The BIG 10!

This month Ryan and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. In a way, it seems like we have been married longer than 10 years. At other times it seems like just yesterday. I am so grateful that I chose this man to marry. The past 10 years haven't always been perfect, but I wouldn't want to experience the ups and downs of married life with anyone else. 

We had big plans to celebrate somewhere exotic and fun: Costa Rica, Hawaii, Europe. However, life happens, cars break down, the house needs repairs, etc. So as time went on the trip got smaller and smaller until finally I said, "Bag it!"  Ryan, however, being the great person that he is, knew we needed time alone without the kids and distractions of life. So he planned a surprise weekend away, up in Deer Valley, and had his sister watch the kids for us. It was lovely to just spend time alone with him, out in nature, eating good food, shopping, and just enjoying life. I love this guy for taking the time to plan everything.

Here is a picture tour of our 10-year Anniversary Trip:

Hotel: Goldener Hirsch Inn 

This was our room: The Grand Penthouse Suite. It was just lovely. The furniture was hand-painted and imported from Austria. The hotel is actually modeled after the Goldener Hirsch Inn in Salzburg. I loved this room because it reminded me of the place we stayed in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany. The restaurant was delicious and we ate very well - maybe too well.

Hiking: 

Ryan and I love to hike. We hiked every morning for a couple hours after breakfast, and even did one night hike.

 

 Scenic Observation Deck trail:

The Silver Lake trail to Bald Mountain was beautiful. If you are ever up there, do it - you won't regret it. Just be sure to take the Silver Lake Trail back down from Bald Mountain. We took the Ontario Canyon Trail loop down and didn't like it as much. Just not as scenic and way too much walking along the access road. Or, if you are pooped, you can ride the ski lift down. It is free to those who make the long hike up :)

 

 At the top of Bald Mountain. Hot & Sweaty!

 

Midway: 

We drove over to Midway one day after our morning hike and had lunch at the Blue Boar Inn. It is only 15 years old, but it looks much older than that, and it is also styled after a Swiss Hunting Lodge - super cute. The food was delicious, and if you go for lunch it is much more affordable. 

 

Afterwards we swam in the crater at the Homestead. That was a first for us and was pretty cool.

We finished off our day by getting chocolate dipped strawberry shakes from Dairy Keen for dinner. Yum!

Park City:

Of course we shopped, hit the outlets, and checked out main street. We even took the Park City Ghost Tour. It was cheesy, but we knew it would be and that made it fun. Here is our Ghost Chasing Tour Guide: 

Soccer:

We ended our trip with the US vs Honduras Soccer match at the RSL Stadium. We met up with his sister and her family. This was an exciting match and thank heavens we won!

Meet me in Gilgal

So, after dinner on our Anniversary, Ryan and I were heading down to City Creek to do a little shopping. As we were driving he remembered this strange little park that he had gone to years ago. So we set off to find it. Turns out it is right by Trolley Square. It is the strangest, yet quietest little garden ever. It is wedged in between two houses, so it's not terribly big, and it is filled with the strangest rock creations, sculptures, etc. Want a really fun, yet very strange experience? 

Meet me in Gilgal:

This sculpture had various D&C sections carved in the rocks. 

 

Mr. Brick Pants was Ryan's favorite.

 

 

 

The above represents King Nebuchadnezzar's Dream in Daniel 2 from the Bible. Body parts everywhere :)

 

Joseph Smith's face on a Sphynx? Huh?

There are tombstone like flagstones everywhere with scriptures, poems, lyrics, etc. engraved in them. 

  

Ryan and I were full of giggles as we wandered the paths. 

However, despite the curious nature of this place, it really is a great Urban City Park. There were others there, but it was so quiet and peaceful. A retreat from crazy downtown. I can't wait to take the kids to see it!

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day this year, Ryan and the kids got me a weekend in Park City. I love to hike and it was meant to be a fun weekend with LOTS of hiking. Unfortunately, mother nature didn't cooperate with us. Despite the clouds and lots of rain, we had a great time shopping the outlets, eating out, watching movies, and going for nature walks. We love Park City.

We started the weekend off with dinner at Cafe Rio. My new fave: their salmon fish tacos! 

In between the rain, clouds, and sunshine, we were able to take a nice walk down to the white barn. I love that Park City has paved trails everywhere. 

  

These large rodent like creatures were everywhere at the barn. They watched us intently but we couldn't get them to come out. Probably for the better.

Puddle Painting. Can you guess what they are making?

An Angler Fish!

Berlin tumbling her way along the grass at the white barn. She would do this all day if I let her.

It was a great weekend with my little fam!