Now that's what I call B-A-U-tiful

I absolutely adore Stewart Falls. And this last trip end of September was by far my favorite! I have never seen so many colors up there. We hiked it early afternoon on a weekday so there was really no one there…besides a few friendly femme/gay guys (I am guessing the latter—99% sure). They were so so friendly and insisted on taking a few (ok it ended up being far more than a few) pics for us.

I hike it every year—multiple times—and it never gets old. Never. If you’ve never hiked it before, it’s a shame. And you must go there soon. It’s an easy 2-mile in 2-mile out (obviously) hike. You won’t regret it. Chances are you’ll be hooked and make it a tradition as I have done.

*Oh and by the way, for any of you who don't know where it's at...up the Provo Canyon past Sundance. The trailhead starts just past Aspen Grove.

Isn't this enough to make you wanna go?

It's a...BIRD!

I had the privilege of going with my uncle Ed to fly falcons out in Cedar Valley one early (Did I mention EARLY?...6:45 to be exact) Saturday (Did I mention EARLY and SATURDAY in the same sentence?) morning. But it was so worth it. Once in a lifetime opportunity.

He brought two falcons. Walker and….dang it…I can’t remember the other bird’s name. ..probably because I favored Walker. He flew the best. Not kidding. It’s amazing to watch. Walker made his rounds soaring upward maybe to 700 ft (that was a complete guess). Then Ed released a live quail (aka prey). That falcon dove down so fast I almost missed it. Caught it’s prey mid-air and then landed. Ok my description is terrible. You just have to see it yourself. If you’re wondering why I don’t have any pics of this action…I couldn’t take my eyes off the bird. It was hard to keep track of the bird in the first place due to the sun peaking over the mountain. If I ever get the privilege to go again maybe I’ll try to get some video footage. Afterwards I did get some pics with them though.

A few other “bird flyers” (that is my choice title for them…or maybe “bird enthusiasts”…ok I’m not creative…at all) also showed up 15 minutes after we arrived. So they helped us fly our falcons and then we did the same. Ed knew them—“Bird flyers” are pretty much their own community. Some fly their birds in competitions. My uncle just does it for fun. He flies his birds 3 or 4 times a week. In fact the other guy (whom I found out knows my dad and his siblings from high school—it’s a small world) used a massive (and I mean massive—I estimate about 5’x5’) helium balloon to fly his bird. Now you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about. So he attaches the prey to the balloon, then hoists the balloon about 700 feet in the air (they can actually hoist it to about 1500 ft), and then let’s the falcon go. The falcon circles his way up to catch the prey, and then the balloon is lowered. I know, you never knew such a thing existed…I knew nothing about this either, for lack of better term, “bird world”. Fascinating huh. Ok maybe this is all so boring to you. But that’s because you haven’t seen it for yourself. I hope you get the chance one day.

They're beautiful...pics just don't do justice

Amberly Dawn Rupp

Today is Amber's birthday. She would have been 28.

First memory of you that came to my mind today...When I came down to BYU for EFY. We came down a couple days early and you took my friend and I to float the Provo River, out to eat, and I don't remember exactly what else, but I just remember having the time of my life. You let us tag around with you and all your friends. In fact, I think this trip with you was a major factor in my decision to attend BYU. The last day of EFY you had Krispy Kreme donuts delivered to my dorm room. So delish! So thoughtful of you and completely made my day.

Thank you for the wonderful example and influence you were and continue to be in my life. I can't forget your contagious laughter, your love for reading and history and anything outdoors, your love for singing (especially Disney songs) despite the fact you could hardly carry a note, your incredible bread-making/baking skills, your willingness to try new things (including ballet) when you were so uncoordinated, your determination to be the first to learn to slalom and win 50 bucks, your endless selfless service, your determination and desire (since you were 12 yrs old) to serve a mission, your unwaivering faith, your vast knowledge of the gospel--particularly the scriptures--you could rattle off any scripture.

Thank you Amber. You have left a great legacy. You are the kind of person I want to become. It only took you 20 years, but it will take me an entire lifetime. I miss you and can't wait for our reunion. I love you.

(Amber giving me a piggy-back)

De-bugging

(I wish I knew how to blur the license plate)

I hate washing my car. I find it so pointless. Why? Because I think I can safely say every time I have washed my car, it rained later that day or the day after.

Case in point. Take a good look at my car (you don't have to look too hard). Can hardly see the paint due to the millions of bugs taking over. A mattified mess of bugs plastered to the front of my car--sick I know. Actually, I think this was mainly the result of one road trip to Bear Lake. After I got back, the kids I nanny were disgusted by it so I figured I better take care of it. I took a trip to the car wash. Washed it. I can't remember if it rained later that day or the next day, but it RAINED! Come on, we don't get rain in August. $2 wasted.

Why do people wash their cars ? Is it just for looks...to show off their ride? Or do bugs and dirt and grime ruin the paint? I say just let mother nature take care of it.

(Clean and rain/spot-free for a few hours)

*Looking at the pic, I just noticed my car has a face. Big eyes widespread with a big cheesy grin--I like it. Guess it's true...all cars have face.

What I really do...

So as much as I would love to keep living in my fantasy world of vacationing almost every other week/wknd, summer has come to an end. Sighhhhh. But at least the summer weather is still around. And I can look forward to Hawaii in December and possibly another cruise in the near future. Oh and of course a few short road trips here and there.

Back to reality.

Work work and MORE work. I am still nannying full-time while finishing up my internship. Actually who am I kidding...I haven't even completed half my hours. Had good intentions to complete my internship by end of summer term but that obviously didn't happen. Too much play I guess...oops.

Let's start with nannying. I do love my job. But honestly I'm kinda getting tired of watching other people's kids. Is that terrible? No. I love kids don't get me wrong. It's just hard to do things their (parents) way when I believe differently and would do otherwise. Let's just say I've learned plenty 'what not to dos'. I also hate working at 7AM. Too early. Thought I would get used to it, but it's not getting any easier (probably due to my lack of discipline in getting to bed at a decent time). But I do love working 4-10s...I love love my 3-day wknds.

Now my internship. I'm interning at Dynova Laboratories--a nutraceutical company back east. Don't worry people, I'm stil in Utah...that's right, STILL in Utah. I do research and various projects. Currently researching case studies for capsaicin, which is derived from cayenne pepper. Specifically, using a capsaicin nasal spray to treat headaches, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. Interesting huh.

I am also training for a marathon. When I say training, there is NO consistency involved. Ideally, I would run 3-4 times a week. But that doesn't always happen. In fact, it's rare. And the marathon is in two weeks. Ahhh! But I'm still determined to do it. To finish it. That's it. No time goal or anything. I successfully ran an estimated 19 miler a couple weeks ago. I figure 7 miles on top of that is nothing, right? I hope. I'll let you know how it goes...if I survive.

Welcome to my life. It's good. Or at least I keep telling myself that!

Hoo-ray!

(Kyle and Kendall)

Kyle had his third and hopefully last cleft lip/palate surgery. People with cleft lip and palate tend to have abnormally large ears. Since Kyle really has no cartilage in his nose (it was quite flat), the surgeon removed cartilage from his ears to form his nose. He also pinnned back Kyle's ears. Kyle had the cutest ears--I'm going to miss those things. He has been through quite the ordeal--all these surgeries--but has remained quite the happy camper through it all. I think he's glad he doesn't have to work in the garden or out on the farm. Instead he gets to stay inside for a week playing his DS and watching movies all day. Love this kiddo to death! So grateful for him and what a blessing he is to our family! This one's for you Kyle! You're a stud!

(Kyle day after surgery. He has to wear the bandage/wrap for a week to stabilize and keep his ears in place-poor boy it's so dang hot right now)

SOLD! on Chacos

Anyone who knows me or has seen me over the summer knows I absolutely LOVE Chacos! They are my shoe/sandal choice of the summer. You can pretty much do anything in them-hike, swim, dance, play, jump, hula hoop (wink wink)...you name it! I actually have two pairs of Chacos...bought the second pair on clearance (thanks Kel) for a smashing deal thinking I would have them as a back-up in case my first pair broke. But who am I kidding...those things will never bust or break. I think they'll last me a lifetime. I don't like to spend a lot on shoes, but Chacos are definitely worth it! Trust me...I've sold plenty of people on them. If you're still trying to decide whether or not to make the splurge or if your faith in them is waivering, I am here for you!

My first pair of Chacos

Second pair-love the color but love the toe loop on the first pair best

Now that's dedication-pretty much wear those things EVERYday

*Yes I know, I have the ugliest feet in the world. I have been told PLENTY of times that I have finger-like toes...that my second toe is extremely longer than my big toe...that I have fat feet...and the list goes on and on. Come on people, like I don't already know. But I will embrace my ugly feet. I am perfectly fine with it.