Fall Break in Moab

What a blast. We stayed three nights in the beauty of Southeastern Utah. Jesi, Lexi, Xander and Sophi were with us, along with Jesi's friend Paige. We visited Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, went horseback riding in the most amazing old west setting you can imagine, did some rappelling, and even had time to soak in the hot tub. All in all a GREAT trip. So grateful to have Christi Green as my partner in crime for all of this:)

Balanced Rock - Arches NP

Double Arch - Arches NP

Lexi was so proud that she wedged herself all the way back here on her own!

Sophi got a bit stuck and Jesi helped her. Then of course they needed a photo!

The setting was unbelievable. Jon Bon Jovi recorded the video for "Blaze of Glory" on one of those mesas.

Our little horse lover!

Tandem rappelling with mom:)

Xander braves a big drop.

Jesi overcomes her fear of heights.

Shafer Canyon overlook - Canyonlands NP

Mesa Arch - Canyonlands NP

Notice Delicate Arch faaaaar in the background:)

Grand View Overlook - Canyonlands NP

Green River Overlook - Canyonlands NP

This guy is so amazing! So grateful he's our son:)

The sand at Sand Dune Arch is about as soft as you'll ever experience. Shoes not necessary.

So. Much. Sand.

A few pictures with Taylor, Parker and my dad from trips down there in 2008 and 2009. So cute! Miss those kiddos.

Lexi and Sophi acting master class

Miss these two little girls!

-Dad

Best Father's Day ever!

Last week Taylor and Parker (who are only here because coronavirus brought them home for a short respite from their missions in Mexico) surprised me with a canyoneering trip for Father's Day. They had wanted to do all the planning and packing and then just spring it on me, but they quickly realized that in the planning phases they were a little over their heads. So we planned it together. And Christi came too! Perfect getaway before they headed back out to finish their missions.

We did Dragonfly and Moonflower in Moab. Great canyons with some really big drops, some fun and easy potholes and a short slot section. Thank you guys!

On Father's Day itself, Christi made me my favorite dessert: Key Lime Cake (thank you for the recipe Erin and Denise Christiansen!!!). It takes a few hours to make, so she only does it once a year:). I feel so spoiled. And Sophi and Lexi got me a fantastic pair of Bose Headphones. All in all I came out pretty good!

At least I had an amazing view as I hitchhiked back to the car!

Staring down a 200 footer!

Parker does a Spider-man! (Intentionally locks off and hangs upside down 😮:

Another 200 foot drop

Thank you sweetie! So delicious:)

Stars

Sophi wrote a poem for a school project and I wanted to share:

STARS

When I go camping, I look at Stars!

Those bright Stars!

I wonder what they do at night those Stars.

What are they made of?

Maybe gas or maybe small Stars!

What lives up there?

Star fish?

The world may never know.

I bet Mars knows.

Love my Sophi:)

Amazing Xander

Xander came into our lives with so much joy! Unlike all of our other adoptions, there really was no transition period. When we walked into the room where he was waiting for us in Zhejiang, China, he threw his arms up for a hug and yelled out, "Mama! Baba!" And that was it. He was ours. Completely and 100% committed to us. And us to him. And what an amazing young man he has become. As we were on that adoption trip with several other families, Christi and I just kept telling each other that we had won the jackpot. This little guy had charisma and an infectious exuberance and love and smiles and just glowed. We told each other that we had a future student body president on our hands. Sure enough, Xander was just voted to Student Council for his sophomore year.

Xander has become my buddy, joining me on so many fun adventures or watching shows together or playing H-O-R-S-E in the backyard. He has become a chef extraordinaire. You should try his fancy trout or his onion rings and fried pickles! He is so aware of his family members and ready to serve them as he sees needs arise. Xander is such an amazing part of our family. We are SO grateful to have him!

-Jer

Our first pictures of Xander:

Meeting him for the first time:)

Still in China:

Sibling love

Started with this...

Created this...

Dragonfly Canyon

Top of the first 200 foot rappel in Moonflower

Just a bit nervous...

Birch Hollow