Glacier National Park

This trip has been a long time coming.  When I found out we were moving to Montana I was determined to make the trip at some point.  In talking about it Paul's parents the expressed interest too so we planned a trip.  I feel like I've seen a lot of beautiful things in my life, but nothing like I did here.  The pictures don't even do it justice.  Each hike was to yet another amazing sight, which was perfect because it was just enough incentive for a little girl with little interest in hiking.  

 My favorite parts of our trip were:

 One of our longer hikes to the hidden lake.  It was a beautiful hike but also felt dangerous at times walking across the snow with a steep slide on one side.  I enjoyed holding Audrey's hand.  She as always, was excited to see new animals and on this hike we saw mountain goats and a marmot.  On the way down as we passed by the marmot sunning himself on a rock she told me she'd love to be him.  She said she'd love to lay in the sun all day and have so many fans.  

Another one was a hike to a larger waterfall.  On the way up I kept thinking we'd made it and then the signs would prove that it was just another waterfall.  The last waterfall which we were trying to get to was larger than all the others and so much more powerful.  We were able to get so close that I could feel the cold water on my face.  It was amazing and so beautiful.  The last mile of our hike Audrey was complaining.  This was the end of our week and she'd been hiking everyday.  It had gotten hot and there was quite an incline.  Rod picked up Audrey and carried her most of the way back.  She was so happy and he was probably so exhausted but I thought it was so sweet of him to help her despite the fact that he was tired too.  

I truly enjoyed spending time camping in our tent.  It's been so long since we've camped together and it was the perfect weather for sleeping under the stars.  Audrey couldn't stop talking about how great it was to camp.    

The only thing that made me nervous were the bears.  The park tries to drive home preparedness when it comes to bears and they aren't exaggerating.  We ran into some girls that had seen three different bears along the hiking trails.  luckily they were little guys. We ran into two.  One of them really far off the road while we were in our car and the other one when we were about to get out of our car.  Luckily we were still looking for our parking spot.  Bear spray and bells seemed like a really good idea after our close encounter.  I was happy Rod and Anne had their trailer for storing all the food.  

The last highlight was our hike through the cedar trees and our hike up avalanche trail.  It was a beautiful hike.  I felt like I was walking through the scene of a movie.  The entire thing was shaded and the lake and mountains at the end were unlike anything I've every seen.  

The water at glacier is brilliant blue which I found out later comes from the blue green slate which seemed to be everywhere.  

In the end it was worth the drive and worth the hiking.  I think we'll try to do it again in the future. 

Our last stop before coming home was a quick trip to Cardston, Canada.  I really wanted to drive through Grandma Craven's little town and go to the cemetery to visit my great grandparent's graves.  The town of Cardston is so tiny but it was such a sweet experience. We went to the town center to see what there was to see, surprisingly the Cardston temple was on their list.  We felt like visiting the temple was a must so we took a trip there and then to the cemetery.  I guess I don't know what I expected.  I thought we'd find great grandma and grandpa's headstone right away.  Instead, after looking for what seemed like forever we found it and it was in the last section and almost the last stone we looked at.  I was grateful because I was beginning to think that I'd never find it. Audrey was sweet to help my look and in the process she was collecting wildflowers to place on their grave.  It was the sweetest little gesture.  It means a lot to me that she cared.   

In the end I was happy it was the last one because in the process I was able to find Great Grandma Tyler's parents headstone as well as two of her children who passed away at very young ages. My grandmother lost her parents when she was just coming into her twenties and lost her grandparents at the same time.  I was touched by my visit.  I guess I realized for the first time just how much trial and hardship my grandmother and great grandmother had been through and it gave me hope and such and overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the plan of salvation.  Someday I hope to meet them.  After our visit to the cemetery we went out and ate fries and a shake at the local drive-in.  It was delicious!   

Let Freedom Ring!

Paul's parents came into town to bring us their 4 motorcycles.  They've been asking for a while whether or not we wanted them and every time they asked Paul politely declined.  He didn't have a plan for where to keep them or how to haul them so he decided they weren't for us.  Finally to my surprise he decided he wanted them.  We still really don't have a place for them and they need some work but we are excited to add another thing to the list of family hobbies.  

I got on a motorcycle for the first time in my life.  At first I was a little apprehensive and I definitely couldn't add a passenger yet but I enjoyed riding around by myself.  Audrey loved every moment of being behind her Dad or Grandpa Rod.  It was a little muddy so they slipped around a bit but she still wanted to go over and over again.  Of course true to Audrey's nature she couldn't pass up the opportunity to do some wild flower picking while we were there.  I think if I had of been born the same time as Audrey we would have been best friends.  My child self was a lot like her. 

After we rode bikes for a couple hours we had missed the parade, but I really wanted to go to the little town we'd planned to see it in.  So many people here have told me how beautiful it is there so I wanted to wander around a bit and see what all the talk was about.

We drove through the middle of town and spotted a few shops we wanted to see.  We found an old timey candy store which drew me in right away.  I had flash backs of the fruit stand again as I filled a brown paper bag with all of my favorites and some I've never tried.  I was excited to reminisce with Paul while I ate chic-o-sticks, frooties, and salt water taffy of all flavors.  

The next shop we stopped at was a rock store.  Audrey is a rock collector.  She's not super pick about her rocks but she had some really beautiful ones.  As we walked through the store her eyes lit up.  She wanted to take them all home but we convinced her that one was enough.  She picked out a small piece of flourite and I picked out a little onyx bear that was solid black.  It reminds me of Montana and all of our adventures.  Someday it will be a sweet reminder of the time we spent here.

On the way home we snacked on treats and talked about motorcycles and our plans for the rest of the day.  

When we got home Anne and I prepared for our yearly BBQ.  We ate a delicious meal and then went outside to enjoyed hundreds of confetti poppers.  They don't allow fireworks here so we had to improvise.  I would say Audrey enjoyed it just as much as the small fireworks we'd usually set off.  Her favorite part was lining up with as many people as possible, counting down, and pulling the strings at the same time.  After vacuuming up we put Audrey to bed for a couple hours while we waited for the city fireworks. We arrived at the church, picked a good spot to sit, and sat down to wait.  It took a half hour before they started, but it was worth the wait.  I expected them to last as long as maybe a couple songs, but was surprised when it continued on for six songs.  It was truly the most amazing firework show I've ever seen.  It was such a sweet moment to share with family.  As they played the national anthem I teared up.  After reading the last book I read on World War II I couldn't help but think of those who gave their lives for our freedom, those who who woke up every morning wondering if they were going to make it back home or if this would be the day they'd say goodbye.  I know there have been more and continue to be more who fight for our safety and freedom and I'm truly grateful for them and their families. It's because of them that I was able to have today with this beautiful family of mine.  Thanks Rod and Anne for joining us!  We enjoyed ever minute of your visit here.    

You've Had a Birthday, Shout Hooray!

We celebrated Paul's birthday.  I always feel bad when it's a work day because the celebration only lasts a few hours. Usually I try to celebrate the weekend before.  This time to make it up to him I brought cupcakes to work.  I found the most magical way to make salted caramel frosting...it was pretty amazing.  I also made pumpkin pie as per his request for a cake.  I should have brought the cupcakes on a different day. He didn't eat one, he just passed them all out to his coworkers.  He said he was saving room for pie.  I can't say I blame him.  

He came home and we ate dinner.  Audrey had spent the whole day decorating and making gifts for him.  She never ceases to amaze me with her creativity. 

Paul hardly ever buys anything for himself so I bought him the safe he's been eyeing for awhile. He was pretty happy about it.  There are so many things I could say about Paul but today but in my effort to save you from lists I'll just talk a little bit about this year.  

I may have fallen apart a little.  I usually hold it together pretty well but over the last six months I have struggled emotionally in ways that I have never struggled.  Through it all Paul was there, always pulling me in for a hug and telling me it was going to be okay, or sending me a conference talk I needed at just the right time.  I'm pretty sure we've made it out on the other side and I'd say it's all because of him in pushing me in the right direction and when he couldn't push he'd listen.

He works really hard everyday to spend quality time with Audrey and I'd say most days she loves him more than she's ever loved me.  He holds her world in his hand.  She looks up to him and I'm so grateful she does because he's her best example.  

He's so good at pushing me to do the things I love, as Sister Hinckley said," He has always given me wings to fly".  When I am inclined to pinch on paper he tells me paper is a cheap way to let Audrey explore her talents.  Making memories as a family is so important to me and he has always facilitated that, which means so much to me.  I'm so glad we get to call him ours.

I love you handsome!  I'm super happy and grateful for every year we get to grow old together. Happy Birthday!