Silver Lake & Cecret Lake

In July we took advantage of Brad's break from school and the cooler temperatures up in the mountains and made a few trips up the canyons.  We walked around Silver Lake one evening.  We usually make it up there once a summer.  I like this trail because it's a flat, paved walking trail around a gorgeous lake.  The boys had a good time, but we had mistakenly prepped Owen for a hike, and when we were done he said, "But I wanted to go on a hike!"

We saw a few moose at the beginning... didn't stick around there very long!  

This is our annual picture spot.  It's kind of fun to look back and see how our family has changed each year!

2014

 2013

2012

A couple weeks later we ventured up to Cecret Lake, in Alta.  The hike wasn't too bad, but it was definitely a hike!  I stopped counting how many times Owen had to stop because his "legs hurt"... guess we need to find a happy medium for hikes for him!  The surprise of the day was how absolutely beautiful all of the wildflowers were!    

(Because smiling is just too boring!)

 

Owen was such a stinker the whole time!  He wouldn't cooperate for any family pictures.  The sweet lady who stopped to take this tried her best, but this is all we got.  I sort of love it anyways!

Owen has been very interested in taking pictures lately.  This was one he took!  Not bad!

We were headed back to our car at dusk...the lighting was gorgeous, so (of course) we had to stop and take some more pictures! 

(Photo credit to Owen...I think he has an eye!)

San Diego: Ferry, Tide Pools, and Mormon Batallion Center

On Saturday, we took the ferry from Coronado over to San Diego harbor.  It was a beautiful, but slightly humid day.  The boys loved the boat ride!

We walked around the harbor, checked out Seaport Village, and then had lunch at Anthony's- where we enjoyed a gorgeous air-conditioned ocean view table of the harbor.  

Owen doing his "dragon face" next to a dragon on the harbor.

Owen being goofy.  Right after this a group of Chinese tourists asked to take a picture with him.  He was pretty unsure about the whole thing, but was a good sport about it.  They loved his blue eyes & blond hair!

The boys were pretty grumpy so we let them ride the carousel in Seaport Village.  It immediately snapped them into a good mood!  Best $4 spent that whole trip!

On our last day we visited the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument & the recently renovated Mormon Battalion Center in Old Town- both things I have never been to before!

The Mormon Battalion Center was so different than how I remember it as a child.  So much more interactive-- Owen loved listening to the stories, and--of course-- participating in the presentation!

San Diego never disappoints!  It was an awesome trip!  

San Diego: Sea World, Exploring Coronado, and 4th of July

We spent one day of our trip at Sea World and we all had a blast.  I hadn't been since high school and Brad hadn't been for almost 20 years-- it sure has changed!  We weren't sure how the boys would do and how long we'd be able to stay, but we ended up staying 8 hours and seeing everything that we wanted to.  Brad's parents came with us, and it was nice being able to have the extra help.  

First stop of the day- put the day off to a great start!

I love Owen's face here!

Our first show was the Dolphin Show.  I think we all agreed it was our favorite!  

Snack break.  

Owen was so excited to meet Elmo & Grover.  Porter was a little less sure of the whole thing.

It was a fun day!!

One of the nights we went out to dinner with the whole gang.  Owen's new favorite thing is to go to restaurants!  He got the hang of it on this trip.  He always makes sure to tell the waiter his name, Porter's name, and that Porter is a baby but he is growing up.  He sure isn't afraid of new people!

Miguel's Cocina never disappoints!

After dinner we explored the Hotel Del Coronado and took some pictures.  We were walking home at sunset and it was beautiful!

We were able to be in Coronado for 4th of July!  What an experience!  We read an article that said the city grows from 20,000 to over 100,000 (low estimate) on July 4th.  It is a naval city and very patriotic.  We loved being there and soaking in the patriotism.  My family came and joined us for the day.  We enjoyed the parade in the morning, the beach in the afternoon, BBQ'ing in the evening, and fireworks at night.  Perfect day!

I love this picture of Owen waving to some of the servicemen as they walked by.   The most touching part of the morning for me was watching the wounded warriors walk by.   I am so grateful for their sacrifice & service!  

Happy birthday America!