food and exercise

On Tuesday, Leslie and I went up to the Island in the Sky to hike the Murphy trail (photos below). Then there was cleaning. Then grocery shopping. Then there was book club. Then I packed for Indian Creek (no photos) and spent way too long making bagel sandwiches.  

The trail switchbacks down the slope kind of miraculously and ends up on the plateau behind me. 

Lunch Rock. 

Liesel holding a piece of historic litter. For real. If it's been in the park for 50+ years, it's illegal to carry it out. 

The grueling hike up. It's bark was worse than it's bite-- like all things after they're over and your heart rate is back to normal. 

The next morning I threw all our stuff (all our overnight stuff too) into the car and met up with Brian and Alex and Michelle at Indian Creek (but not before snagging my free egg mcmuffin at Mc D's). We climbed at the Way Rambo wall this time and it worked me. My forearms and lats are sore still. We only did three climbs, but it took all day. After everyone was sore and satisfied (minus Brian who was only getting started) we met up at Brian's apartment in the Needles for chili, quesadillas and rice krispy treats. Why am I mentioning what I ate? You go climb at Indian Creek all day and I bet you'll tell me what you had for dinner. We watched the sun set on the needles through the window and Brian won at Carcassone.  An excellent day. Nothing makes me happier than good food and a ton of activity.

River Rendezvous

I can't think of a time when I have said "no" to getting on the river. As a matter of fact, I can't think of a time when I've said "no" to just about anything involving the outdoors. Last week the Allred's invited me to join them on a little river excursion. I promptly suggested we make it even more complicated by adding in an overnight with babies really close to their bedtime, paddling in the dark and an incredible amount of logistics  . . . luckily they had the smarts to turn me down (and instead a bunch of us got together for burritos and The Hunger Games). 

The best part of the river for me this year was watching Liesel enjoy it. She shouted "WA WA!" when we went through the little riffles. She joined Owen in playing with the bucket and sponge (and fell into it three times. You'd think I would notice the trend. . .). She was loving playing in the sand and ate her first M&M. Side note: she eats everything really really fast unless it's delicious -- then she savors it very very slowly. 

Okay-- this photo makes it look like I under-dressed my child. But I was hot and about to take off my jacket. 

BEACH! Sand in my mouth! Sand in my diaper! Sand in my hands, skin, hair and fingernails! YEAH!!!

The Allred's were awesome to let us come along! The only thing wrong with our river adventure was that it was missing Brian. . . I guess we'll just have to go again!

snapshots of spring

 of

on the move

 

My friend Nicki came into town for a night and brought her trail-guide writing crew. Picked our brains and fed us Paradox pizza which = the way to Brian's heart.

Brian moved down to the Needles district of Canyonlands on Tuesday. I'm moving down in about a week. It's a really good thing that Liesel loves rocks, dirt, sand, mud, sticks and flowers. . . because I'm pretty sure that's about all there is down there. It's about 1.5hrs from Moab (south) and 30 mins from Indian Creek. Should be a fun 5 weeks until we pack up and head to the Tetons. Which = adventure for us!

Brian's mom Allison came down last Saturday and left this morning. SOO nice to have her come. And to have someone to talk to at night, play games with, watch a movie with and play around Moab with. And it was great to hear Liesel say "Gma" and have someone to take her to the chickens, which = Liesel heaven on earth.

Went on a scavenger hunt on St. Patty's which included a cemetery and eating too much french toast. Both of which = very Irish.

Went mountain biking with a group of friends and loved the warm weather. Got hungry and then went to a Panini party. Ate a big sandwich and some puffed Cheetos which = happy me.

Won at Hearts. Then won the Sudden Death Hearts match which = Brian's failed attempt to still beat me.

Put Liesel to bed late three nights in a row which = longest nap in history (4hrs!) this afternoon.

I can't decide what to title this post.

Brian and I recently finished making way too many decisions. . . most of them way too hard. Some things have been easier to decide than others. . . like to go or not go on a hike with Liesel in absolutely perfect weather every day? Um, yes.  To be psyched that the ball willows are leafing out before st. patty's day this year. Um, yes. To spend an entire day sweating light fixtures and doors in Home Depot. Um, a little harder, but yes.  

To let Liesel totally soak herself and go shirtless while I water the lawn? No brainer. To NOT build a house on the amazing piece of property you see behind Liesel, with a view of the portal and bike-able distance to pretty much everything in town in our dream place to live? Um, much much much much much harder.  

And to be more than jazzed when you win a free Big Mac and Egg McMuffin every week for an entire year? UM, YES! (I may have entered our names in the contest 5 times-- and I may have stolen the Big Mac from Leslie who won two). And to be really really jazzed when on the same day in the mail appears this fabulous painting (on the right-duh)-- done by our friend-- for free? YES! YES! 

easily amused

Clearly I'm talking about me. Liesel didn't think this was as awesome as I did. 

where's my bracket?

The best thing about March is Madness. I LOVE COLLEGE BASKETBALL-- and I really love Stilman White.