Yellow Rock

We had a blast on our trip to Star Valley and Yellowstone (or Yellow Rock as Steve liked to joke.) In the past, we've had trouble travelling with Evie. In simple terms, she's not a huge fan. We're talking screaming, no sleep, and constipation to the max. But guess who was a d.r.e.a.m. this trip? Ok, well, she did start getting sick the day we left so the first two nights were fever-ridden and we were up every hour with her. But other than that, she was a dream, especially because she was sick. She loved our adventures together in strange and exotic lands like.....Afton.

We spent our first restless night and day in a small cabin in Afton, WY. Little Afton has the world's largest elkhorn arch and intermittent spring, as well as the cutest little chocolate shop with any kind of homemade chocolate/caramel you can think of, including some that would surprise you. I don't think we will try the curry chili caramel again. They are also home to a new temple! The temple has 4 walls but that's about it at this point. We're excited to see it again once it's completed! Since we've been married, Steve has wanted to take me up to Star Valley. He has fond memories of his family staying there when he was younger and his dad was working in the area. It was fun to be there with him and see him so excited!

What the temple currently looks like:

What it will look like upon completion:

 Intermittent Springs

From Afton we drove to Jackson, WY. By the time we reached Jackson, Eva had just decided to fall asleep for her nap in the truck so Steve and I did some exploring and drove down a small country road to let her sleep longer. The Grand Tetons appeared as we drove down the road and it was majestic. By the time we got to our hotel, Eva was covered from head to toe in Red Vines she's been eating earlier and was too excited to get her wiggles out. Luckily for us, our hotel room was upgraded for freeeeee so we got a huge room and a balcony, which Eva loved because she could watch the birds in the trees. We explored downtown Jackson the rest of the afternoon, and came back that evening for ice cream. I had been to Jackson when I was younger but only had vague memories of it. It was fun to be back!

The next day we explored Yellowstone and had a blast! During our trip we taught Evie the sounds of all the animals we were seeing. She especially loves to be an elk. She also learned what the geysers say: "Whooooosh!" It was lovely just being us, with no timetable, no one to impress, and doing what we love. I absolutely love our little family. It's fun to think that soon Eva will be able to hold onto memories of us that will last her lifetime. I want her to have wonderful memories like this!

That's a buffalo just above my shoulder, folks.

Eva wanted to climb over the wall into the raging river of death. 

We're mean parents and wouldn't let her.

Best investment on the trip: a box of straws. They kept her entertained for h o u r s, thank you!

Made it to Idaho Falls where we stayed the night and someone was zonked. This was our first full night's sleep, thank the heavens. I love how she twirls her hair while she's falling asleep.

Our final stop was Great-grandma Marian's in Logan! We love this sweet lady, whose heart and home if full of kindness. Evie couldn't get enough of her! They became fast friends and bonded over a day of pinwheels, toys, and peaches.

Splish-splash, just taking a bath...with the same toys dad played with in the tub when he was little!

We couldn't have asked for a better vacation! It's nice to be home with a full heart, fun memories, and the BEST husband who did all of the unpacking before I could even think about it! He knows how much I hate that part.

Ponderize

We enjoyed a most wonderful General Conference this weekend! Every 6 months, we are able to gather across the world as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to hear the words of the Prophet and our leaders. I was especially touched by some of the messages shared this conference that were centered on faith and allowing the Lord to shape you and place you on the path you are divinely meant to be on. I am sure to write more on these subjects later, but tonight I wanted to start a little project encouraged by Brother Devin G. Durrant, first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency. In his talk he expressed, "Many of the personal rewards I have received in life have come as a result of someone inviting me to do a difficult task." One of his invitations to us was to "ponderize" one verse of scripture each week. He explains that "ponderization" is a combination of 80 percent extended pondering and 20 percent memorization.

So, folks, for our first week of "ponderization" I give you:

This is a family goal of ours and we will be placing our weekly scripture to ponderize in places we will read it frequently each day. Often, when I set a new goal, I try to go at it too quickly or I expect immediate results and get discouraged if I don't clearly complete it, upon which my once very important goal gets pushed to the back-burner or forgotten. My current goal is not to give up on my goals. The scripture above reminds me that I am my Heavenly Father's. My goals are thus His goals, and His are mine. I am never placed on the back-burner or forgotten because I am engraved on the palms of my Savior, whom Heavenly Father sent to help me return home. The following words shared by Kim B. Clark during conference brought this comfort and hope to my heart: "We do not have to be perfect, but we need to be good and getting better." I know we can do that!