Trip with Steve's Parents

So we recently returned from a trip with Steve's parents, it was great, included visits to: Hershey Pennsylvania, Gettysburg, Washington DC, Mount Vernon, Monticello, Amish Country (Lancaster PA) and Philadelphia.  Below are a few great pictures from each spot:

Steve, Margaret and Dave at Hershey's Chocolate World



Jill & Steve @ Gettysburg Visistors Center



Dave & Margaret sitting on the Lincoln Memorial Steps - looking out of Washington DC at night

Dave, Margaret and Jill outside the Capitol before our Capitol Tour

Dave and Margaret - Mount Vernon back porch - overlooks the Potomac river

Dave, Margaret & Steve at the Washington DC temple

Dave & Steve at Jefferson Memorial

Lincoln Memorial from our Potomac River Cruise on Saturday Night

All of us at the Liberty Bell - in Pennsylvania

Amish Country - Lancaster PA

Valley Forge, PA

On the last day, Steve, Dave and I went to the Philidelphia Museum of Art - so Steve could recreate th Rocky experience

JFK / Love Plaza - Philadelphia our last attraction of the trip

Great Weekend - Turning 30

So, today August 31st, 2010 - I turned 30 years old - I don't feel any older... and that makes me happy, but the thing that has been best about this birthday is all the people that have helped me to celebrate, starting last Thursday night when my sweet husband decided to throw me a surprise birthday party -

The Evening was filled with Cake, Pizza and great times with family and friends

I was greeted by about 20 different friends and family - Steve wanted to make sure that I felt surrounded by love this birthday and he did a fabulous job!

Following such a great surprise party - I was able to spend Friday evening with friends at a movie, and then dinner.

Saturday was a fun filled day at the Steve's work summer picnic and 5K

The race was a family affair - Steve's brother was in charge, Spencer, Kim, Me, Steve, Evan and Perry each completed at least part of the race - Steve set a personal best as far as time goes - I am so proud of what a great job he is doing in controlling his health.

Saturday night, I was able to go to dinner with my Dad, Grandma and Steve, last night my book club celebrated my birthday, today at work some friends took me out for lunch and tonight Steve's parents took us out to dinner. 

Most of you reading this probably already know that I was concerned about celebrating  my birthday without my mom around, but I must say that my family and friends did everything they could to insure it was  great day, and week.   I still miss her and of course I miss the daily calls, and today especially I miss her calling to sing me a Happy Birthday!  But, I am so grateful for all the wonderful people in my life, and I know that she is grateful to them as well.  Thanks Everyone - here's to my 30's!!!

Denver

So over the 24th of July weekend Steve and I went to Denver with my Dad - on the trip we did at least 7 Jeep trails, and rode two train rides.  It was a great trip below are many of the photos. 

The first Jeep trail that we went on Boreas Pass on our way to Denver

Rocky Mountain Diner for dinner the first night - Steve remembered it from a previous trip - and man it was good.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Royal Gorge / Train Ride - we sprang for seats in the Dome cars... best way to train travel... much more comfortable than the open air cars of the Georgetown Loop

Phantom Canyon Jeep Trail

I know this one is a little hard to see but, seriously - "Tipsy's Liquor Store" - seems like an interesting choice of names.

We of course had to stop at the Moffat Tunnel.... especially after Steve spotted a train waiting to go through.

The top of Rollins Pass - probably the coolest Jeep trail we went up

Summer 2010

Here are a few updates from our Summer of 2010

Cute little Aurora is growing quickly she is 8 months old now.

We took my Dad to Eddie Money concert at Sandy Ampitheater for Fathers Day

Ron & Arva came to visit for Memorial Day

Taylorsville Dayzz! was fabulous as ever - great fireworks show

Steve and I attempted Elephant Rock twice 3.5 miles in 3.5 miles out... over the past four years we have attempted it 4 times.   Finally with Kim, Dave and Spencer we reached our goal in just over 3 hours round trip.   So glad that we finally made it - it was a beautiful hike.

Jeep

So about two months ago my dad bought a new Jeep Rubicon

Since then we have been on many trips with him

First there was the trip to Butterfield Canyon in June - it was still closed so we went over to Tooele and went up through  Ophir Canyon (where we forded a stream) and Mercur where we hiked up to and visited the Mercur Cemetary

Then went up the Tooele side of Butterfield it was a beautiful view and as you can see-- there was no reason for it to be closed on the Salt Lake Side - for snow - especially since the Salt Lake side is paved.

Then there was the trip up above the Bountiful B - again thinking we would go to Farmington Canyon this way - Nope still closed for Winter - again it didn't look like there was much snow

  so instead we took the other direction and followed a road that looked over into Morgan,

and then headed south towards Mueller Park - it didn't exit anywhere though so we turned around to head back down and encountered this beautiful sunset.

Last weekend, Sunday afternoon after a BBQ at my Dad's house we headed up to Guardsman's Pass - only one photo was taken, and while it looks like a beautiful day I must say 50 degrees, open top of a jeep and me in shorts and a t-shirt really don't mix.  Unfortunately there are no pictures of me wrapped in my blanket as we drove back down the canyon - I am sure it would have been a sight to see.

a-ha!

So, a couple weekends ago Steve and I flew to LA to see a-ha, on their "Final Fling" tour - we were lucky enough to see the last concert they say they will be playing in the United States.   I didn't know much by them, like most of the bands we go to see, but I have to say it was awesome.  We saw them at LA Live - near the Staples Center - it was an awesome venue, we had great seats and a great night. 

Since we were going to Southern California, and since Disney was doing the Give a Day Get a Day promotion, I was also able to convince Steve to go to Disneyland for a day while we were there.  It was a great day.  I was worried because of how much Steve professed to dislike Disneyland, but we really had a lot of fun.  It was a great weekend!

It even looks like he was having fun!

Cabin

So, we have a bit of catching up to do...

Two weekends ago, we went up to my Grandma's cabin with Steve's brother and sister-in-law as well as their family.  Steve's parents came up for one night and my Dad and Mark even joined us for a short visit.  A great time was had by all, we certainly appreciate the opportunity that my Grandma Johnson has given us over the years to make great memories at the cabin.

Can you believe that there was so much snow on May 1st?

Also, in April, our little nephew turned 7, we were luck enough to get to take him to the aquarium as well as to dinner at Tepanyahki.  It was a great evening. 

Who wouldn't want to ride a bullfrog?