I have waited long enough and I decided today would be the day I did a post in memory of my dad who passed away unexpectedly in December. Today would have been his 50th birthday! My dad was not fond of the idea of aging, he was always the most fit guy on the basketball court (including his much younger sons) and he liked to keep his hair long (that was the designer/beach bum in him). When I was in high school I decided to grow a gotee. He was not thrilled but not for the reason you might think (clean shaven appearence is good for a pre-missionary), no it was because I looked older and consequently that made him seem older! During my teenage years we would go to the same place to get our haircuts and they always thought we were brothers, I was proud to tell people that.

Last year when we celebrated his 49th birthday, which obviously he didnt like big celebrations for him, I thought about what to do for his 50th. I thought about how I wanted to do something special but at the same time I wanted to be sensitive to his feelings about getting older, its ironic that today would be that day and no one has to worry about that, instead we just remember the good times and thank Heavenly Father for a great man.

He is indeed a great man. The picture above that exemplifies him the best is the one with his hand on my back as we walk from little league baseball tryouts. That was my dad to me. He was my greatest supporter in all facets of my life and in all our lives as his children. I'm fighting back the tears just writing this so its time to stop but I wanted everyone I know to know today is his special day. Thanks Dad you know how much we love you and I know how much you love us. I know that you are still a part of our lives and although it is not as convenient, our relationship can be more sacred and special and I will always strive for those little moments we will have. I love you and miss you dearly.

Oh la la! Nouveaux ROUGE pics!

This is Brooke, my old college roommate. I came to Zion to see her be wed.

But first, no visit to Zion is complete without a stop at temple square.

I love the Salt Lake Temple. Its power eminates from the inside out.

It was wonderful to walk around alone and soak it all in.

Later, at the reception...more of my old roomies. I can hardly believe I'm not wearing heels here.

Beautiful Brenda and me. Her cute son had me laughing all through the reception.

Brooke, the beaming bride.

A trip to Zion is also not complete without a visit with my extended family. Here I am with cousin Tony & Cindy's kids (I love the expression on Barbie's face here).

With the Hallstrom cousins...they are so grown up/smart/funny/cute. I'm so glad I got to see them before they move back up to Minnesota.

We also got a visit from Denny, Joe and cousin Emma, cute as a bug, who sang us many songs including the classic "Peanut Butter and Jelly" (then you take the bread and you spread it, you spread it...)

And last but not least, here's Grandpa Hiatt looking menacing. I was able to stay with my wonderful Grandparents (the dreamparents, as they're known) while I was in town. We dined at Chuck-a-Rama, sang "Blues in the Night," and watched Once Upon a Mattress.

I love my friends and family in Zion.

Chris is continually living up to his promise to my Dad to "take her camping," one of my dad's main requisites when they had the Father/prospective son-in-law talk 5 years ago.

I do love camping.

The view from our campsite was incredible. If you ever visit Joshua Tree National Park, stay at Indian Cove Campground—it's one of the best campgrounds I've ever seen. As long as you don't mind the fact that there are no showers, no running water, and pit toilets.

I love desert plants—cacti, succulents, things with spikes and spines. Christopher and I went on a couple of hikes and the weather was just right—mid 80s, not too bad for the middle of the desert in late spring.

The desert wildlife was interesting. Besides my brother's iguana Max, I have never seen such a large lizard in person. I am normally comfortable with reptiles, but this one's tail kinda gives me the willies.

The rocks at JTree (this is what the climbers call it) are so cool.

I was a rock climbing poser for the weekend, with my climbing gloves and tennis shoes (halfway there) I scrambled up as high as I could.

Rock domination!

Our second day there we did a rigorous hike up Mount Ryan and took artistic photos with animal crackers at the summit.

Another successful camping trip for the books. If you are feeling adventurous, you know who to call. I have a backlog of weekend camping trips I still want to take this summer.

I recently took my second annual biz trip to New York for the National Stationery and SURTEX Trade Shows.

I loved (LOVED!) the hotel I stayed at. The Smyth in Tribeca—so deliciously modern.

Perks included Kiehl's shampoo and soap, impeccable fixtures, fun furniture, and a cool lobby. The view from my room overlooked a food cart and I could hear kids beat-boxing and freestyle rapping on the street below my window.

I took a million pictures like this. I love whipping through the city in a taxi and being able to see the different boroughs so quickly.

The Lower East side, close to Clinton Street Baking Co. where I consumed the most delicious pancakes I have ever eaten in my life. I heard it often has 2 hour waits on weekend mornings!

Can I take this opportunity to mention some of the other things I ate in New York? Venezuelan arepas, Korean ssam, gourmet Mexican, and delicious diner food were all represented. I will never eat another frozen Lean Cuisine dinner ever again.

I also had the chance to do a lot of shopping (mostly window variety). Some of my favorites were abc home and Kate's Paperie. I spent some time in Nolita again this year, where I feel right at home. It's artsy and funky, but unintimidating.

I felt less at home on Wall Street with all of the suited stock brokers, but it's probably one of my favorite places to walk around in New York. The roads are closed to traffic and the buildings tower around you in an almost unnatural silence.

The weather was spotty. The second day it rained--hard, and cold. It was impossible to catch a cab and my coworker and I got completely soaked to the bone. We finally ended up taking shelter underground and riding the Metro.

I was able to pop over to Brooklyn for the first time, but it was toward the end of a long day and I was too tired for picture taking. It was lovely, though, all brownstones and hipsters and chirping birds.

The more I go back to the city, the more I appreciate it. I am so grateful for my job that I can have opportunities like this. I always come home feeling so reinvigorated--I can't wait to go back already.

Mt. Laguna, CA: Camping. Toads. Pink Sunglasses.

I spent a glorious Easter weekend with my family.

At the Oregon coast. We were originally going to go crabbing, but it was too cold and choppy. We still managed to have a lot of fun, though.

Ben and Jax wrastled some bull kelp.

We appreciated the craftsmanship of some sweet old quilts at a little quilting museum in Tillamook.

(More quaintness near the museum)

We also stopped by the Tillamook Cheese Factory. I will never grow tired of the factory tour or the marionberry pie ice cream.

We celebrated 3 Birthdays: Dad's, mine and Ben's.

Mom spoiled me with Clinique makeup and handmade jewelry.

It was a wonderful visit. Trips home feed my soul.