Winter Hiking

The air finally cleared and we couldn't wait to get outside to enjoy it.  We took a quick hike up near Emigration Canyon.  It was lovely.  In my opinion, on a clear day, there isn't a more beautiful city in the world.

         

Midway Ice Castles

These were as amazing as they look.  We went on New Year's Day, along with the rest of Salt Lake City.  It was a great way to get out of the smoggy air.  At night, they are lit up by colored lights which is also awesome.  

Hawaii 2013 (Part 2)

I had grand intentions of adding a lot more photos, but this will have to do.  There are just too many pictures and memories to include them all.  Boy, we love Hawaii.  

 Gordon's first Christmas was fantastic.  We woke up early and hiked an incredible hike to the top of Koko Head, which was a great way to start the day.

Being away from home, we had a very simple Christmas.  The trip was a gift in itself.  But, Gordon couldn't have a christmas without any presents.  Wish I had known that all I had to do was put a bow on a ball of wrapping paper and he would be a happy boy.  

                                                               Top of Koko Head.

This was on Waikiki Beach.  Gordon was so easy to take along and would just nap on the beach.  It was so pleasant.

The morning we left was so sad for me.  I can't express how wonderful it was to be with my mother.  Outside their house they have a plumeria tree which drops incredible fragrant flowers every day.  I loved to go out and collect them and couldn't get over the fact that there are trees in the world that shed flowers.  The morning we left, I left one for each of us in our bedroom for my mother to find.  Just a little kiss from each of us.

                          We are headed back this summer and honestly cannot wait.

Hawaii, 2013 (part 1)

There are few things that rival a trip to a warm location in the dead of winter.  Taking time off to go to Hawaii for Christmas was probably the greatest thing we have ever done.  It was a fantastic trip.  Spending time with my parents was the best part for me, but enjoying the warm climate was also pretty great.  I will have to do a follow-up post in a few days with the pictures from my phone, which I cannot seem to get on to my computer.  But this can get us started.  

We absolutely loved the mission home and playing in the pool there.  We all swam every day and then Gavin and I would swim while Gordon was napping. Lovely.  Gordon particularly loved riding on my dad's pool floatie.  

We tried to get one outing in each day, whether it was going to a beach or on a hike.  Our first hike was up to the lighthouse on the South East end of the island.  It was hot, but we had a good time.

Gordon is a beach baby.  He loved the sand (well, eating it), loved the people, and loved dipping his toes in the water.  Swimming has to be his favorite activity, whether in the tub, the pool, or the ocean.

Again, as soon as I can figure out how to get the pictures off of my phone, I'll post more.  

To be continued...