Yeah, We Hike.

If you have never been to Zion National Park- go. It was unbelievable. I have lived in Utah for a good five years, and I have not once ventured to the amazing sites here! This past weekend we decided to finally experience it.

The first day we drove straight to Zion and parked in some random parking lot like newbs. We had no idea where to go so we finally asked someone who looked real serious. (hiking boots, bandanas, camelbacks, you know... the real deal). They directed us to the park entrance, and we followed maps from there. Also, it was like $25 bucks to get into this place. At 3 million visitors a year... this place is making BANK.

That day we hiked the narrows. Way fun. Also way crowded. The water was freezing. The canyon was breathtaking. Very worth it.

That evening we went back to the camp site and cooked our tin foil dinners down on the beach. You could drive your car right up to the lake! That was an awesome idea until we got the good ole' Subi stuck... An hour or so later (with the help of some random dudes with a truck- AND NOT THE 3 PARK RANGER TRUCKS THAT PASSED BY) we got out. Stressful. But also kind of funny.

S'mores and card games filled the rest of the rest of the evening. The wood we brought was wet. That made for a great "fire." Thanks for trying boys :) 

Day 2 was a little more strenuous. And by a little I mean I couldn't walk on day 3. We hiked up to Observation Point. It was an 8 mile hike with an elevation change of about 2,100 feet. That may not sound like a lot, but it was a pretty difficult trek. Aust was so supportive the whole way. Love that man.

We planned to grill burgers over the fire that night but we bailed on that idea and hit up Red Robin in a near by city. (Happy Birthday Rachael!) Also, the game was on. Couldn't miss that. 

The final day we went up to Kolab Canyon and did a nice really short hike to conclude our trip. Great views. 

I may or may not have a rash on my legs from the lake. Also, a sunburn. Oh, and blisters on my weirdy toes. BUT we are all alive. I would say the weekend was a success! 

WOW Wednesday: Mountains to Climb

Let's be honest , I really suck at posting on Wednesday. Sorry! Here it is on Thursday :)

This past weekend we went camping and hiking at Zion National Park. On Day 2 we decided to hike up to Observation Point. This was an 8 mile hike with an elevation change of over 2,100 ft. It was hard to say the least. Post to come later with full details.

While Hiking I had a lot of time to think. I said something to Aust that really got me thinking.

"If I had know how hard this was going to be, I don't think I could have done it!"

Relating back to last week's WOW post, sometimes I am glad I can't see the whole picture. I am so grateful that I don't see and experience everything at once. Otherwise, I don't think I could do it. We knew before we came here that life was not going to be a cake walk. We knew we would have trials that would help us to learn and grow. But boy am I glad I don't see and experience them all at once. Everything is line upon line, precept upon precept. Just like the hike.

The views were amazing at the top, but not as great as the feeling of accomplishment I had. I want to have that same feeling when I finish this life. I know it is going to be hard, but it is not impossible. We have been given so many tools to help us along the way. We really do have mountains to climb in this life, but the reward at the end is so worth it.

#PrayForOklahoma

On this Words of Wisdom Wednesday (Thursday) I decided to write a little post about the tragic tornadoes in Oklahoma. Thankfully, I live in a place where the worst mother nature gives us is just really cold weather. Honestly, I shouldn't even complain about that. There are places in the US with MUCH colder weather than Utah.

These tornadoes in Okalahoma were unbelievable. For some reason I am facinated though. I should probably attribute that facination to our new favorite show Stormchasers. Long story short- they chase tornadoes. All to research and find out more about them. They hope to eventually learn enough about them to be able to warn people and save lives. I can't imagine being caught in a twister when it is clocking 150-200 mph.... Those things pick up trees, cars, and buildings with ease.

To see the pictures and footage of those people is very humbling. The death count so far is 24. Such a heartbreaking disaster.

There are so many things that happen in this world that we can't explain. Terrible things happen to good people everday. Sometimes I get angry when I think of these things, but then remember that I don't get to see the whole picture. Then I am grateful. I am grateful for the trials that I do have. We just have to move forward in faith. I don't know if I would have the faith to go through a tornado and lose everything I own. Those people are strong.

As I was reading my scriptures yesterday I came across this verse:

 Mosiah 4: 9- Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

What an amazing plan we are all apart of.

Jumbo

I have this really great friend that I decided I needed to honor on Words Of Wisdom Wednesday. Whenever I am having a bad day, a big issue, or even a little one, she is ALWAYS there with some sort of remedy to make it all better.

Sometimes it goes like this:

Sometimes she will send me things like this (because she knows I will understand):

She always acts like this:

 

 

 She encourages my behavior when I want to do this:

 

 She doesn't judge me:

And most importantly, she is always there for me. Love you Abbs. You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. I look up to you in so many ways, and I honestly don't know how I would survive without you. Keep doing you and things will work out. Love you so much, you keep me so young :)

 



Love,

Cow

WOW Wednesday: Gratitude

I have been getting so many reminders lately to have gratitude. Not only to simply feel it but also to express it. I've noticed that there is a difference. This past week we decided that we would start a gratitude journal. Whenever we feel impressed we will write down what we are thankful for and why. It's amazing how much your life can change when you are thankful for the amazing things you DO have.