2014: page two hundred thirty-two

Ah, back to normal life. The past few days were so much fun! I will admit, though, that I was so ready for a day to just stay home. If only Ryan had the day off, too...

And really, I didn't do a whole lot today. I'm worn out. Pretty sad to be that worn out after 4 fun staycation days. Oh well. Ryan fixed dinner and then he and B went over to Jeremy and Crystal's new house to help out and see the remodelling progress.

The highlight of my day was talking to my sweet friend, Lys, on the phone. It's been way too long since we've had a chance to chat. So happy to spend over an hour talking with her!

Oh, and here is the finished (at least for now) entryway wall!

2014: page two hunded thirty-one

STAYCATION DAY 4

For our last day of staycation, we stayed really close to home heading to the golf course for a little golfing. If you can't tell from the pictures, B was pretty excited to go golfing. She has been asking almost everyday for a while, mostly for a ride in the golf cart. :)

Then while B napped, I went to the store and the coffee shop for a final (at least for a little while till I get a better hold on my health) delicious "Marilyn Monroe" blended coffee. :)

Worship practice rounded out our day. Since Karlie headed back to college, Petra watched B at the house. While they were playing outside, they jumped on the trampoline and got a little wet. So, when we got home Petra already had B in her jammies. What a wonderful babysitter!

2014: page two hundred thirty

STAYCATION DAY 3

A trip up to Flaming Gorge and a stop off at Little Brush Creek Cave, which is Utah's longest cave, were on today's docket. We ate lunch at the Flaming Gorge Resort Restaurant, then journeyed on down across the dam for B to see. Once across the dam, we stopped at the view point where we could see the dam, the reservoir and the Green River far down below.

Driving back towards Vernal, we ventured off the main road to find the entrance to Little Brush Creek Cave, which we did find. However, I wasn't really prepared for the hike down to the entrance in my flip flops. It's pretty steep and I'm not sure how I would have done climbing down even wearing hiking boots. Ha ha! Maybe someday we will go back more prepared to venture down in there and probably without B.

Once back in Vernal, we found the new Christian bookstore and wandered around a bit. Then Ryan hit Sportsman's Warehouse while B and I went to Joann's.

This evening, I received a message back with the results from my blood work that was taken a couple of weeks ago. Hypothyroid. Wasn't really what I wanted to hear. :( Guess I shouldn't really be surprised since it tends to run in my family, but still. Ugh. Although, it is good to have an answer as to why I've been feeling the way I have both physically and mentally.

Finished the day off with leftover pizza at home for dinner.

2014: page two hundred twenty-nine

STAYCATION DAY 2

A trip to Dry Fork Canyon was on the docket for day 2 of our staycation. But, first, a stop in Vernal to get the oil changed and grab some grub. While Ryan took the truck for the oil change, B and I wandered around Wal-mart and grabbed some snacks. I also scored on finding some clearance summer dresses for B for next year! Love me a bargain. :)

Dry Fork Canyon was really pretty and I've never been up there before, so it made for a pretty drive and some fun hiking around. At the bottom of the canyon on the cliff face (as you see in the pic below), an American flag with the words "Pearl Harbor," "Remember the Maine" and a few other things have been painted about 100 feet up. I am still trying to find the significance of why it's painted there, but it's pretty cool. I did find an old picture online of men painting it, but not much other information.

As well, there's the McConkie Ranch up there with a trail that has a bunch of petroglyphs, but unfortunately, B was sleeping when we passed by there. That just means we will have to go back sometime.

She insisted on wearing boots today. Nothing else would do, so boots it was. :) At least they make for good mountain shoes. 

It is so hard to hear her in the video, but she is introducing herself to the little tree. Saying something along the lines of, "My name is Briella. Can you say, B-B-Briella?" Too funny! I so wish that the audio was better.

 Yep, going potty in the woods. :)

 

Pretending she's a dog crawling around.

Once we had made our way back down from Dry Fork it was dinnertime. We ordered pizza online, picked it up and headed to the park for food and playtime. Playing on the playground was especially fun because we had it all to ourselves!

 

Going down the slide all by herself for the first time! Up until now she has been a little afraid of slides. Ryan took the video in slow motion until the end.

 

Oh, and we had to change her clothes after the mountains because they were no longer wearable. Thankfully, I had purchased those clearance dresses. Ha ha! After putting one on her, I realized they probably won't fit her next summer after all, because this one already hits her at the knee. :/ 

2014: page two hundred twenty-eight

STAYCATION DAY 1

We actually started our first day of staycation out by helping a lady from church move. I know it doesn't sound very vacation-y, but it was important. Originally, just Ryan was going to go help. Then I thought that B and I could catch a ride over with him and shop at JoAnn's, Petco, Sportsman's Warehouse, etc until they had finished packing her house in Vernal.

After further thought and discussion with Ryan, we decided that B and I would help with the move. While we wouldn't be of much help (her because she is 2 and me because I'll be chasing her around. Ha.), some valuable lessons could be taught to B.  Lessons such as the importance of helping others, giving of your time to others, doing it all with a cheerful hear, etc. B already loves to help and was ready to jump right in once we got there. She carried a few things out and "helped" me carry other things out. Although, her favorite part was pushing the button to open the automatic doors. :)

We finished helping with the move around 3:00 and then we hopped in the Jeep to head over to Fruitland and the base of Tabby Mountain. Part of Ryan's Dedicated Hunter program requires that he help cut down small trees that start growing in order to encourage the growth of plants that the animals eat. The three of us had a little picnic, walked around together for a while and then he took off to find small trees to cut down. B and I hung out around the Jeep, played in the dirt, drew pictures, and more.

2014: page two hundred twenty-seven

Started another home project today by pulling the cabinet doors off the hall bath vanity. Let the painting begin! In reality, I would like a new vanity, but at this point we don't want to invest any money in that. So, painting it is. If we are still in this house a few years down the road, then will invest in a new vanity.

And this evening our Staycation begins!!! Yeah! We were going to head to Capitol Reef for a few days, but due to a series of events decided to stay home and vacation here. Ryan has a plan and is in charge! Should be a fun few days! We started off with dinner at China Star. :)

2014: page two hundred twenty-six

Well, today was pretty unexciting since I had a pretty bad headache for a good part of it. Once B went down for a nap and I rested also, it finally mostly went away. A bonus was that Ryan came home from work a little early to help out since my head hurt. :)

In the evening, we headed over to Jeremy and Crystal's new house to check out the renovation progress. It's coming along nicely.

I got mine and B's artwork hung up on her wall. :)

2014: page two hundred twenty-five

This morning, B and I were outside and I went inside for a quick minute while she blew bubbles on the front porch. When I came back out, she had yelled across the street at the kids and told them to "come play in my yard!" Ha ha ha! So, there they were. :) Then their mom, Casey, came over and we chatted for a bit. I really need to get to know my neighbors better.

For some reason today I was feeling the need to just get away from the house for a bit. So, off to the park we went, first with a stop at Arby's to grab some grub to take with us.

Picnic!

Learning to climb up the slide!

2014: page two hundred twenty-four

This morning, Jayla and Jenna came over for a few hours to play with B and to give Crystal a break. She's been having back issues with this pregnancy and the past few nights it's been especially bad resulting in not much sleep last night. Being pregnant itself is not easy, let alone add in a couple kids and back problems. Hopefully, this little break was good for her. :)

In the evening, we headed to worship practice (definitely one of my favorite times of the week), which has officially been moved to Tuesdays. Praising Jesus with others through music is such a joy to me!

2014: page two hundred twenty-three

Another Monday, although, it will be the last Monday that Petra can watch B since we will be gone next Monday and then school is starting for Petra. I've really enjoyed these Monday times for myself and am thankful for them!

Ryan and I met up at the golf course clubhouse for a lunch date. Then in the evening we headed over to his parents, so he could help his dad with a water leak that was found under their house. B and I hung out with Crystal and the girls, while the men worked.