Another one bites the dust

Another tree in my yard has succumbed to the wind.

And it wasn't even that windy.

But, my wildflowers look amazing!

And there are so many happy little honey bees all over them!

 

More Wildflowers are Blooming

 More of my wildflowers are blooming! And I noticed my first bee on the flowers.

Blooming Wildflowers

 I have a scrap of my yard that can be quite frustrating. It's long been an eyesore in my yard. At one time, a giant weeping willow grew on this spot, but many years ago, it was blown over in the wind. We attempted to plant another tree in its stead a few years later, but it died mysteriously with the help of some preteen boys.

Since then, this spot of ground has yet to be high on my priority list. I would spend much time weeding it at the beginning of each season, but eventually, it would be overrun with weeds. I spent my usual time weeding this year, but then I had an idea!

Enter a few packets of wildflower seeds! This week my wildflowers started to bloom!

And while technically not a wildflower, my DayLillies are blooming too.

American Name Services rides the Sundance ZipTour

Last week, American Name Service (the company I work for) took all of us to Sundance Resort to ride the ZipTour.  This team building activity was a nice change of pace and a great adventure!

 The admin team before heading out.

 Nathan and I getting ready to go.

 Group 1 ready to leave.

Group 2 ready to go.

Riding up the chair lift.  The views from the lift were spectacular!  The leaves had just starting changing, so that was really pretty to see.

After getting checked out on the demo line, we were off.

Jen and Lindsey coming down the first line.

A gorgeous view of Utah Valley from the top.

Jill and Jerry preparing to zipline the last run.

I survived all 4 ziplines!

What an awesome and beautiful time!  Nathan and I loved it and we want to bring the kids (probably just the boys for now) up next summer and let them do it.

Jared's 14th Birthday & A Quick Boating Trip

Last weekend, Jared turned 14 years old.  For his birthday, we borrowed a boat and went to Strawberry Reservoir to play in the water.

Unfortunately, the boat was taking on water, so our trip was short, but we still had a great time.  The weather was awesome!!

To keep Clara's hair under control, I did a little fauxhawk.  It turned out super cute!

All the kiddos

 After playing on the water, we went and got lunch.  Jared said that it was a great day.  I failed and forgot to get a picture of him with his birthday cake.  I'm fired!

Ragnar Trail Zion 2015

This past weekend I participated in Ragnar Trail Zion with some friends.  The weather was not awesome for trail running, but I made new friends and would do it all over again, so I call that a success!

Here are the two teams that camped together (top l to r: Loren, Jason, Sara, Gary, Casey, Bob, Brady; middle l to r: Sys, Jami, Tori, Anna, Lisa, Sha, Wendy; Front and center is Harish.  Not pictured is Steve who had already left.

The Lehi 3rd Ward crew minus Sara and Jason...

Not sure why I'm walking away...

Sha, Sara and I at the finish line

So grateful for my Nathan.  He is such a huge support to me!

So I only got to run one leg (the green loop) before they called the race for the off-and-on and then non-stop rain.  It was the shortest leg, but I am not afraid to say that it was tougher than I had prepared for.  The trail was super narrow, and way steeper (uphill and downhill) than I had anticipated.  But, I am happy with my performance.... even if I did trip and fall once.

A panoramic shot of Zion's Ponderosa Ranch

Nathan and I hanging out in our tent to avoid the rain.

Labor Day Weekend Camping at Granite Flats Campground

Over Labor Day weekend, we went camping at Granite Flats Campground up American Fork Canyon with Shane and Roni's family.  We had a great time!

There was fishing at Silver Lake.

Clara mostly caught moss.

 

I did not fish, I was in charge of baiting the hooks, repeatedly.

Eventually, Rissa caught the only fish.

There was lots of hanging out at camp and talking, and lots of cousins playing in the woods.

The last day, we went to Tibblefork Reservoir and fished, but were unsuccessful at catching anything.  The kids did enjoy kayaking though.

We had a great weekend.  Thanks to Roni for some of these pictures!  I'll post tomorrow about our emergency trip down the canyon to get some stitches, but here's a sneak peak: