Spiderman has a sister

Spiderman has a sister...
Her name is Aspen.

UEA: Capitol Reef (day 1)

Stayed in Thousand Lakes RV Park, in their cabins.  It was quite cold for October... but warmed up nicely during the day.  Wade and Aspen went down a day early with Grandma and Grandpa... and Brenden came down with Hayden and me.  

First day included a stop at the overlook, a walk down the wash for a couple miles and dinner at Cafe Diablo, which was to die for.  

Aspen loved using Grandma's hiking sticks... for walking and for stabbing her brothers.  

Brenden and Wade enjoyed ascending anything climbable.  

Hayden told Aspen that if she climbed rocks she could run into where snakes live, so for the rest of the trip Aspen would warn the boys as they were climbing and hiking:

"Hey Guys... SNAKES HIDE"

Brenden used his boy scout skills and dissected a cactus so we could sample it.

Wade climbed past the safety fence to sit on a ledge, which just about made his parents (and grandparents) have a nervous breakdown.

Great weather, great company, great day.

The funny farm

I went to help my sister pack her house to move this fall.  We had lunch at Marion's and on our way out of town, Aspen and I stopped to see my cousin, Tracy.  She had what could be considered a petting zoo at her house.  Piglets, a baby calf, bunnies, and more.  Aspen was in 7th heaven.  I was just happy to get back home.

Wishing for change

We managed to avoid housework and hit a few stores for after Christmas sales (H&M.. Of course). Aspen's favorite part was the little bridge over some water. A few minutes into our first store, she approached me with a mile wide grin and showed me her find. A dime and a penny she had fished out of the pond.  She was so proud of herself.

That's it...I'm moving

Went to see my sister and her family in Heber today. It isn't too far of a drive, and I hadn't seen them in forever. I left the 20° yucky inversion for Heber's clear skies and 47°. I took a picture as I headed back toward the canyon, and one a bit further into the canyon and yucky air.
Don't tempt me Heber.

Better Days

I've been up this morning since 4 with a migraine and nausea. Somehow when I'm not feeling so hot, things look more bleak than they are... Because this morning I am really sick of this cold weather. The warm sunshine of summer I took for granted just a few weeks ago is gone, and I've been struggling with finding my happy place ever since.
I'm sure the fact that I haven't ran much lately has NOTHING to do with my outlook.
Actually, it probably has EVERYTHING to do with it.

Willie and Waylon and the boys

A memorable concert with country legend Willie Nelson and my BFF, Becky.
Willie can still sing like no other.
It was a great venue, outdoors at the Gallivan Center, and we were right toward the front.
Favorite song of the night was Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain.
The song I waited all night to hear, but didn't was Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.
Thanks Hayden for watching all the kiddos while we went and had a girl night.

Lincoln Logs

While adding to her endless list of Christmas wishes, Aspen ran across a picture of Lincoln Logs in a toy magazine.
"I want that", she said.
So I went into the boys room, and unearthed some old boxes with toys in them.
It was like Christmas early.
She played for hours.
Not sure I've ever seen cowboys and Indians next to My Little Pony before, but I guess that comes with the territory when a 4 year old girl is in charge.

The Daily Drive

The drive to Emily's in the morning is either a great experience or a miserable one, depending on the mood of the 4 year old in the house.  When it is good, it is very good... Yes, and when it is bad it is horrid.
This past week we parted with these words from her.
"I won't disappoint you.  I'll make you proud.  I love you with all my heart."
The bad days can't hold a candle to this.

Yeah... I Rock. Old School.

 Long story short...
I've had a few vinyl Donny Osmond and Osmond Brothers records in my possession since I was about 10 (thanks to my Aunt Sheela).  Not sure why I have kept them for all these years, other than the fact that I was not sure I could find them in digital format (and Donny's pictures on the INSIDE of the album cover are pretty f.i.n.e.).

We have two of the original Osmond brothers that live in our school boundaries... Donny and Jimmy.  I have not been fortunate enough to run into either one, even though I've had Jimmy's son in my class for the past 2 years.  I did send my records home with both boys, and had them signed.

Well... the lady in the office knows I have these old records, and that I keep my eyes peeled for either parent to appear at our school.  A few weeks ago, I was getting class started, and looked up and there stood Donny.  I squealed (a little).  My students thought it was a relative, or my birthday, or SOMETHING cool, but didn't know who he was.  Amateur youngsters.  I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day.  Thanks Linda for bringing him down to say hello.

Yeah... so I have two of his signatures on the same record... at least I got to SEE him sign this one.