Grand Canyon

"Leave it as it is. You can not improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is to keep it for your children, your children's children, and for all who come after you, as one of the great sights which every American if he can travel at all should see."

-President Theodore Roosevelt

It is impossible, in my opinion, to look out at the vastness of the Grand Canyon and upon it's layers of history and not feel so very small. Like a mere blip on the timeline of history. But I also gained a sense of awe for my Creator. That His wisdom, creativity, intelligence, perspective and love are endless. I was reminded as I stood, unable to even begin to take it all in, that the same hands that made what was before me, created me as well. It's a humbling thought to say the least. Can you present your humble life as an example of His divine handiwork? Have you learned? Have you taught? Did you help others on their journey in life? What piece of you will live on as history marches past your time on this Earth?

I was grateful to be able to be there with Justin to see it for the first time. We only had one day to spend at the Grand Canyon, but still wanted to get in it and experience it away from the tour bus. We held our little map in hand and picked a trail to hike down into the canyon a little bit. Around every turn was a new breathtaking view.

(There's always time to be a nerdy nerd!)

When we came to our turn-around point we stopped to sit down on the rocks and rest for a minute. Up until that point I had been carefree, skipping and joking around down the trail. But then the mom in me came out. Justin has been known to trip over his feet or lose his balance from time to time. On the other side of the rock we were perched on a was a sheer drop off. Justin stood up, saw what was below him and promptly turned around and sat down! Which made me happy because I was having visions of him tripping over his foot and taking a spill over the edge.

Luckily our rest period was positively uneventful, other than the view of course! On our way back up the trail I looked up and saw a rainbow that completely encircled the sun. It was hard to capture on film because it was so bright. It was so beautiful and I had never seen anything like it.

We had to leave before sunset to head back to Phoenix so we could catch our early morning flight back to Atlanta the next day. But as we looked back behind us as we drove away that evening we were greeted to the perfect close to our day as we watched the sun slip behind the mountains. I felt at peace as I was reminded again that God is mindful of all of His creations... even me.

Eat At Joe's

One of my newest favoritos came by way of inspiration from Guy Fieri's travels on Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-In's and Dives'. Holy cow people, if you are ever in Arizona it is worth the drive to Agritopia in Gilbert to eat at Joe's Farm Grill. Pure deliciousness! We settled in at a picnic table under a shady grapefruit tree and proceeded to chow on some of the most delicious grub I've had in a long while! My chicken burger had hazelnut pesto on it. The sweet potato fries had a pineapple and Serrano dipping sauce. My milkshake was blended with strawberries grown fresh on the farm right there on site. The onion rings, big and delicious. Really, I could keep going on and on, don't tempt me! In addition to the mouthwatering food, the setting just added to the magic. It was like a beautiful oasis of green in the middle of the brown, desert landscape. It made for such a perfect afternoon, delicious food, beautiful setting and great company. What more could a simple girl like me ask for?!

Maryn whose busy, little ADHD mind is constantly running, has the uncanny ability to articulate exactly how her brain feels. You can see her mind working a mile a minute from the second her eyes pop open to the moment she succumbs to sleep. Sometimes she expresses her brain's frustration, or inability to slow down or verbalize the thought she is thinking. Tonight though after watching a show on GPB about the neurological effect of music on the brain with me, she turned and smiled and said as she stretched her hands out like a held note, "I love Beethoven because it just makes my brain smooooooth." I just love that kid and her brain.

I think I have some sort of mental disconnect when it comes to weddings and remembering to take pictures. This time was no exception. But let me assure you that the bride was gorgeous! Like the day before it was really wonderful to have the whole family there to witness Adam and Amanda being sealed to one another for time and all eternity. Later that evening they had a beautiful outdoor reception. It was picture perfect (again, too bad I didn't take any pictures) but it was great just hanging out in the comfortable night air, beneath twinkling lights, enjoying the company of some of my most favorite people! We even got to meet Daniel's girlfriend, Melissa. Let me just say, I really like her, in fact I hope the next reason we all get together is to welcome her into the fam! (Haha, no pressure Daniel!)

Justin and I were talking later about how the family is entering a new chapter. It seemed forever that Justin and I were the only 'old married' ones. Then after seven years Kristen and Adam B. joined the club. Then Aaron and Megan. Now Adam and Amanda. I have no doubt that in time Daniel and Kevin will be joining the 'old married' club too. It's been fun to see the family dynamic change. Instead of us being the kids, we are now the adults, forming families of our own. I can just imagine holidays at Phil and Jody's all together, the next generation running around, the house filled with happy noise. I know that as life reveals the many stories yet to be written we will still all be tightly knit together in love and support. So here's to you, Adam & Amanda, welcome to the club! May you find many joys in this new chapter together!

P.S. Okay folks, my sister-in-law Megan is WAY better about taking pictures! Check out her blog for more pics of the big day! http://aaronandmeganyoung.blogspot.com/

Let the Catch-Up Begin!

I had almost forgotten what it felt like to board a plane without a making sure there were snacks, toys, diapers, and books. It was so nice to sail through security without having to struggle to get shoes off and on yourself and kids and try not to be super annoyed by the hold up of doing pH tests on every liquid item in the diaper bag. I had almost forgot what it was like to read and even doze off on the airplane and not have to worry about those screaming kids...because they're not mine! Yes, it was all possible due to my sweet, generous mother who flew out from Oregon to watch the girls for us while Justin and I sneaked away to Arizona for Adam and Amanda's wedding. Let me just tell you, it was DIVINE!!!

After we landed we had to hurry over to the hotel to change. On the way there I spied a Whataburger sign and Justin immediately planned a quick detour. I have heard many times over the years of the wonder and delight of the Whataburger experience and I finally got my first one. (It was okay for Justin as a Texan, but since I'm a little Northwesterner, I think I'll stick to Burgerville!) The reason we had to hurry and change was because Justin's brother, Kevin had decided to take out his endowments and go through the temple for the first time. We were so happy that we were able to be there for the special occasion. It was so wonderful to have the whole family together in the temple at the same time.

It was great to be there seeing Amanda as part of our family circle and know that the very next day, she too would officially be a member of the family!

10 Years Ago Today...

...was a day that blessed the rest of my life

because I married this guy!

Happy Anniversary Justin, I love you!

Still Alive!!!

Adam and Amanda are married. Grand Canyon was hiked. Cupcakes were frosted. Flowers were arranged. Nana has come and gone. Adamson's too. Justin's eyes have been checked. Suitcases have not been unpacked. I am back at work. Life has fell back into it's cuckoo, crazy self and I have a lot of catching up to do. Including this poor neglected blog! I promise I'll post some pictures...just as soon as I can locate my stinkin' camera!