Ferguson Canyon - June 2, 2012

James went to play basketball with some Backcountry. com friends this morning. After Lincoln's nap, the two of us went for a hike.  Ferguson Canyon is super close to Clay and Kristen's house.  Lots of rock climbers enjoy Ferguson Canyon so you can expect to have lots of company from them and their dogs on this hike.  We didn't expect this little lizard to be hanging out in the parking lot though.

We hiked past the rock climbers to a pretty waterfall.  Then back down to a part of the creek that was less steep for a couple pictures.  Here's my happy hiking buddy. 

I like this hike because it is mostly along the creek and very shaded - so nice in the hot Utah summers.

Can't help it, I love to take pictures of my sleeping boy.  Isn't he adorable!

I plan to do a lot, lot, lot of hiking with Lincoln this summer.

Deans List - May 31, 2012

May 22, 2012

Dear James:

Congratulations!  The Dean of Students and Academic/Career Advising are pleased to announce that your outstanding academic performance in Spring Semester 2012 has earned you a place on the Dean's List.  The effort you put forth to earn the grades necessary for this recognition is commendable.

This selection is based on the completion of at least 15 graded credits, while earning a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.79.  This accomplishment is a source of shared satisfaction--the pleasure we feel in your outstanding scholarship in our college and the pleasure you must feel in your own success.

We hope the certificate below will have meaning to you and that you will continue your hard work.  We are proud of your achievement and wish you continued success.

Sincerely,
Sonia Parker
Diretor of Academic/Career Advising

James said, "Not as cool as the President's List."  Ha!  I'm still proud of him.

 

Ensign Peak - May 30, 2012

Lincoln is a great fitness buddy!  I think he's about 17 pounds plus the backpack, diapers, extra clothes and snacks... that's good for strengthening my core and leg muscles!

Today we hiked Ensign Peak.  It is a perfect early season hike.  The trailhead is close to the State Capitol, the hike is short with great views of the entire valley.  Throw in some church history, wild flowers, a snake and some baby quail and you've got a great hike.

Sunscreen makes an awesome hair do!

At Ensign Peak, there used to be a huge flagpole and flag (an Ensign to the Nations), but vandals kept taking it down.  Now, this pillar marks the spot where Brigham Young (and others) came to view the entire valley and plan their new city.

So far, we really like this backpack.  Lincoln likes the adventures and his naps seem pretty comfortable too.

Memorial Day Weekend - May 26-28, 2012

Saturday May 26
We went to the World Super Bike races at Miller Motor Sports Park with Clay, Kristen, Emma and Aspen.  It was COLD. Rained in the morning and then was windy all day long.  Every blanket and jacket we had was put into use.  We escaped the rain for a little while by going to the race car museum.

Once the rain stopped, we had a great morning of exploring the park and watching the races.

The National Guard had a great set up with a trailer that you could do some virtual reality situational training.  A huge convoy truck to climb into. And then a couple of picture stations:  Here we are with the Patriot Chopper - Bullet Bike (it actually has bullets on the handlebars!):

The National Guard also has a couple of racers entered into this weekends races, so they did pictures with a 'race' bike too.

Sunday May 27
Another blustery cold, windy day. We didn't go adventuring today.  A Sunday at home is a lovely day.

Monday May 28
A beautiful, beautiful day after a blustery weekend!  We went back to MMSP in the morning to watch more motorcycle racing.  Today the National Guard also had a helicopter on display.
Lincoln sitting in the helicopter's crew seats.

National Guard Helicopter.  Opa said that Uncle Norm used to fly a helicopter just like this in Viet Nam.

Today we stopped by the Yamaha booth that was taking free photos on one of their bikes.  James and Lincoln:

Jessi and Lincoln:

Lincoln all by himself!

In the afternoon we drove out to Midway to meet up with some friends for food and swimming.  Lincoln played really well in the big pool until he got cold.  Then he LOVED playing in the hot tub.
Wrinkly feet

Linc and Bailey (she's in 4th grade and thinks Lincoln is the "Cutest Baby I've Ever Seen!!!")

Close Up of Mr. Blue Eyes

James and Linc in hot tub - this goofy little orange ball floats, but Lincoln never let go of it.  He'd just shake it like a rattle and then be surprized when he got splashed in the face.

On the floaty in the big pool.  After the hot tub, the big pool was COLD.  So we filled the end of the floaty with warm water from the hot tub and let Lincoln float for a bit.

We enjoyed the long weekend and the time we spent with family and friends.  We are very grateful for those who are serving and have served our country in the armed forces.  Lincoln has a proud history of family military service. Opa Simpson, Opa-Great Simpson, Granddad-Great Price,  Great Grandpa Bonnell and several more uncles all served in the military.  Thank you.

Mother's Day - May 13, 2012

For my very first Mother's Day that included having my very own baby, I was spoiled by homemade overnight blueberry french toast and fresh blueberry syrup.  I was impressed, but James wants to adjust the recipe a bit.  YUM!  It was also really nice to have leftovers to eat for breakfast during the week.  I love it when I don't have to cook.  Thank you James!!

Lincoln made me a Mother's Day card.  His hand prints (in red and pink) are flowers.  So I got a bouquet of flowers too!  Thank you Lincoln!!

I am grateful for the opportunity to be Lincoln's Mom. It is an adventure every day.  I know that I am learning and growing a lot and on the hard days, I pray that we both come out stronger. I hope we can help Lincoln to grow in every possible way.  Sure love that boy!

Miller Motorsport Park - April 28, 2012

Today, we went exploring with Aspen, Emma, Kristen and Clay at the Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele.

We watched some of the races, but we also wandered through the garage areas:
Aspen, Lincoln and Jessi 'borrow' a golf cart.

We had a stroller, but it mostly carried all our stuff, and everyone else took turns carrying Lincoln.

Sometimes, Lincoln walked.

And at Nap Time, Lincoln finally rode in the stroller.

We did some really fun things.  Aspen and Emma and Lincoln got to sit in one of the race cars.

Lincoln and Jessi get autographs from some of the drivers.

We participated in a "Fan Walk" where we got to walk out onto the track by the cars and the drivers just before a race.  We even got our picture taken with one driver. Emma #6 Randy Pobst and Aspen

Jessi, Lincoln, Randy Pobst #6, and James - this is one of the drivers that autographed a poster for us earlier in the day.

We got to do the Zip Line.

And the little Go-Karts - Emma got to wear a special shirt during our Kart race - she was very visible to all the other Kart drivers.

 Clay and Emma in helmet, head sock and neck protector.  Emma also got chest armor.

Emma (blue #26) and Clay (thumbs up) and Jessi (just behind Clay - James was just behind me).

Yay Emma!  First time driving ever!

Kristen, Aspen and Lincoln watched.  Lincoln and Aspen were too short to work the pedals.

It was a very, very fun day with only one drawback.  Nobody put sunscreen on the baby.

And this is what Aloe Vera hair looks like:

Let's do it again! (except for the part about everybody getting a sun burn.  Not that part.)