Nature's Bounties

We have decided that since this is likely the last time we will EVER be living in Utah we needed to take advantage of our time here. We went to our first home BYU football game as a couple, which also happened to be my very first BYU football game ever in the stadium. It was really fun, but I still prefer watching basketball. We have also been taking hikes when we can. I was always nervous to go on hikes, but now that I have my trusty bear spray I feel way more comfortable. Unfortunately, they are not very long hikes because of our busy schedule, but they are out in nature just the same and we get to take in the beauty that surrounds us!

Our first hike takes us to Stewart Falls. Donny and Alyssa and baby R were able to come with us. The fall leaves were coming in and it was just gorgeous! 

Geology term: Creep - slow downslope movement. It causes the trees to bend. Pretty neat! 

Next, we drove up to Squaw Peak and really enjoyed the view of Utah Valley. Squaw Peak is supposedly known as a make-out spot, so we didn't pass up the opportunity. ;)

View from Squaw peak overlook

Different view from our "secret" spot ;) 

Last, but not least, we went to Red Ledges and the Sun-stone Arch. The arch is not completely formed, but in years to come I am sure it will become more prominent. After walking around, we made a fire and roasted hot dogs, and marshmallows! The stars were amazing! 

The Poduska family joined us for our little adventure! 

Not only do we have a little time for nature, but for attending the Provo Temple. This past Sunday the Ogden Temple was rededicated and President Monson gave three "sermonettes" that stood out to me. He said to "love the temple, appreciate the temple, and attend the temple". I love that! It is short and sweet, but really helps me remember how important temple work  is and that I have been so blessed by going and serving the Lord. 

Visitors

This past weekend my dad dropped off my two younger sisters at BYU-Idaho. After he dropped them off and helped them get settled in he drove down to Utah to visit us. Not even an hour later after he left my younger sister called me on the phone because she was homesick. She tried calling my mom first, but could not get a hold of her, so she called me. It is her first semester of college ever and I completely understand how she feels. The very first time my dad dropped me off at college I bawled like a baby! I was excited for college life and being on my own, but when it was time to say goodbye I realized that I would forever only be a visitor at my parent's home from now on. Once college life began it meant a new chapter of just me. I would go to school, have roommates, and eventually graduate and have a career, which meant that when I saw my family for holidays, vacations, or camping etc. that is all it was-only a visit and then goodbye. And I did just that. I went to college, had roommates, graduated, but in between all of that I got married! Which has been the most rewarding decision of my life. I will not ever regret getting married to my best friend and spending eternity with him. Now of course, we are following his career which I do not mind at all! It gives me even better career options knowing I have a husband that will take care of me. Besides the sob story, I am so grateful that my earthly parents raised me the way I am. And it was so great to see my dad and my little brother (who joined my dad on the trip) and hang out with them.

I told him to pretend that he was going down the steepest and fastest hill....he did good :) 

Poppin wheelies while visiting grandma

Also, during the weekend Colby was able to do a small 2 day rafting trip down the Green River for some fishing. He said the views were beautiful, and the water was crystal clear. He didn't catch any fish, but he still had a good time.

Colby and I probably only have this one semester left being so close to the mountains that we are trying to enjoy them one last time (in between our busy schedules). So last week we went up to Provo canyon for a small BBQ and rode our bikes. It was the perfect time because not many people were there and it was at sunset! The river was beautiful as always and the weather splendid!

He has way better balance than I to be able to take this picture

Bridal Veil Falls

The Last Start

This is our last semester at BYU. It is bittersweet. I am so excited that Colby has this one last semester, but so sad that this means I will be saying goodbye. Although I dreaded the early morning traffics jams, the afternoon traffic, oh, and evening traffic jams, I will still miss the close drive for rock climbing, biking, BBQ's, beautiful waterfalls, fishing, lakes, and family.  I am going to miss all of it. However, new adventures of green grass, buying a house, having kids, being with friends, and the smell of oil await us in Texas! Of course we won't have the mountains, but where we are going still has much to offer and I am sure once it is time to move from Texas (which won't be for a long time) it too will be bittersweet.

We have lots to do before we leave! Hiking trips, fishing trips, biking, mountain climbing, and visiting family is all we have planned and more. Oh, and finishing a thesis, that's probably the most important :) And to start off our great semester we went to Ogden and Logan, Utah. We spent the weekend remembering what's important in life - family. We had one of the greatest opportunities to see a family so in love get sealed for time and all eternity in the House of the Lord, the temple. For my friends that are not Mormon you are welcome to watch this short video here explaining the significance and blessings we receive from attending the temple.

Colby's sister, Sierra, surprised us when  we got to Logan. She said she was not able to make it to the sealing because she recently had a baby, but she was there and we were able to meet Baby Hallie. 

Grandpa and Grandma Sager stayed the night with us in Orem before heading up to Logan!

Troy, Aubree, and Maysa after they were sealed for time and  all eternity! 

The Boys! 

Great grandpa with the babies. They liked his ears. :) 

Baby Miri! 

Baby Maysa - the pic tells it all! 

Saying goodbye to Sierra! I am going to miss her all the way in Oregon. 

Brother and Sister!