Spring Break Day 1 Sand Hollow

For the first time ever we decided to get away as a family for spring break.  Benjamin was able to take the whole week off and we had planned on heading south Monday morning.  Our plans had to be adjusted a little when Benjamin got called to jury duty on Tuesday.  Luckily the court was cancelled so we packed up and headed out of town on Tuesday afternoon. 
Our first night we camped at Sand Hollow near St George.  We LOVE that place and can't wait to go back.  We hiked all over and slid down sand dunes.  The kids played in the lake and we all fished from the kayaks.  The evening was windy so the boys flew kites.  We had a great time playing on the beach area.

Tim was our packdog.  He carried the water and snacks in his backpack.

Although we caught lots of fish, I was the only one to get it in my boat to keep.

Growing Up

Nathaniel just celebrated his 12th birthday.

 He chose to go to Hang Time with a couple of his good buddies.  Benjamin and I decided to sit out of the fun this time.  They all had a good time even though it was cut a little short by Ethan's baseball team selection that day.  After Ethan was done we enjoyed some dinner at Cracker Barrel.  The funny part is Nathaniel chose to eat there because "they have the best cranberry juice".  I tried to tell him it was probably juice you could buy anywhere but he is certain that Cracker Barrel makes the best.  He wanted a smiley face cake so I did my best on that.

 Nathaniel has also been learning to fly fish and has been wanting his own set of waders.  He was happy to discover that's just what we got him for his birthday.  He also got a bigger bike.

I can't believe he is growing up so fast.  He is the sweetest boy (when he is not having his preteen mood swings).  He loves little kids and is already a great babysitter.  He has taken on a few babysitting jobs for neighbors.  I often get comments from people about how responsible and hard working he is and that makes me feel great.  Today he starts back into guitar lessons.  He is all signed up for Junior High which he is super excited for and I am scared to death.  He is a great kid and I am proud to be his mom.

The next Sunday Benjamin was able to ordain him to the priesthood.  He gave him a beautiful blessing and it was a special day.  We are thankful for the family who were able to come celebrate with us.  It also happened to be Easter so it was an extra special day.  Here's my guys all dressed in their Sunday best.

 And here is what happens when I try to take a picture of all my guys.  Gosh I love them.

More Fly Fishing

Benjamin and I have enjoyed a few more days on the river.  We checked out Diamond Fork River because it is just up the road and a quick and easy place to go.  We haven't been successful in catching anythere there yet but we'll keep trying.

One of the first sunny, yet chilly, day we had, the family loaded into the truck for a walk down the river trail.  We ended up off-trailing more than we planned but we had a good time exploring.  Ethan and Nathaniel decided to try and walk back to the truck by walking down the rocks sticking out of the river.  Before long they were in the water trying to catch fish with their hands.  I don't know how they didn't freeze because they were wet to their thighs and it was pretty cold but they had a blast.  When we got back to the truck they grabbed the fishing net to try again for the fish and Nathaniel put on my rubber boots.  They didn't helped much once they were filled with water.

Yesterday, Benjamin and I went to Provo River for the second time.  We had a greatest day of fishing.  We decided to try out the first hole we came to.  I had a bite after only 4-5 casts, unfortunately it got off my hook as did my second catch.  I was able to get the third one in and it was a nice fat fish.  I had a hard time holding onto it for the picture.  Benjamin caught his shortly after mine.  We have a friendly debate going as to whose was bigger.  I had one more catch of the day that I got almost to shore before it got off the hook, it was so disappointing.  I had so much fun and I stayed dry this time.  It's strange how much more enjoyment I find in fly fishing that regular fishing.  I really like it.  Plus its a nice thing for Benjamin and I to get out and do together.