Me and My Momma

Last week mom came out to visit. We had a ton of fun going to see Garth, driving through Red Rocks, biking in Zion, and cooking a big southern dinner for my amigos in St. George. She and dad have always tailored their travels around me. I am grateful for it, and I think I have given them some great spots to visit! Thanks for coming out mom!

Fancy drinks before the big show

We were sitting in the last row, until about 45 seconds before it started. Then, an usher came up and led us down to the very front and center row. Garth Brooks was literally an arms reach away. The show was like story time with Garth, with just him and his guitar on stage. I LOVED it, and mom shook his hand at the end.

I got to show mom my favorite of all favorite climbing areas driving through Red Rocks Canyon outside of Las Vegas.

And then we did a little cragging at the local "outdoor gym" (aka Chuckwala).

Mom and I rode bikes in Zion. It is the best way to see the canyon. Especially since you can ride the shuttle up the canyon and then just cruise on back down on your bike.

Another anniversary

One year ago, right about this time, my Dad’s spirit left this world. I was there. I put my ear on his chest and listened to his last heart beats. A few hours before he left I sang “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” to him. I still feel his presence when I hear this song.

I have realized that the connection Dad and I had during his sickness beautifully demonstrates the unique and special relationship we had all of my life. I always knew without a doubt that he loved and adored me, just as my mom and brother knew as well. It was far more than words that gave us this confidence, rather it was the life and relationships actively lived out.

This weekend we escaped the heat of St. George and retreated to Flagstaff, Arizona. What a delightful town!! A place where you can do things outside in the middle of the day, bikes always have a place on the road, and friends abound in hospitality.

At the top of the last climb of the day at the Peaks in Flagstaff

Another "family" photo with Kristen and Clay Massey


Anthony and Steven after eating the best hamburger EVER.


On the way to Flag, Anthony and I stopped by Red Rocks to climb Dark Shadows, a climb that's been on the tic list for awhile. With the shade and canyon breeze, the weather was surprisingly nice.




Me on the 4th pitch of Dark Shadows.


Anthony on the 3rd pitch of Dark Shadows.

Happy Anniversary

If I get to experience anything close to the marriage that my parents had, I will be an extremely lucky woman. They were married 39 years ago on August 11, 1972 and lived out a true love story.

They shared everything. Passions, activities, food, toothbrushes, and affection. My mom was nearly as into football as my dad; and, my dad always welcomed her and her suggestions into the field house. They played ball together and fished together. Even in Dad’s very sick days, in the hospital and at home, they shared a bed, even if that meant scrunching onto a single mattress. I guess they had a thing for hospitals though. The story is that they became pregnant with me while Dad was in the hospital after back surgery!

Happy Birthday Papa

August 2nd is dad’s birthday. He would have turned 61 years young.

My mom’s engagement ring was stolen shortly after Dad died while she was visiting the grave. Because it was stolen, she took dad’s ring, melted it down, and made a ring for herself and the necklace below for me. I wear it everywhere and I love it.

The gold tear drop shape is made from Dad’s wedding band and the stone is peridot, his birthstone.

Mom and dad in Alaska

Overloooking the Grand Canyon

My parents decided to take a two week long road trip out west when I was about 6 months old and in a body cast. They reported that I was the happiest one on the trip.

Somewhere on our westward trail

Redemption

Remember this??? This is the Headache, the splitter crack in Zion that emascualted me. After my hand jam epiphany in Moab, this climb has been on my hit list.




As Anthony and I walked past the cars waiting to go through the tunnel after climbing the three pitches I said, "man, don't you just feel like a B.A.?" An indication that my pride was redeemed.

Canyons: So crooked, so cool

I was able to do two canyons (Pine Creek and Keyhole)in Zion this past week. Something I have been wanting to do since I moved to Utah. I am glad I didn't get to them until the broiling hot month of July though; the water is still cold! I am not much for plunging into dark, stagnant, and sometimes stinky water, but the awe of these canyons far outweighed any hesitation. The pictures do little justice to the splendor of these curving walls.











Thank you Nick, Lauren, and Brandon for taking me along!!