Summer Vacation with Grandma & Grandpa

Our little guy is back from his awesome vacation with Grandma & Grandpa in Washington. We missed him like crazy, and it was so good to see him today (yes, I cried). But, he had such a great trip with G&G. Here's a few photos from Grandpa's camera. I look forward to hearing all of Isaac's stories over the next few weeks!

Jackson Hole Get-Away

While Isaac is finishing up his summer vacation with grandma and grandpa, Eric & I escaped to Jackson, WY ("Jackson Hole") for a weekend of hiking, exploring, and relaxing. Jackson is four hours from Park City and at the base of Grand Tetons National Park.

We arrived Friday night in time for a late dinner at the Roadhouse Brewery. We checked into our hostel at Jackson Hole Teton Village. Saturday we had a leisurely breakfast, then drove out to the Lupine Meadows trailhead in the Grand Tetons National Park. On the drive out we saw both a bear and a moose.

We conquered an 11 mile hike (roundtrip) with 3,150' gain. It took us 4 hours including a break at the top to dip our feet in the cool glacier lakes and re-fuel. The type-A'ers in us were quite proud that we smoked the brochure's "6-hour, strenuous" description of the hike.

The hike was amazing -- the panoramic views were breathtaking and we had 3 bear sightings on the hike. Luckily, they were non-aggressive black bears and not interested in us one bit. We had bear spray just in case.

After showering up we headed out to Thai Me Up Brewery for some stellar IPAs and noodles. Then we headed back to the village for the Seahawks game and beers.

Sunday we drove back to Park City after breakfast in Jackson and a few touristy photos. All in all a great weekend get-away.

Hike to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, glacier lakes in the Grand Tetons from the Lupine Meadows trailhead

Being Tourists in Jackson Town Square

Meanwhile in Washington... Isaac is having a blast with grandma and grandpa M, but we miss our little dude and will be totally stoked to see him on Tuesday.

More photos here.

Camping in the High Uintas

With Isaac off with the grandparents, Eric and I escaped to the Uintas, near the Wyoming and Utah border. We went with friend Andy, and of course the dogs. The boys were scouting. I tagged along for an escape to the mountains and the hiking.

Hike through the hills (sans trail...)

Beautiful aspens

Signs of black bears

Campsite... very remote spot... beautiful stars at night

taking in the view

We Live in "The Best Town in America"

Outside Magazine just named Park City, Utah "The Best Town in America." Here we are enjoying this beautiful place we get to call home...

Isaac at City Park... proud of his climbing skills

Isaac and Grandpa Don at PCMR's Alpine Coaster Ride (so fun!)

Christina on the coaster

.... and Eric

Isaac and Grandpa on the alpine slides at PCMR

Bear Lake Camping Trip :: July 2013

We just got back from a weekend camping trip to Bear Lake. Lots of lake time and friends time, and it's always nice to be unplugged for a couple of days. The first night we stayed at the north end of the lake, right by the sandy beach. The lake stays shallow for 50 or so feet off the shore -- ideal for an almost-swimming three year old. The second night we stayed on the east side of the lake at more of a remote camping spot-- to get away from the crowds. We came back sunned, refreshed, full of great memories, and as always... ready for a full night sleep in our own beds.

More photos here.

Where is Bear Lake? It straddles the Utah/Idaho border... about 2.5 hours from Park City. It's hard to see in the pictures, but the lake is a gorgeous aqua color. 

6 Years :: Life's a Beach

We celebrated our six year wedding anniversary on Sunday, with a morning at the beach (Jordanelle State Park), followed by a nap (yes, all of us...), and then a picnic dinner at City Park.

Like Father, Like Sun

Ahh... summer

Our climber!

Our bike rider (Isaac cruising the BMX dirt bike park)

Summa' Time

Just a couple more photos of fun in the sun!

Isaac wants to be an "excavator driver" when he grows up (this week). Last week it was a super hero.

Splash pad with friends!

Independence Day 2013 - Park City

This year we broke our four-year tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July in the Tri-Cities, and instead stayed in Park City. But, the Tri-Cities came to us! Eric's parents Debi & Don (G&G M) flew in from eastern Washington for a 4-day visit.

Park City has a notorious Fourth of July celebration, including a 70-float parade, huge city park party, fireworks, and kids activities galore-- all within walking distance from our house! We were excited to check it out, and had a wonderful visit with Debi & Don.

The highlights:

Fourth of July Fun!

Dinner at Nick's Greek

Silver Star Cafe

Grandpa Don & Isaac on the piano

Flash! He's worn this a good 4 days in a row

see? not exaggerating...

More Photos >> Click here.

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Independence Day!

June Catch-Up

I realize it's been a while since we've posted an update, so here's a June catch-up.

The weather in Park City has been gorgeous; sunny, blue skies, and not too hot.... We stay a lot cooler up here in the mountains than in the valley.

We've been... BBQ'ing in the park across the street...

Biking the mountains:

(I finally got a "new to me" bike... here I am in my longer ride of the season... 10 miles or so)

 Hanging out with Grandpa Jabbusch:

Isaac's and Gpa's adventure day

Play Time! 

Isaac's new scooter (thanks gpa!)

Isaac at Discovery Gateway

Seattle Trip for Mom & Dad:

Quick Seattle Getaway for a wedding... Lunch with Tony & Amanda

Date night at Matt & Aubrey's wedding!

wedding

 More play time:

Isaac on the climbing wall for the first time!

tired bug

Park Silly Sunday Market!

More photos here!

Mountain Brewers Beer Fest :: IO and Grandpa

While Eric and I escaped to Idaho Falls for the Mountain Brewers Beer Fest (which I highly recommend), Isaac got to spend time with Grandpa M.

Photo highlights of last weekend:

Isaac and grandpa had a blast while we were gone. Highlights were going to the movie theater for the first time together and the children's festival at city park.

Meanwhile, Eric and I enjoyed the Brewers festival (how can you not!). It's affectionately known as "Utah's best craft beer festival"... in Idaho thanks to conservative liquor laws in Utah, of course.