It has been tradition for quite a few years for our neighborhood to camp in Arches National Park.
I didn't go last year but this year it was a little tempting. I knew it would be hard for Olivia and sadly my boy could not join us because of finals, but I was just anxious to get out and do something different. Seriously I was debating up until the last second because I really hate being away from Michael but I decided to go! I drove down with my dad and Emerson on Wednesday night. When we got there it was so windy we couldn't even walk so my mom put down the seats in the excursion and set up a mattress and I slept in the car with Olivia. It was pretty cold and Olivia woke up like ever 1 1/2 hours. The next day everyone wanted to go jeeping. I of course didn't. Mostly because I had no desire to fling around all over the cliffs in a car. So my mom and me just sat in the car and played with Olivia. When they got back, my family decided to go on a little walk. Olivia loved being carried around everywhere and I think mostly she just liked being outside. The rest of trip we mostly just spent relaxing, talking and of course eating amazing food and lots of junk food at the campsite. As hard as it was for me to be apart from my boy, it was a lot of fun and Olivia did pretty good (except at nights.)
While I was gone my boy sent me the cutest text. It was so creative I just thought I would share. As you read you will notice his poetic side coming out pretty strongly haha.
"Without you I am as the bee without his golden combs, the viper without his venom, the sun without his moonlit lover, hurry back to me so that my universe might once again be a striking emerald, a breath of jasmine, and a waterfall of Amethysts and stars and wonderous places."
Shocking that such stunning words came from his mouth but oh so cute! I just love him.
Here are a few pictures of our little trip:
Taking her morning nap in our bed in the car!
Waking up!
My baby girl and me at our campsite!
On our pretty walk. Grandpa loved showing Olivia all the rocks and different kinds of leaves and trees.
She loved it!
On the way back from our walk she started fussing so I took her and she fell straight asleep in this exact position. So tired! (It was way windy..obviously you can tell by my hair.)
The turtle smile.
Hanging out at the campground.
Little Hallie (my best friend's little girl) loved Olivia and would always come up to her and and point and say "baby".
Another random fall asleep moment. Since she didn't sleep well at night I am sure she was just exhausted.
Hanging out. She loved it outside.
With grandma. I am pretty sure I win the bad mom award because I didn't put sunscreen on her and she got her first little sunburn right across her nose. I got the same one. It wasn't too bad but still.
Hallie loved giving the baby kisses.
And hugs.
Leslie and I with our little girls. It is so crazy to me that just a few years earlier we were there together washing eachother's hair in freezing cold water, getting in sand fights, going on tons of hikes, falling off cliffs, and just being best friends like we were. I am glad that we were able to both go this year and even though it was a lot different we still had so much fun!
Olivia loves being carried around by Grandma. It is so funny because my mom just carries her around while she picks stuff up and just does all the housework. Olivia will last for hours doing this.
Winston got his mission call! Yay!! The post office called first thing Wednesday morning so Winston and my dad quickly went to get it. We woke up to Winston knocking on our door beyond excited. He is going to the Atlanta, Georgia North Mission and leaves September 7th. The whole family is thrilled. Well, I guess I'll be honest, I'm a bit sad. I am going to miss this boy. But I am so so proud of him.
We went to my cousin Rachel's bridal shower last night. And we got to see my cousin and her beautiful baby girl Samantha.
They are about 3 months apart but I'm sure they will be the best of friends!
