More Summer Adventuring

Whenever asked what my favorite season is (usually in some type of get-to-know you activity) my response is the summertime.  I like the sunshine (well, my fair skin doesn't) plus I'm a big fan of summer adventuring that seems to occur such has hiking, camping, picnics, etc.  At the end of June, I had a few sad days, because none of these things had occurred.  Full-time work and being an adult sure can get in the way of things.  However, Danny and I have made up for it over the past month or so.  Since I've been so busy, I'm going to have another hodge-podge post of the fun times that were had over the past couple weeks.

Paddle Boating
Ok, so I already posted some pictures of this event on my instagram post a few posts back.  However, I have to post more pictures, because I can't even tell you how long this activity has been on my bucket list of things to do in SLC.  Years people, years.  (Ok, I guess I just told you.)  I have to give credit to my cousin Julia for putting together a group paddle boating excursion.  I took a lap around the pond with Danny and then another (more violent) lap with Julia where things may have turned into bumper paddle boats.  PS I don't think that is really allowed.  However, the boats are made where you can't really run into each other, so it was more threatening others than anything else.  Good times!

A duck

A sunflower filled island.

A paddle boating husband.

A hilarious cousin.

Family Picnic
Danny's parents and his brother's family were in town visiting, so we had a lot of family togetherness during this time.  One afternoon, we had a potluck dinner, which was simply delightful as seen below.

There was picnicking...

And swinging...

A time for being silly.

There was visiting...

And a very intense game of kick ball.

It was kids vs. adults.

Enjoying some dessert.

And ending up the evening with some guitar playing and singing.

Donut Falls (Sounds delicious, doesn't it.)

While visiting, Danny's mom really wanted some mountain time, since they don't have any of those in Louisiana.  I can't blame her; I do love the mountains here. We went on a little hike up to Donut Falls with Danny's parents and Danny's sister Mary.  It was a crowded hike, but a lot of fun.

Marilyn, Mary and Me.

I always like hikes near water, because there are
wildflowers in abundance.

Mary and Danny coming up on Donut Falls.

Danny on the ascent to get a closer look at the falls.

We made it! The water was freezing!

Why these falls got its name, because of the water
that runs through a hole in the rock, like a donut.

A view of the descent down.

Mount Aire

Danny's relatives have a cabin up at Mount Aire.  We visited one evening and had a pleasant evening there. My favorite part of the evening (which I don't have pictures of) was kicking a soccer ball around with my 4-year-old niece and have amusing conversations concerning who our favorite Disney Princess are, our favorite colors, etc.  Lady Lu also told me I looked "more beautifuller" than the last time she saw me, which I found a bit hilarious.

A foot shot was needed at this point.

Pretty, little wildflowers.

Having fun hanging out with family.

Two great men.

Just lovin' being outdoors.

Engagement Anniversary

Since I feel the need to celebrate, ummm, just about everything, I felt it was necessary to commemorate the anniversary of our engagement.  Good thing Danny is game with my funny plans.  On the day of our engagement anniversary, we went to where we got engaged, at Memory Grove.  Fitting name for the event.  We sat on the bench where Danny asked me to marry him. Then after a walk around the park, we went and got ice cream sundaes, just like we did the night we got engaged.  

Me and my man.

The bench of engagement.

During our walk, I took this picture of a random tree
on the hill, while the sun was setting, because
I thought it was pretty.

Ice cream overload!  (PS I'm back on the bandwagon
of not eating sugary sweets after this evening.)

I'm sure glad I said yes to marrying this man.