A little getaway

This last weekend Josh and I went a away for a little 3 day weekend just us to celebrate our 5 years of being married. What a wonderful 5 years it has been. I am a VERY lucky woman to have such an awesome husband. He's the best! We spent a day hiking through Zions. It was absolutely beautiful there. It was nice to be able to do some hikes that we usually wouldn't be able to do with the little boys. We then spent some time in Snow Canyon and Vegas. Great times with my hubby. :o)

We ran into a HUGE hail storm. Thank goodness we were not still on top of Angels Landing, but coming down.

Oh how I love this. I always look at beautiful scenes like this and can't help but smile.

On top of Angels Landing. If you haven't done this hike you should....it has an awesome view at top.

My very talented hubby.

My little troupers

Here are some pictures from Halloween night. I am surprised we even were prepared for Halloween this year. This last month has been SO CRAZY and I wanted to say how proud I am of my little boys for being such troupers through all of the craziness. Yes, they did have their moments of meltdowns....many as a matter of fact, but all in all they were great while mommy and daddy were busy. Why you may ask was this last month so busy. We put our house up for sale the last week in September and got an offer on it in one week then had a couple of weeks to be moved out of the house. On top of that there were many many different things which had to be done around the house the buyer requested plus if any of you have sold a house you know all the stress that goes into it. Josh and I also have kept very busy with work, I work from home and Josh of course goes to work. So, enough of my complaining and what I want to get out is I am grateful that my boys were able to somewhat survive this last month with out much of a mom and dad. Also, thanks you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much to those of you who helped us move. It was such a big help and I am so appreciative towards you. You know who you are and you are WONDERFUL!
We now have a offer on another house, so we will see how that turn out. :o)

Halloween program

North had his Pre-K class Halloween program the other day and it was SOOOOOOO cute to see all these little kids telling Halloween jokes, singing, and doing little skits. i love this age (4 years old) they are so hilarious.

My smart little guy!

One day on the way home from school I asked North if he knew the Pledge of Allegiance because they were learning it in Pre-K, he then tells me it all. Yes, he may not get every word right....but I was impressed with my little guy! SOOO cute.

Moab & Arches

This last weekend went went on a well needed little get away to Moab. We went camping and hiking through Arches. It is amazing how a little outdoors can make you feel great. Life has been CRAZY lately! It was beautiful weather. I brought all of our big coats because I thought it would be so cold. The boys enjoyed themselves playing in the dirt and hiking around.

My boys by the river throwing rocks. It would not be camping unless they were doing this.

My attempt to try and take a good family picture. OH, maybe one day I will get one.

The first thing Railay wanted to do when he woke up was play outside in the dirt.....it doesn't matter to a 1 year old what time of day it is, even if it is 7:00 am. ;o)

4 BOYS & ME!

We found out yesterday what we are having and yes once again we are having another little boy! Both Josh and I are very excited to have a family full of boys. I still laugh when I think about it. A big smile comes to my face when I think about my 3 little boys playing with each other in years to come. North is excited to have another wrestling buddy to pounce on. I know it is just an ultrasound picture, but I think he already looks adorable!

He is sucking his thumb in the 1st video. SOOO cute!

Birthday boy and haircut

Yesterday was my sweet little North's Birthday. He is now 4 years old! Geeesh I can't even believe how fast he is growing up. North has been such a blessing in our life. He is constantly making us laugh and is such a sweet little guy who also has a very mischievous side to him. He is a great big brother to Railay and my favorite snuggler. He is an absolute delight to have as my little guy.

North was looking forward to his birthday because in his Pre-K class he got to be the special helper and wear the birthday hat......now to a 4 year old that is a BIG deal. Josh and I were looking forward to his birthday because we got him a Lightning Mcqwean(I think that you you spell it) Cars bike. He was very excited to see his bike when he woke up. I also cut his hair yesterday too. That was an event in and of itself. North about had a meltdown with all the hair that was falling in his face. I am going to have to think of a better way next time.

This is his finished haircut. If he looks sick to you, that's because he is. Poor little guy was throwing up all afternoon.
Halfway through his haircut I gave him a mullet. I thought about keeping it for hummmmm maybe 1 second.

His little shag. if you noticed his man bangs are totally botched....thanks to me and my not so talented hair cutting skills. That was the main reason for cutting his hair.

This is Josh out with North riding his bike at 6:30 in the morning! Both of the boys were so excited to get out and try it.

This is his face when he saw the bike.....if you can't tell, he is excited.

I had to add my little Railay to this post because he is just to darn cute!

My marathon man

Josh ran his first marathon yesterday and did awesome. He did the "Top of Utah Marathon" which is in Logan. He said the course was beautiful. You start up the canyon and run down towards Logan. The leaves are changing which I'm sure made a spectacular view. I was so excited when I saw him coming in I started jumping up and down screaming his name. He even took time to run over to me and give me a big kiss. So sweet, I know. :o) He was definitely tired and sore when he was done. I even rubbed his sweaty, smelly, sticky feet.....gross I know but the things you do for the ones you love are sometimes drastic.

Great Job Sweetie....You did awesome!







No, he is not playing in the water. He is soaking his feet in the cold stream.

Red Fish lake

So here I am finally updating my blog. I know it has been awhile and my only excuse is I am a slacker. A lot has happened this summer. I can't believe it is coming to an end. Definitely many fun memories were made with me sweet little family.

This last weekend Josh and I were able to get away to a beautiful place called Red Fish lake in the Sawtooth mountains. We stayed in a cabin right by the lake. It was my first time there, but definitely not the last. If any one wants to go there (which you should) We stayed at the Red Fish Lake Lodge. You have to book your reservation by January of the year you want to go. It fills up fast. Anyways, we had a great time hiking, canoeing, eating at there wonderfully scrumptious restaurant, and just being with each other. One of my favorite part is when Josh and I laid out on the dock one night looking at the stars....it sounds cheesy I know, but if you could have been there you would have loved it too. There we millions of stars in the sky and you could also see the Milky Way. I am one who loves getting away from the city so I can see stuff like that. :o)



Beautiful Red Fish Lake

This is in the evening. The evening were spectacular. I know it is a picture of mostly us, but you can somewhat see the evening background....even though it doesn't do it justice.

Hiking to Goat Falls

Another hike, the lake we are by is Pittit Lake. We were on a search for huckleberries. We never found some ripe ones, but we were rewarded with beautiful scenery instead.

Our little cabin

Canoeing on Red Fish Lake.

Lagoon :o)

This last Saturday we went with some family to Lagoon. It was the first time for the boys to go to Lagoon and the first time in many many years for both Josh and I. We had a lot of fun. I loved watching the boys especially North having fun on all of the kid rides and Railay was hoot to watch on the boat rides. You stick that kids in front of a wheel and he thinks it is the best thing in the world. I also loved being with family I think everyone who was there can agree it was hilarious to watch everyone on Rattlesnakes Rapids, especially those who did not want to get wet who then ended up getting soaked (Lauren). Josh and I did not even go on any of the big ride, as you can imagine because we have the little kids. It did not matter though, we still had a wonderful time. I was very impressed with all of the rides they had for little kids. We actually even stayed from opening until 7:00 pm. When we got home all of us were so tired even Josh and I fell asleep around 9:00. Ohhhh...the days when I could stay up late.

I don't know why North looks so sad it these pics.

Snow in August

I have been a slacker lately with blogging. Life has been busy. :o)
This last weekend we went camping in the Uintas. It was fun....but cold. It started out sunny and nice and by the evening it was raining, HARD too. The next morning it starting hailing then snowing. Oh, the Uintas how I love the crazy unpredictable weather. You plan for the temps to be in the 60's and get 30's. It may have been cold but it was beautiful. There is something about the green pine trees with the snow covering it. I also love the Uintas, it is one of my favorite mountains camping spots.

You may be wondering what they are doing? They decided that they would throw BIG rocks on top of the logs to brake the logs in halve so they would fit into the fire. Sometimes you just have to let men be men. Thank goodness they did not hurt themselves. :o)

Our little camping spot.

The big Wilkinson clan

Over the 4th of July the whole Wilkinson clan (my side of the family) got together. Oh how I love getting together with my family. It's loud, wild, crazy, and fun. Maybe because there is are so many little kids. I should also add that there is A LOT of crying, but I love it. we had some pictures taken and I think they turned out great.

Grandma & Grandpa with all the grandkids

All of us.

Maverick and Railay having an emotional breakdown. :o)

All of us SEVEN kids.

Island Park and Yellowstone

I have spent the last week in Island Park/Yellowstone area. The boys and I left Monday for Island Park where we had the Ashton Family Reunion. Had some fun and a there was a LOT of people! Most of all I enjoyed being with me family. On Friday Josh came up with his family and we went to Yellowstone for the next three days. It was beautiful. We also had fun with the whole clan. But once again it is good to be home. :o) I feel like I need a break from driving long distance for awhile.

Yellowstone.

Yellowstone.

Rafting down some river by Island park. UMMM....I don't know if rafting is the word that should use to describe it. It was more like floating, it was fun though.

The kids doing a their skit at the talent show. If only everyone could see their talent....yes you would all be laughing. :o)

Chelsey, Missy, and North on top of a peak.

The 4th and Colorado

I have been gone from my home for 10 days and it's good to finally be home. we first went to my moms for a couple of days to celebrate the 4th with my family. All my family was there, which was so wonderful! We always have a great time together. We went hiking, took family pics, had a little pirate hunt with the kids, went to the balloons, watched the parade, swam at Seven Peaks, and ate a lot of food. Many of the family members went to the Stadium of Fire, but we had to leave that night and drive all the way to Colorado Springs. Yep, I drove all night long. Didn't get there until about 6:00 am. Josh had to sleep because he had a business meeting he had to be to the next morning. We stayed in Colorado Springs for about 5 days while Josh did his business stuff. Josh worked while the boys and I explored the area. Then all of us went camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. This place is AMAZING! We were here a little less than 3 days and wish we could spend more time. If you haven't been you should go.......if you love beautiful mountains and great camping. We will definitely be back.

...note to Justin and Celeste- We were planning on giving you a call and coming by on our way to Rocky Mountain, but it got so busy and crazy and when we called they said the camp ground was almost full, so we had to rush down there in time. We are sorry we could not see you and your place. ;o(

A farmers market we found in Manatou Springs which is right above Colorado Springs......We spent most of our time in Manatou Springs. I love the place!

It may look like we are shoving the watermelon in Railays face, but no, he is trying himself to shove the whole things in his mouth.

Garden of the Gods

We spent a lot of time at the pool while Josh was gone.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Camping at Rocky Mountain national Park.

Rocky Mountain national Park......I LOVE this picture, it was a beautiful hike too!

Garden of the Gods

Bear Lake at Rocky Moutnains National park.

Seven Peaks over the 4th.

Watching the hot air balloons

4th

Pirate hunt with grandma.

Hiking with all my family (even thought it's just me and the boys int he picture) up in the mountains. We had 11 little kids hiking.

Red Pines Lake hike

This last weekend we also hiked to Red Pines Lake. This is a beautiful hike with an even more beautiful destination. It's about a 6 or more miles round trip steep hike. At one point there was snow everywhere. North thought it was cool to slide around all over the place and Railay....well lets just say he didn't not like sliding all over the place with me. :o) If you want to hike this, which you should it is just up Little Cottonwood canyon about 1 1/4 miles past Tanner Flats campground.







The snow we we hiked up then slided down on.

Beautiful Red Pines Lake. It looks cold, but it was actually very warm.

SLC Arts Festival

This last weekend we went to the Salt Lake City Arts festival. This is Josh's and my FAVORITE festival of the year. I love all of the booths with the beautiful and interesting work of art people have to offer and I love all the great music they have there also. Every year they bring great musician to the festival. One of the headliners this year was a group called Traveler. They were amazing, I don't know how to describe them other than as a mix of Romanian, Turkish, Lebanese....american rock music. Sound crazy I know, but it was great.

You can't tell but there is a little pool, not to swiming just for looks, anyways, we were grateful for this because 1 and 3 year olds don't always like to look at art, so this was a fun place for them to put their feet in and splash around.

Traveler on the main stage.

Some of the art booths.

There were thousand of people......imagine trying to push a double stroller through this. :o)

A stop in Capitol Reef

On our drive home from Lake Powell we stopped off in Capitol Reef to go camping. Here is a cute video of North dancing and some pictures. I LOVE Capitol Reef! If you haven't been you should go.

While we were hiking we saw these clouds coming our direction. The picture doesn't do the clouds justice on how scary/crazy they looked.

Lake Powell

This last week we went to one of our favorite places...beautiful Lake Powell. The weather was kind of crazy.......but hasn't it been in Utah for the last couple of months, no worries though, we still had great fun. It was interesting for North because he could not get his head in the water......at all! So, we had fun trying to keep a 3 year old out of the water. He did great, what a good little kid.


My awsome family. At least some of them that went to Lake Powell.

Josh and Harrison. Harrison is like 8 years old and for the life of him he would not go on this tube. My dad even offered him money to go on. Finally on the last day he got on with Josh.

If you notice North he is wearing a cute little shower cap with his ear protector underneath. Good thing he is little and doesn't care what he wears. ;o)

Me and Amy jumping of the tube while it's going.

Cool pictures......but I hate when he does this.

I know this picture is blurry, but I had to show for my own memory of our little campfire by the house boat.

Me and my wonderful sweetheart.

North and his cousins Austin and Harrison.

Chelsey, Kelsie, Austin, Josh, Lindsey, and Amy. This is a place we usually go to every year, I am not for sure what canyon it's up. You have to swim through a small canyon to get to this place. The water always looks spooky...you think something is going to get/eat you....at least I always do. ;o)