Giddy-Up!

Let the Summer {OFFICIALLY} Begin...
It's Rodeo Time!

BBQ. Family. Friends. Tradition

Time In A Bottle

I find it interesting that some of life's realizations sneak up when you're not expecting them. I've always loved going to the Ericson Family Reunion...my dad's mother's side of the family. I rarely see any of my relatives on that side, but come once a year. I really don't know who any of them are...Cousins, that about covers EVERYBODY that's there. This year as I walked down the dirt road to the pavilion up Tooele Canyon it hit me...things couldn't be this way forever. Things would change. Suddenly I felt an overwhelming desire to remember every moment, and save every memory possible of the day. Faces of familiarity that I love and cherish.My Dad and his siblings: (L-R) Gaylen, Richard--my dad, Nancy, and Gary.

The Aunties: Aunt Alli, Aunt Beth, and Aunt Leah.

Me and my Shorty Uncles

So this is what everyone feels like around me!

Floatin' Down The River

This year for the 24th of July our family floated down Provo river....a new Tradition was born! We had so much fun laughing and giggling the entire way. We did our best to stay linked together, but at times got separated...lucky for us, Ashleigh's friend Tim provided the brute strength needed to gather us back together. It was a perfect day...the sun was sizzling and the water was like ice, but together, it made for the perfect atmosphere. I already can't wait until next year!

Surviving Supai

I did it! I survived my trip to Havasupai! It all started a few months ago my Mike invited me to go on his annual trip to the Grand Canyon to go hiking in Havasupai. I can only imagine the look of shock and fear at his request as memories of statements made by those who'd made the trip in the past echoed in my ears..."Next time I'm taking the helicopter".... "I don't think I'll ever walk the same".... My answer was not only no, but Hell No! However, Mike can be incredibly persuasive. So, after some encouraging words and a helicopter to fall back on, I was in. Although I'd started preparing about a month before, my anxiety kept increasing as the number of days until our departure were decreasing. Then, it was
suddenly July 8th and we were on our way! The hike into the canyon wasn't so bad...I didn't expect it to be, since it was all down hill. We started out around 4 a.m. and made it to the camp ground around 8:30. After setting up camp and a quick nap, we were off to play in Havasu Falls. It was just a quick hop from camp and truly a Garden of Eden in the desert. Mooney Falls was day two's destination. We spent the day playing in the water, soaking up the sun, and saving our snacks from sneaky squirrels. Navajo Falls was our final day adventure. Since it was on the way to the village, we packed up our packs and headed out to play. These were my favorite falls of all! I even jumped from 40 feet high...much to the surprise of the onlookers below.

After some fun at the falls, we hiked out to the village to fill our bellies with food and a quick rest before facing the 9 miles ahead. I was nervous, but confident. Seven of us girls set out together...The Sisterhood of the Traveling Packs. We made a vow to stick together, take things slow and steady, and passed the time with singing and laughing...especially with the rule that any complaint must be sung!

I'll never forget the feeling of accomplishment, empowerment, and fulfillment as I made my way up the final switch back! I had done it! I'm so grateful for the confidence and encouragement from my friends and sister...I can't wait until next year!

Smith Super Star Rally

I seriously have the greatest family EVER!!! We've always gotten together to celebrate the holidays, but this year we started a new family tradition: The Smith Superstar Rally! We split into two teams, complete with matching shirts and a trophy, to compete in a series of events. Each person had an individual event, a partnered event, and team events. And what crazy events they were! At one point I found myself laying on the ground holding an ice cream cone in my mouth while my mom stood on a chair and tried to drop scoops of ice cream into the cone....all of which landed on my face. The final event of the night was a relay race involving all the members of each team...starting with bobbing for apples, licorice eating, throwing Cheetos into the shaving cream beard of your team member, dressing crazy, a math equation, and popping water balloons. The highlight of my night was beating my sister in the math equation....she's a CPA! With the trophy on the line things went above and beyond competitive! While we were all winners, Darin insisted on keeping the trophy until next year. After the festivities, we set up camp in the backyard for an outdoor movie and sleep over. It was the best time ever!

UVUPhoria

It was the event of the century...or maybe the decade...or the year...well, of the day at least. The culmination of the Grand Celebration marking the transition from UVSC to Utah Valley University marked by a concert featuring Josh Gracin, Collin Raye, and Joe Nichols. And to top it off, there was even a Niel Diamond impersonator straight from Las Vegas! A Perfect excuse for a girls night...



...I'm so excited to graduated from a University! I thought that may have been the reason it's taken me so long to get through this higher learning experience--that was until I found out ANYONE who has graduated from UVU in any of it's previous forms qualifies for a diploma from UVU. Sure, now you tell me.

Round-Up Fun!

Yee-Haw! My favorite time of year has officially begun! Kicking off my summer fun was the Lehi Round-Up Rodeo! I love sharing family traditions with good friends and letting them see just a little bit of the small town life that made me...well, me. Every year I look forward to red cowboy boots, a little "wiffle dust" magic, and 8 second rides.

Oh What Do You Do In The Summer Time?

School's out for summer! I have so many things I want to do!

-Fly kites-
-Hike Timp without a sprained ankle-
-Take a road trip...or two...or three-
-Read non-text books-
-Live through Havasupai-
-Go to Lagoon-
-Laugh until my stomach hurts-
-Attend the symphony-
-Be Kissed Passionately-
-Watch the sunrise-

Let the "Somer" fun begin!