summer hikes pt. 2

We just can't get enough of hiking this summer! Especially because everything is so green and there are so many wildflowers!

DOG LAKE

Millcreek Canyon

ft. Mom 

HIDDEN PEAK

Snowbird Ski Resort

SILVER LAKE

Brighton Ski Resort

 LAKE MARY
Big Cottonwood Canyon

CECRET LAKE

Alta Ski Resort

ALBION BASIN

Alta Ski Resort

ft. Steven, Karoline & Harrison

TWIN LAKES

Brighton Ski Resort

 LOWER BELLS CANYON RESERVOIR 

Sandy, Utah

st. george weekend

Sam has been working so hard lately and needed a little vacation so he planned a trip to St. George! Karoline got had the hookups so we got to stay the weekend at her grandma's condo in St. George and all the boys took Friday off work which was a miracle. 

After the drive down, we went on a little hike at Pioneer Park to see the tiny slot canyon and a view of the valley. But it was also 100+ degrees so that was awesome.

What a crew--Sam's college roommates, turned bffs, turned work colleagues. Let's just say it's never boring (besides the hour long arguments about grammar or calculus problems). 

Love me some good quality time with Landon. And love my Sammy boy. Shirtless like always.

We also played a lot of Gloomhaven. 

It's the #1 board game right now. If that doesn't impress you I don't know what will.   

Then we did something way out of my comfort zone-- UTVs at Sand Hollow.

I had an ongoing panic attack the whole time but surprisingly I enjoyed myself way more than I thought I would even while in mild cardiac arrest. At one point we were on the tallest dune and basically about to roll sideways all the way down so I was crying/screaming/hyperventilating but also about to pee my pants from laughing so hard because Landon was dying at my panicked state. 

I love this picture of Steven and Karoline! I was too scared to drive but Karoline rocked it and even got some air on a jump!  

lol at the dreads in my hair & peep Sam's teary eyes from getting sand-blasted but we're literally all smiles! The boys made a rookie mistake and didn't bring goggles or sunglasses which made for an interesting time...I'm just glad neither one of them drove us off a cliff. #blessed

We made it to the "Top of the World" but then proceeded to accidentally dismantled the sign..

Overall it was a great weekend break from daily life. And I'll never ever forget Landon getting our UTV stuck on top of a sand dune. We were stranded for probably 30 mins in the 100 degree weather, trying our hardest to push the 2000 pound machine out of the sand and any attempt to drive it out caused the wheels to sink deeper and a 9 foot tower of sand spray to erupt from the spinning wheels. We were covered head to toe in sand and I've washed my hair six times and it still has sand particles in it. We eventually got unstuck by shaking the UTV instead of pushing so for anyone else who gets stuck, you're welcome. 

Also if you're in St. George go to Viva Chicken for some bomb Peruvian food.

summer stuff besides hiking

Yes most of our summer has been spent hiking or playing Gloomhaven but we do other things and here's proof...

- We had a craft night with our friends Julie & JP. 

The boys painted shirts and Julie and I made candles.

Sam's super proud of his shirt so I decided to make one too.

 -Sam and I teach sunbeams and I always stop at the bathroom after class to wash my hands bc #snotty kids & I matched the bathroom perfectly so I took a mirror pic.

-I met up with my friend Katie and we went on a walk and out to lunch with Hallie girl.

-Found a little lake and spent a Saturday floating and beating the heat.

- Sam and I go on nightly runs on the Jordan River trail after work. 

family reunion in seaside, oregon

The Jeppson Family Reunion: it happens every year, usually in a fun, different location and it's 7 days of pure bliss. 

MONDAY

Before we headed to Seaside, Meg, Sara, and I flew into Portland and got to visit the one and only ABBY! If you don't know her, she's the absolute best! 

Abby picked us all up from the airport, let us stay at her place, took us out to breakfast, showed us the town, and gave us a tour of her office. It was so fun to get a glimpse of her life as a city girl. Thanks for the hospitality Abby! 

Then when we made it to Seaside, our first stop was to take in this perfect view right out of the condo. We literally stayed right on the beach and it was magical! 

Love my cute cousins and definitely missed all the ones that couldn't make it this year.

TUESDAY

We went Cannon Beach to see Haystack Rock and visit the tide pools. 

With cute Grandma Lola, she's the best and amazing for making these reunions happen every year! Also there were so many hydrangeas everywhere and they were beautiful! 

Then we stopped for lunch at Ecola State Park which had the most beautiful view!

cute sissies 

the og Modesto girls 

Then we went on a hike through the park and it was so green and magical.

This happened during the hike. Oakley and Jo were best buds, like almost too much...

The hike ended with this view and the sun finally came out!

WEDNESDAY

We started off the day with a beach run because family reunions also mean extreme amounts of food, snack, and desserts so we have to even the scales somehow.

We drove to Astoria to visit Cape Disappointment and see the lighthouse and the Maritime Museum. 

THURSDAY

We drove 1 hour (yes, 1 whole hour. we're serious about our cheese) to the Tillamook Factory. 

But the drive was worth it for the best grilled cheese sandwiches, mac n cheese, and ice cream! And yes I did use a whole sleeve of lactose pills by myself and that probably wasn't even enough...

FRIDAY 

We went as a family to our own private showing of the Lion King. 

Then we went to probably the world's smallest aquarium and fed some seals. We chilled by the pool, played games and had a bonfire and s'mores on the beach at night.

Here's a cheesy sunset pic. Grandma LOLA we love you! 

SATURDAY

Abby drove down to join us for our last day and we got her a matching shirt to be a part of the clan.  

Then we did a service project and picked up trash on the beach. 

Then we went back to Cannon Beach with Abby for Corgi Day and it was amazing! Corgis everywhere!

Overall, we had a great time, ate too much food, and loved every minute with my cute family.

Shout out to Sam for working hard so I can play hard. And big shoutout to MamaBucks for making this trip possible!