Mammoth Cave, Utah

So our Sunday adventure took us up the mountain to the amazing Mammoth Cave. A natural geologic wonder, the caves were created from thousands of years old molten lava that I guess had natural air-pockets in and formed these amazing caves that are safe to walk through. With only 1 flash-light between the 3 of us, it really wasn't enough light to see where you were walking so I opted out after the first couple minutes in pitch darkness.... a pitch black, quarter mile trek below the ground in thousands of years old lava caves that are home to 7 species of bats is something that i'm not afraid to admit that I'm a chicken to do, lol.... Alfredo & Owen however were more than game to stumble round

the rocks in the dark and Owen had a blast. The exit to the caves is really small and Alfredo had to make like a contortionist to squeeze through the small opening at the end. Both had a great time and said I would have loved it had i gone down... next time I'm ging to find the biggest, brightest flash-light available and overcome my fear of those scary bats and do it!... for now, I just enjoyed the view of the surrounding mountains and the warm sun on my face while I waited for them to 'surface'. We had a picnic and then drove the loop-road back home via the ski-resort, so it made for a really nice Sunday trip.

Skyfest 2009, Cedar City, Utah

Getting up at 6am on a chilly Saturday is not my idea of a good time.... but for Skyfest, I am happy to make an exception... we had a super time. Everyone gathered at the launch field on the edge of town at just after 7am to watch the hot-air balloon owners get the balloons unpacked and spread out on the ground ready to inflate. Of course I've seen hot-air balloons in the air before but I never knew or realized just how insanely huge they are when you are stood just feet away from them being inflated. Owen was in his element as these huge balloons rose from the ground all around him, their bright colors and designs so vibrant and alive in the early morning sun (which we were very thankful to see as it took some of the chill out of the air!). Being a small town, of course we saw lots of friends and neighbors and that was nice to visit with them while we enjoyed the spectacular sight as the 20 or so balloons one by one lifted off the ground and floated away over the valley... what an amazingly beautiful sight. I hope you like the pics.

My little boy is mobile!.....

It's the end of an era.... our little boy is growing up.... the training wheels are off and he's pedaling down the road with me running after him trying to keep up! With thanks to Alfredo's friend, Juan Andreas (gracias sangwiches!!!) for the advice, we removed the training wheels (and pedals) and within about 3 weeks, Owen had learned to ride a bicycle properly. He is so excited about it... and so are we; it's an exciting new milestone in his life. Alfredo has been watching the Vuelta a Espana a lot lately (it's like the Tour De France) and when Owen learned to ride his bike, he said 'look mommy, I can ride my bike like the men in Daddy's tv show'.... we thought that was really cute. Check out the attached video I took this afternoon.... yes, sorry, you're going to have to turn your head on its side to watch the movie... sorry!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday to you Daddy... I love you... y feliz cumpleanos abuelito... besos xoxo

Las Vegas

An appointment with the Immigration folks provided the perfect opportunity for an overnight stay in Sin City!! I worked half a day on Thursday and we were in Las Vegas by 3pm. Our hotel was an amazing last minute deal and we were very happy with it. We headed for The Strip where we walked for what seemed like miles while Owen was in awe with all the sights/sounds and his latest obsession.... escalators and elevators, which believe it or not, we don't have at home in our little town, so they were a very new experience to Owen and he couldn't get enough of them! We went to see the Lions at the MGM, walked the Miracle Mile mall and saw the fountains at the Bellagio... and all the other things in between!! Friday morning I had my immigration appointment which went really smoothly and very fast which was great and left more time to enjoy the hot sun and the hotel pool which we did until lunch-time. We then drove back up the Strip to the Outlet Malls where we shopped and got some amazing bargains in the Gap sale before making our way North and home. I love Las Vegas... the sounds, the lights, the people-watching.... just everything about that city is insane, scary and awesome all at once... the amount of money there is like nothing I could ever imagine.... even though i love it, 24 hours there is plenty enough for me and i'm always really happy to start the drive North and cross over into Utah state and see the red rock mountains... then I know i'm home in my friendly, safe and quiet little town..... Thanks Vegas for a fun 24 hours!!..... Viva Las Vegas....