Visit to Arches

Last weekend, we, along with Caleb, Marci and Gavin, headed to Moab for a little vacation. Our timing couldn't have been more off as far as the weather was concerned. We were beginning to think we'd have to see the sites in a raft. However, Friday morning we ventured out into the elements with our best rain gear in tow. It really was beautiful. There were waterfalls at every turn and red rivers running down all the trails. The kids sure were troopers as we hiked through the whole rainy day. Despite the beauty of our first day in the area, we were glad to see sunny, blue skies on Saturday. We enjoyed a couple short hikes in Arches and then headed to Dead Horse Point for a bit. Here are a "few" pictures. Hope you enjoy. Taking a stamp from the letter box we found.
Aunt Crystal informed us about "Letter Boxing". People have left clues on the internet that lead to boxes with rubber stamps in them. You get to take a stamp of theirs in trade for a stamp of your own. Here is Libbie with the letter box we found at Dead Horse Point.
Mia, Libbie, Daddy, and Mals near an arch.
Mom, Libbie, and Mia singin' in the rain.
Libbie, Gavin, and Mia playing in the sand at Arches.
Aunt Marci helping Mia navigate through
all the puddles and streams of red water.

Mallory cashed out on our final and wettest hike of the day.
Cute sisters posing in the rain during our first hike.
Look at all that water. I can't believe it.
Family Photo
Caleb, Gavin, Mia, Libbie Mallory, and Dad
Mia really utilizing the skills she's learned at gymnastics (the balance beam).
Nathan by one of the waterfalls.
A very full wash in Arches.

Happy Birthday to Mia!

Mia turned 3 yesterday. For one reason or another,
she requested a cow cake.

Here's Mia playing a rousing game of

Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

Mia with her new doll.
The birthday girl eating her breakfast.
Libbie was the "super star" at school last week.

Mallory looking especially sweet!

Just some pictures

Here is Mallory with her new hair-do. I got it in
two full pig tails today. Yay! The mullet is ending!

Mallory eating her lunch.
We took a quick family photo on Sunday morning.

We are all looking at the camera so that's what really counts.

Mia getting ready for nap time (trying to be brave).

What a Gymnast!

Here is my little gymnast Mia. She is loving it and is really mastering the sommersault! This is Mia in her new leotard. Last week she informed me her teacher's name was leotard - she is quite the kid!

What form she has on the uneven bars. I'm pretty sure she's got quite the career ahead of her.


Mallory playing mini mom.



Mia and Mals have been hanging out quite a bit since Libbie started school. They are looking a little mischievous here.

Sweet Thang!

This is just a cute picture of Mals I couldn't resist putting on here.

Libbie's First Day of School

Libbie on her first day of school. Cute!

Mia and Libbie on the lions at Hogle Zoo.





















Well, we Cardons have been pretty busy this past week. Libbie started kindergarten on Wednesday, and Mia started gymnastics. I guess I am already a geeky mom because Libbie would really prefer to walk to the bus stop by herself. She also doesn't give a rusty one that I am there to greet her when she gets off the bus. I think it's safe to assume she is adjusting to her new life quite well. It was sure a hoot to watch Mia try to do tricks at gymnastics. Those teachers must be full of patience. We also got to enjoy a fun and crowdless day at Hogle Zoo with Nathan's parents, sister, and Marci and Gavin (minus the part where Gavin did a nose dive into the turkey cage and cut his lip).

Mara's Wedding In Nauvoo

We just got back from a whirlwind trip to Iowa and Nauvoo. Mara and Ben got married on last Friday, and it was so fun to see it all go down. We had a great time with cousins, aunts and uncles and grandma and grandpa. However, we are happy to be out of the car again.



















The Blushing Bride and the Happy Couple























Jeff and Rachel dancing the night away at Mara's and Ben's wedding reception.
Libbie and Mia looking cute in the dresses Grandma Cardon made.





The brothers being weird.
Mallory and daddy outside the Nauvoo temple.

Our Attempt at Timpanogos Caves

On Saturday, we decided to take a little hike to the Timpanogos Cave. I guess we should have taken it as a sign to not go when the kids were whining before we left the house. But no, we pressed on and headed out. An hour and a half later, we finally found the caves (which are no more than 20 minutes from our house). Then, Nathan found out there was an hour and a half wait to get in the caves. So needless to say, we decided to just do a little hiking by ourselves. I don't think we nor the girls were ready for that kind of wait after such a long drive. Besides the water breaks every 10 steps, we had a pretty good time.

Just Livin' Life

We haven't really been up to much lately. These are just a few random shots of our recent life. Here is Mia and Gilbert getting ready for bed together. I think the picture is pretty funny.
Libbie is looking mighty grown up with her up-do.

Mallory is really growing up too. She's even started to say a few words. None of them really count until she says mommy though.