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!

Crater Lake // Summer 2015

I wish I could convey, in words, how truly beautiful Crater Lake is. If you have not been here, this is something that you need to do in your life time. My family's cabin is about 45 minutes away from Crater Lake. I don't know if it's just because I was reading Wild while on our road trip to Oregon, or what, but T Money and I decided to drive over from our cabin and spend our 2nd anniversary here. T had never been and I wanted to share in that experience with him. 

It was indescribably gorgeous. 

The last time I had been I was about nine years old, so I didn't exactly "revel in it's beauty." I was, more likely, kicking the back of my mom's seat because I didn't want to go (I was a brat. I'm never having children.) 

As I walked around the lake, I couldn't stop taking pictures. It was truly unreal. (So you should be grateful that I deleted about 40 pictures just from Crater Lake….this is a miracle.) 

And as for these photos, I barely touched them. I took 2 minutes total on "editing" these photos, and really all I did was lighten a few of them so you could see the beauty a bit better due to spotty cloud coverage. Pictures though, as usual, do not capture the essence, peacefulness, and sheer beauty of this place.

Enjoy. 

That water <3 td="">

Birdy! 

And a few more from Instagram. 

Other Summer 2015 posts: // St. George // Cowboy Up! // Mermaids // 4th of July // Manti // T Money's Bday // Shootin' the Tube // A Day in the Utah Mountains 

What is your favorite national park? 
Have you ever been to Crater Lake? 

Lounging Around & Pool Time // Maui

Maui// Overview 

Maui // Video 

Beach Life // Things to Do // Maui 

Beach Life II // Things to Do // Maui 

Olivine Pools & Snorkeling Cove// Things to do // Maui 

Honolua-Mokuleia Bay & Rainforest // Things to Do // Maui

When you have twenty people with you on your vacation, going out to dinner isn't exactly possible every night. So, each sibling took a night and cooked for everyone, which, in itself, was a battle. Sunset time in Maui, just like it is here on the mainland, is my favorite time of day. It starts cooling down enough where you go for a walk, watch the sunset, and hang out. And that's exactly what we did. We all would hang out. It was so simple, but so relaxing and fun. Some nights we would play games, but mostly we turned on music and the kids would dance. It truly was the best entertainment. Nothing better than good conversations, sunsets, family and dancing after dinner, am I right?!
Another favorite activity that we loved to do as a family gang (yes, gang) is head to the pool. My parents have a condo with a gorgeous infinity pool. And even though they had 50 complaint phone calls (bunch of old grumpy people!) we would bombard the pool. It was perfect for getting away from the beach for a bit.
Have I mentioned how adorable my nieces and nephews are? I love them so much. I know that a lot of my photos from Maui are of kids (hey, there are 9 of them!) but it's just because they are so beautiful. Just adore them, k?