The End Is Near

Volleyball. Swimming. Biking. Road trips. Camping. Hiking.

Excitement has filled this Summer, to the point where I cannot sit idle for more than a few minutes.

Where can we go? and What can we do? are always the questions.

Suddenly, air seems to be pulled from my lungs and my stomach turns. A realization is made.

Summer is almost over.

We Slept On A Plateau!

Thursday afternoon, we decided to spend the weekend in Zion National Park. Only a few hours later, we were on our way.

The drive was pleasant, as time passed quickly.

We arrived at our destination at 5:00am and spent our first hour searching for somewhere to sleep. Luckily for us, all of the campsites were full and everything with vacancy was expensive.

Being the college students we are, we left the expensive accommodations with upturned noses and continued forward, searching for something a bit more affordable, if not free.

Patience began to wear and tempers began to rise as the search for a place to lay down for two hours continued.

Suddenly, we saw, as if in a vision, a plateau appear before us. Upon further inspection, the decision was unanimous. We had found a place to sleep.

Tarps and blankets were laid out and the sleeping commenced.

And thus began the Great Pioneer Day Weekend of 2009. During the remainder of the trip, mountains were climbed with chains, apple cores were thrown from precipices, and water was drunk by the gallon.

Thank you for an incredible weekend, everyone.

Note to Self: Don't forget a spatula next time.

He's No Amateur

The line was long, as it always is at Wendy's during lunch. I had driven my parents along with my niece and nephew, Hannah and Peyton, down to Provo for the annual BYU Bookstore visit.

Just as all small children do, Hannah and Peyton had developed a sudden fascination with the order line bars and had allowed their monkey instincts to take over.

Just as all adults do, my parents and I asked them to stop swinging and stand patiently in line. Surprisingly, Hannah obeyed. Peyton, however, continued his monkey behavior.

After a short few moments of waiting, a young couple entered stage left with their two year-old, blond-haired, blue-eyed, daughter in tow, and took their position in line. The adorable little girl quickly assumed her position, swinging from the bars.

Expertly, she edged her way towards Peyton. Within a few moments, she had managed to swing her way to Peyton's bar. They were now face to face, their faces a mere five inches apart.

"I like your face," the little girl said in her toddler voice with a smile.

Peyton giggled, as he usually does. Then came the fateful words.

"I like your face too, but I like mine more."

Yeah, he gets his smooth moves from his uncle.