The Great Outdoors

Who loves that John Candy movie besides me!? The Pontoon boat... you know... cruise the lake in style. Anyway, we got to Utah not too long ago and we wasted no time getting out to enjoy the beautiful Utah outdoors. I love Utah this time of year because although it's hot there it's low in humidity. And, all you need to do is go up one of Utah's many canyons to get temperatures in the 70's! I am LOVING this!

Danny planned a trip to Donut Falls up Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City. We wondered if James would be able to handle the mile and a half hike without a carrier or stroller and were surprised to find out he was an awesome little hiker. He must take after his Uncle Darin. =)

James stopping to check out some nature.

Upon closer review... an ant on a rock. =)

Meet Jeff, Shay, and their teeny, tiny Noah. When Jeff found out we were in Utah he invited us up to his family's cabin in Oakley, Utah. It was such a treat. We got to ride 4-wheelers, throw horse shoes, and jet-ski. Thanks so much guys!Rockport Reservoir was beautiful.

Danny on his jet-ski.

Hello there.

Baby Noah was probably my favorite part of the trip. =)

Throwing horse shoes.

Some morning 4-wheeling.
Can you tell I love the great outdoors!?

Maryland, Part 1

Darin... since you decided to snap this photo with my camera I thought is only right to share it on the blog. =) Nerd. Meeting baby Jonathan for the first time! Look at the darn cute face!

James trying to entertain his new-found best buddy. I think it was working. =)
Carole Ann and I trying to get a picture with our little guys.My nephew Luke wanted to be my "little guy" in a picture too.
I met my nephew Kody for the first time on this trip.
Lets just say you can fall in love over and over. Brandon and Clarissa getting Kody to smile.
Kody was still warming up to me at this point.

I had a splendid dinner out with an old college friend, Sheryl. She is the bomb.

Really, b.o.m.b.

Getting ready for a walk to the park.
Allie and her baby bump. Who is excited for a new nephew!? Me, me, me!My boys and me. <3My sister-in-law Jenny with my niece Paige.An attempt at a photo with all the kiddos in their Brasil shirts.We don't usually make him wear a helmet on the swing. Just had to get that out.

Uncle Will and Paige on the swing.

Paigey-girl and me. She has the biggest blue eyes.

My boy and me.

Funny face time with Luke...

And, then we walked home.

James loved playing at the splash park. I decided that I need one if these in my backyard in Panama. I love not worrying about him drowning.

James would get so pooped that he would just lay down on the floor and not get up. That is how much fun we had in Maryland!

more (much, much more) to come...

Our last days in Mexico

Seems like so long ago already. Not sure why. Yet, I still feel like I am going back. Not so.

The last few weeks were quiet and our move went as good as a move could.

I am a grateful lady for that.

We visited the angel downtown one last time.

James tasted his first Guarana (Brasilian soda) and was definitely a fan.

We took one last trip to Parque Lincoln (yes, Lincoln Park - everyone loves Abe!) James borrowed a bike and helmet from a little girl in our ward.
We ate our last tacos al pastor.

We packed up our things.
And, said our goodbyes. My maid cried. I felt like crying too.

Oh, Mexico I have been and so I know. =)