, AZ. They were struggling with travel plans and accommodations. Eventually they settled with stop in St. George for a night, continue traveling to Phoenix for a night, run the event and head back to St. George for the night. We haven't had a vacation for a while so we decided to head down early and have some fun. 

Ellie had been asking about cinnamon rolls for a while and then I remembered about my great grandmother Millie's recipe. So I looked up some conversions (scalded milk and yeast cakes) and tried making a batch. They turned out great so we made some for our trip to St George.

Here's Sammi helping measure flour. 

Fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls

They turned out so good.

We took off for St. George on a Tuesday night. My brother Jeff hasn't been to see the house we stay in so we took him along. Also, it would give me an extra adult to hang out with while Jake and his family were in Phoenix. Stef and JT drove out and stopped in Sand Hollow so they could hang out with us as well.

Wednesday we played around the house for a bit and then headed in to Cedar City to have dinner and talk with some friends. Aaron and Julie showed us this great BBQ joint. We went back to their place for dessert and hair cuts. Thanks Julie.

On Thursday we had other friends come play at the house with us. Darci and the boys came swimming in the pool and played in the tree houses. Later, once Dan was off work, we went out for dinner with them. It had been too long since we had seen them last; probably close to 4 years. We were on our way out to Denver and they were on their way to Las Vegas. I really love getting together with friends.

(Sorry I sucked at taking any pictures though.)

Jake's family had shown up the night before and on Friday they were off to Phoenix. So what do we do? Go have as much fun as possible.

We drove over to Sand Hollow, where Stef and JT were staying. Once there we jumped in the Jeep, 4 Runner, and Razor to head over to the beach. I don't know who had the most fun at the beach; Zoey, Ellie, Sammi, or JT.

Zoey, the great dane, ran everywhere except where the water was too deep because she is a chicken and can't swim yet. However, she doesn't want water to touch her belly either.

What would you do if it was warm outside, the sand was warm but the water a little chilly (53 degrees according to the entrance station)? Ellie would run into the water and splash around then run out and lay in the sand becoming a sand monster and then return to the water.

Gotta warm up

Wash off the sand. 

She didn't want to stay out of the water but when she was shivering uncontrollably, I thought it was best and made her stay out.

Sammi splashed a little in the water or walked in to fill up her cups but she would rather dig and make sand castles. Then either she or Zoey would stomp them. Zoey was always trying to run as close to people as possible. Zoey helped dig a big hole so the girls could sit and be buried. Neither girl sat too long in the hole. Sammi didn't want to be covered and the shape of the hole hurt Ellie's back once the sand was piled on her legs.

We dried them off and dressed them so they could go for a ride in the Razor. Even though we had brought their bike helmets down with us, I left them at the St. George house. They just wore Stef's helmet. ha ha ha

Ellie and JT

Sammi's turn

JT said that both girls just laughed and giggled the whole time. Of course, Ellie kept asking to go faster and even squealed when JT took her to do some donuts. That is definitely something we will need to do again.

We went back to the motor home and trailer for lunch and so Sammi could nap. While she was napping, JT took me on a ride. I have been on 4 wheelers before but never through sand dunes. The razor was a blast. The ride was beautiful. I didn't take my phone or a camera because I didn't want sand everywhere in them but that is such a gorgeous area. 

On Sand Hollow, there is this great cliff jumping place near the boat ramp. We went and hiked around there to splash and throw rocks. The water lever was a little low and the water temp a little cold for us to want to jump in. 

Ellie wanted to do so much of the hiking by herself. She was so excited to explore and learn things. I think Ellie and Sammi definitely threw more rocks but Jeff and JT may have created more splash because they kept skipping rocks and throwing in big rocks to try and splash us. It was time to head back when Sammi stepped on a thorn. It bled quite a bit. Sadly the ranger who had just pulled up to the ramp as we walked out hadn't kept the first aid kit up to date. His cleansing wipes were dried up but Stef and JT made great doctors to clean and bandage Sammi's foot.

Just after lunch on Saturday, we packed up again and went out to adventure. My uncle Jon had traveled down so along with him and Stef and JT, we drove up to Toquerville Falls.  It had been close to 7-8 years since I had been there last. The first time I went to the falls was with a friend of mine who lives down in the area about 13-14 years ago. Its a great place to have fun.

Just up stream from the falls we had a great place way from others where the girls and the dogs could splash around and play. Besides Zoey, we had Duncan (my uncle's lab) and Buoy (belongs to friends of Stef and JT). Ellie did great seeing her first golden lab since she was bit. She has really learned that each animal, no matter how much they look alike, is different and an individual.

Anyway, the dogs loved trying to fetch rocks and dirt clumps the girls threw. They also ran and splashed in between anyone standing too close to the water.

Girls at the falls.

This is a little better picture of the falls. Ellie and Sammi were on the middle ledge on the right side. Bert the Jeep is Stef and JT's jeep that travels to Jeep and off road shows all over the country for Nemesis Industries (the company they work for). Honk if you ever see Bert around. He's hard to miss.

Bert the Jeep

Falls in June of 2006

We headed back into St. George for dinner and to wait for the Tough Mudder goers to return. We had such a fun time. I wish I was already back there and had been able to spend more time with various friends. But you do what you can. It was so nice to go and have such a good time and do so many fun things.

Friends, food, fun and gymnastics

Do you know when you have good friends? When you haven't really seen or spoken in a few years but they still call when they are headed in your direction just so you can hang out. Tracey did just that thing a few weeks ago. We hadn't seen her or her family for almost 2 years but they were coming up to go to a gymnastics meet and gave us a call. 

We started with dinner at a local joint, where the locals eat, and then headed to The Spectrum. I had looked up the info online and found that entrance was free if you were wearing pink. We had to buy Jake a ticket. 

Don't be fooled by the look on Ellie's face. She loved watching the gymnastics and playing with friends. 

Ellie put your hands down. Sammi look at the camera.

Apparently USU's gymnastics isn't as popular as the Utes' Red Rocks. We showed up late but where still only 5 rows up from the floor.

We has such a good time. We got out of the house, the kids were able to play and enjoy something new, and Jake and I could take with friends and have adult conversations.

Thanks Tracey and Adrian. We had such a great time.

Bluebird Chocolates

My mom, Annie, and the kids came up to visit a while back so we tried to have lots of fun for the day. We started with a trip to Bluebird Chocolates to go on a tour of the candy shop. We saw how they made caramel popcorn and found out that the Bluebird Restaurant is no longer part of the same company as the chocolates (and don't carry them in the restaurant candy store) even though they started from the same family. They use almost all of the original machinery and equipment as from the beginning. 

We love popcorn.

They still hand dip all of the chocolates they sell. Of course during the fall and winter holiday months they make and sell the most chocolates. Here's a video of one of the workers hand dipping the chocolate. 

Of course, we then had to buy some. They were so good that later that week, I took Jake back so we could buy a few more. 

After we had spoiled lunch, we came home and ate anyway. Then headed off to the splash park down the street. It always takes Sammi a bit to warm up to the idea of playing in the cold water but she, along with all the other kids, played and splashed a lot. 

Even though it was a short trip, we were glad they came up to hang out with us. It's so fun to have family close enough to occasionally stop by. 

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving. My mom's side of the family has gotten to the point where its too hard to meet in one home or even find a time on Thanksgiving Day when all of us can get together. So we dinner the Saturday before. I love it. So many people, most of us are grown and of marrying aging (although some not married) and plenty of kids. If you don't keep track of the kids, they really sneak up on you. Most of the family showed and the food was delicious.

On Thanksgiving, we had 2 meals; one with Jake's family and then my sister decided to try cooking her first turkey (I haven't even done that.) The meals were spread apart just perfectly that if you eat good portions you weren't too full.

Jake's family is an extended family meal so there were a lot of people there. The kids had a blast playing with cousins and second cousins and of course the adults ignored them as much as possible so that they could have fun and we could relax and talk. Isn't that what family is all about?

After all that and a few other activities, we drove down to my sister's place for dinner. Her future in-laws we there as well a some extra family; Grandma Bonnie and our cousin on my dad's side. After eating, the kids made a "spook alley" for a bit and then had a dance party. It was quite funny.

A few days after, Ellie was talking about all the food and Thanksgiving meals we ate. She informed me that if we ate 20 Thanksgiving dinners we would have to go to the doctor's and he would have to get a long stick to take out some of the food so our belly's wouldn't be so big. Ha ha. I love kids.

Christmas Catch-up

I guess I should do my Christmas catch-up and quit being so lazy.

Since the previous cookies were eaten before they received decor, we made more. Ellie and daddy had so much fun decorating them.


The cookie Ellie made all by herself. No help from mommy.



How they turned out. Can you tell who decorated which ones?

Shortly after that, we left for Utah. This was Ellie and daddy's first flight together and it was a late flight, but Ellie is a pro and there were no problems.

One night we did some more decorating with Annie and her kids at Grandma Wendy's house.

At Grandma Connie's house, Ellie and Becca were inseparable.


Can you tell the girls apart from this angle?

Did you know that bowls make excellent hats?

We had lots of fun. One night was the Jensen family party, which was nice to not have on Christmas day so it could be less stressful. Then for Christmas Eve, we went over to my Uncle Dale and Aunt Becky's place. We were also over there 2 years ago when Ellie played the baby Jesus in our nativity. I realized I have some very talented cousins and some not so talented siblings.

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with the Watterson's. Ellie slept in and didn't realize there were presents so she waited until we were done with church before opening anything. We didn't mind either. 

Can you see how excited she was for her new toys?

She loved unwrapping gifts, even if they were for mommy.

Christmas was so nice and easy going. Family just wandered in and out at the Watterson's. Food was always available for snacking and there were naps.

Uncle Rob and Hayley napping.

After that we headed down to the Gledhill's for a nice dinner and more presents and cousins.

This Christmas was so relaxing and slow paced that it was easy to enjoy the day and really enjoy the company.

With Christmas over, all that was left was spending Christmas cash and gift cards, and hanging out with family. We spent some time at the mall, went to see the lights (don't have any of my own pictures because I left my camera at home), and just loved being near family.


Silly girls at the mall, pretending to read books.

The kids were really tired out after a long day shopping.

My apologies to all our friends who live in the Salt Lake area. I had wanted to make plans and visit but with family things, the holidays, and buying a replacement vehicle, there just wasn't time. I love reading your blogs, seeing pics and updates on facebook, and/or receiving Christmas cards. I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays as well.

Christmas Candies and Ward Party

After making Christmas candy last year and since we aren't making it home for Christmas until late, I decided to make candy on my own this year. Which really worked out since they were having dessert contest at our ward Christmas party. Sadly, I am terrible at being patient and pretty bad at making caramel. Gratefully Ellie and Jake will eat just about anything sweet no matter how funny it looks.

For the ward party, we took marshmallow balls, tuxedo brownies, and caramel pretzel sticks. Sadly, even this a display like this, I didn't win the blue ribbon.

 The Saturday of the ward party was busy because Jake was on the non-committee, committee for the party. So we arrived early to set up and Ellie just ran around with other kids while we kept busy. Eventually her friends showed up. 

Kate and Ellie, the almost twins.

Ellie and Elena, almost inseparable.

I know she looks more Valentines day than Christmas. I just don't have any cheesy Christmas outfits and 10 minutes before running out the door, Ellie hid the cute Christmas ribbon I was going to tie in her hair. (Hiding things is her new favorite game. The sad part is only about half the time does she actually remember where she hid something.)

Part of the activity was house decorating. Scrooge here didn't want any preview photos of the masterpiece.

A few members also presented the Nativity. Ellie seemed really interested in watching, that is until we started singing. 

Yes, she was really dancing to Christmas hymns.

After the presentation, a special guest arrived. Ellie understands that you sit on Santa's lap and have a picture taken, but she doesn't understand that you ask for gifts which is really nice right now.

Finally after long work, the cookie house was finished.

Casey, Jake, and Ryan with the final project.

I know many of you are asking where all the decorations are, why isn't it all pretty and colorful, etc. This picture doesn't do it justice but this is an exact replica of the Hong Kong Temple covered in icicles (although it's not supposed to be that cold in Hong Kong). That is a tiny angel at the top, complete with candy cane trumpet.

Shopping and Taste of Colorado

Over Labor Day weekend, we spent most of the time at home. Since Jake has holidays off, Monday we decided to go shopping at Castle Rock Outlets. Kids stores have great sales over labor day and Ellie needs clothes for winter. I think we did pretty good. After spending some time there, we drove home for a break and then headed downtown for Taste of Colorado.
Last year, Ellie and I went by ourselves. This year Jake was able to come with us. I think he was a little shocked to see how big this event is.  We ran into some friends there. We could only walk with them a short time as the crowds were too big to try and walk with 2 strollers.

We did sample so foods too. Jake tried a taste of buffalo brat. We all ate chicken fingers and fries. I think the best was dessert. We sampled some key lime pie and beignets (like what Tiana makes on The Princess and the Frog). They were both great. The beignets are a scone like dessert served with powdered sugar and frosting.

One thing Jake and I noticed while walking around the venues was that we are becoming more a "peculiar people". Almost everyone there was drinking alcohol, had many tattoos, were dressed immodestly, had multiple piercings, or some other thing about them that screamed "LOOK AT ME!!! I AM UNIQUE!!!" It made me wonder what things will be like in the future. How different will things be and will we stand out even more as time goes on?

Coupons and food storage

I love having a small amount of food storage around my house.  For one thing, it nice not having to run to the store every time you need one small thing. And for two, it helps me save money and use coupons. Because of the storage, I can cut coupons of things I need and then wait until I see them on sale to get the sale price and then use a coupon as well. It's great. A couple of weeks ago, we paid less than $1.50 for 20 oz boxes of cereal. I don't think we have really paid full price for anything in the past month or so.  I'm really hoping this helps lower spending.

Yummy Food.

Before I write about the fun adventures we had with Stefanie on her visit, I wanted to write about the yummy food we ate while she was here.  Thursday night was some delicious Moose Stroganoff (made with ground moose that Grandma Connie shot). Friday lunch was one of the best lunches I have had. We made grilled cheese and tomato soup. Now what is so special about that you may ask? This was no ordinary grilled cheese. I had picked up some Dill Rye bread from the Orowheat outlet. We used that bread, spread some olive oil and then some balsamic vinegar on the bread.   Mozzarella was the cheese of choice (mostly because I was out of muenster). Then grilled. Can I just say delicious? So good I made them again today but this time with both muenster and mozzarella. It's a fun twist on an old classic.

Friday and Saturday we ate out. Pizza on Friday because we were out and about late and Saturday we went to Hooters to watch the UFC fights. My first time ever going to Hooters and not all that impressed. I thought the outfits the girls wear are so ugly and way too tight that it makes them less flattering. I didn't try the wings but I certainly wasn't impressed with their Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. No flavor to the meat, like they expected the onions and peppers to carry the sandwich.

Sunday, we ate crock pot BBQ ribs and homemade rolls. They were fall off the bone good. Ellie enjoyed eating them as well.  Monday night may have been another favorite meal. We chose to cook Salmon. This is fresh salmon that Jake brought back from Alaska. We prepared it 2 different ways. Part was covered in Ranch with dill and parsley and baked. The other part was basted with a Dijon mustard and brown sugar sauce and broiled. As sides, we had fresh asparagus cooked with butter, garlic salt and lemon pepper and butter and herb flavored rice. I can't believe how well it turned out. I would have thought we were eating in a restaurant, except that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was on in the background.

This really made me excited to try new meals.  It was also fun to plan meals with someone and have their take on what we should eat, how it should be fixed, and what to make with it. Thanks Stef.

What kind of sausage?

I felt dinner was ruined last night. I wanted to make biscuits and gravy so I pulled out this package of "Country Style Sausage" from our freezer. Now I admit, this particular package was quite old but it had never been thawed.  I defrost it a little and then placed it in the pan to start browning it. After a bit, I thought it was giving off this weird smell. I asked Jake to come and see what he thought; had the meat gone bad? He said he thought it was alright so I continued to cook it.  The whole time I kept thinking, "This doesn't smell right. The smell is making me sick. How am I supposed to feed this to my family if I'm not sure I could eat it?"

As the meat finished cooking, it hadn't browned any and there was no grease at the bottom to use for the gravy. I again had Jake come look at it. He asked if it was turkey or something else. I had to look all over the package and finally the only place that said what kind of meat that was used was the ingredients list. First ingredient: Chicken. So unknowingly I had purchase Country Style Chicken Sausage. Isn't that about the grossest thing you have heard of?