Spring Break 2017

I looked at the clock today and it was only 10:00 am.

I thought it was lunchtime.
I sighed and looked at my students and said, "Okay, guys, we got this!!!" They all just stared at me. 

Coming back to school after a fun few days in the sunshine is quite difficult. I was spoiled with some serious leisure time and a good break! My Spring Break was so much fun. I tagged along with my in-laws on this fun road trip. Before I left, I had someone say to me, "Wait. You are going on a vacation with your in laws...and their entire extended family..without Tanner?!" I know. I know! Good thing I have known them for seven years now and they didn't kick me out when I snored ;).

In all seriousness though, it was a great time and I was so grateful to go on vacation with great people! 

We hit the road and stopped at Cove Fort on our road trip. Cove Fort was built in 1867 by the Pioneers in Utah. It was a safe stop for travelers to stop and rest. I had never been here before, but it was interesting to learn new information about the Mormon Pioneers. Both of my parents are converts to the LDS church, so I don't have any of those pioneer ancestors. Maybe that's why I don't think I would have been a very good pioneer ;) haha. I kept thinking, "Uh, I would have died." I'm a wimp. It happens. Good thing I'm a millennial, eh? 

We got in the car and made our way down to St. George. I love the red rocks in St. George so much. We spent the evening exploring and hiking around in the beautiful sunshine. I think I want to live down there full time. Ha.  

I said, "Guys! Get in a picture here. This is so pretty right here!" And the all ignored me. I look up and this is what I see. Mark thinks he's so funny. 

Yea, no way I am fitting in that crevice! Claustrophobia, much? 

Of course we had to swing by the St. George temple. I love this temple so much. And I, like my many other lists, want to see as many temples in the world as possible! (Except I've been to this one a million times! Ha). 

The next day, after what seemed like a very long drive (I'm not used to sitting in the back seat for trips!), we made it to Palm Springs. We stayed at a gorgeous resort there. Of course, while there, I ran into an old student and her family. This is the life of a teacher. Ha. (I also ran into past, present, and future students' and their families in Joshua Tree and St. George. One in every location!).

While in Palm Springs I read three books (in four days total--counting the long drive. I had a lot of time, guys!), played tennis (and it made me want to play more!!), swam, sun-tanned, played cards, went for walks, watched some tv, and swim in the sunshine more!

Cousins! 

And our tennis photo shoot starts....NOW! 

Dorks. Ha. 

Last and definitely not least, we stopped by Joshua Tree National Park on our way home. That post will be tomorrow!!!! Come back for more tomorrow!

Temple Challenge // St. George

Here's how my Temple Challenge works: I am trying to visit (and do a session) in as many LDS temples as I can throughout my lifetime. Ideally, I would like to visit every temple in Utah before Summer 2016, which is possible, but definitely a challenge (especially now that the school year has started--because there are 15 in Utah right now--17 by the end of next year). This summer was a great time to start to this goal of mine. 

I got to experience this temple with my dear friend, Marie. Marie just returned home from her mission when we went a few months ago (yea, I forgot to post about this one…). I absolutely fell in love with this temple. The St. George Temple  was the first temple to be completed in Utah in 1877. The classic white makes my vintage heart incredibly happy. I love it! :) 

Other Temples I've Visited:  Payson // Manti // Jordan River // 

Memorial Day Weekend // Summer 2015

Around Memorial Day Weekend, T Money and I drove down to Cedar City for our good friend, Marie's homecoming. Tanner has known the Taylor family since he was a little boy so they are basically like cousins to us (We have a lot of those, apparently.) We only have 3 1/2 days of school left after Memorial Day, so it felt like the beginning of summer so I always count it.

 I love day and little over night trips. Utah has so many amazing national parks, hikes, outdoor places and cool things that Tanner and I decided, especially since we bought a house and have no money, that we will get to know our state a little better and do things we don't do very often (plus we are super busy this summer and he's gone a lot, so it's perfect!) This was a perfect start to our little excursions.

While in Cedar City, we drove down to St. George, which is about 40 min. south and went to the temple. It was my first time there! It's as gorgeous as everyone says it is. The gang also went repelling and bouldering at the Dixie Red Rocks. I looked over the edge and almost threw up, so I took pictures instead. I am deathly scared of heights and I couldn't even stand looking over the edge, so repelling may not be in my future any time soon. Ha! Southern Utah is so gorgeous.

I love that view behind him!

It was a fun little getaway!

Have you ever been to St. George? Whats your favorite thing to do there/about it? 
Have you ever been bouldering or repelling? Do you like it?