My favorite painting and an outing to the MOA at BYU

Last week we went to the new Carl Bloch exhibit at the MOA at BYU. Some of the paintings are on loan from a private castle/estate in Denmark and have never been loaned out before and will never be loaned out again. Pretty sweet we got to see them! I shared with Nate that while he feels closest to God outdoors, among His creations, I often feel closest to God viewing religious art (especially this one). Carl Bloch and others at this exhibit have a beautiful gift that speak to my soul. So glad we went.

Brian Kershisnik's Nativity 

I loved seeing this painting too (I think it's part of their permanent collection). It's larger than life, literally. And I love that it gives a realistic portrait of Mary nursing, with midwives looking on (as I believe it is unlikely in a city as large as Bethlehem that she did it all alone) and Joseph's prayer of gratitude. I find it interesting to think about all the unmentioned people that must have been involved: family and friends that Mary & Joseph traveled with, the innkeeper, midwives etc etc. And that contrasted with what we can't see, the numberless angels singing praises to our newborn Lord. I would love to have this in our house. I haven't been able to find prints of this. Only reproductions for $1400+ soooo..... 

We walked around a bit reminiscing with a mint brownie and old-fashioned donut. I made Nate drive all over campus so I could see the new buildings. Bridger enjoyed chasing the ducks! And while I am really jealous students now have a Chik-fil-a in the Cougareat, Nate and I agreed it's probably for the best it came after I graduated. I would have weighed 200 pounds. 

While in the Cougareat, I had some awkward eye contact with an old flame from before I met Nate. I couldn't help smile as we walked past, because here I am with my hunky husband with our adorable toddler on his shoulders. Just a good moment once again realizing I am so very happy with this path I have chosen. 

Also, I am so excited to take Bridger to the renovated Bean Life Museum this spring! It's gonna look amazing! I took some paparazzi photos as we drove by.

 

Y Mountain, an attempt

A few weeks ago we decided to hike to the summit of Y Mountain. This was the first real hike carrying Bridger in the backpack carrier. And oh man was it brutal. We didn't make it, but resolved to attempt it again in September when we would have a summer of hikes under our belts and hopefully in better shape.

iPhone photos because we were too tired to use the real camera:

 Honestly, I don't know why so many people hike the Y. It's brutal and ugly. Constant switchbacks. It's dusty and you are in the full sun if you don't go early enough. 

 The Y monogram. Didn't feel much love for my alma mater at this point. I was just glad we survived thus far. 

Utah Valley and Utah Lake in the rear of the photo. I suppose this view is one reason to hike the Y. 

  Once you get past the Y, the hike really improves. There is shade, pine trees, interesting plant life etc etc. This is where the money is. 

I know all of these photos show Nate carrying Bridger, but we did take turns! :) More photos of this hike with Bridger and Nate's beard on Bridger's blog.

Wish we could have made it to the top! We'll be back though!

American Fork Canyon + Alpine Loop

Ever since Nate proposed, I have begged him to take me to the spot again. Last week, he finally agreed. So we packed up some food and flannel, along with Bridger in the old Ford. The fall colors were so gorgeous. I could literally feel the fresh mountain air increasing my dopamine levels. Being in the mountains really makes me happy!

But our delight was short-lived however. As we lumbered up the dirt and gravel packed switchbacks, we began to be aware that this old girl might not make it to the top. We lusted after the four-wheelers and all wheel drive Jeeps that raced past us. Thinking of the romantic memories we would be missing if we turned around, I urged Nate to keep going. After awhile even I conceded to defeat.

We settled on a picnic on the shores of Tibble Creek Reservoir. We snacked and basked in the mountain air. Bridger nursed as I eavesdropped on what could have been a good episode of a Latin soap opera. What I thought at first was a mother and son, turned out to be divorcing couple. (That is if my 8 credits of university Spanish are still up to par).

Yes, I've had this hoodie since 10th grade. 

We ended the day driving back down through the Alpine Loop. (See last year on the Loop).

Bridger, I hope you are getting used to these mountain adventures! Many more to come kiddo!

The joys and pains of sailing

Last weekend, Nate and I wanted to head out to Utah Lake for a little sail. Luckily, Scott and Erika came along or we would have been in big trouble. I won't re-hash all the details since Scott wrote a pretty good description already. Read Scott's version of the day's events on Erika's blog. 

This was the only photo taken while we were out of the harbor since I immediately had to throw my camera in its bag for safekeeping as the wind doubled in speed.

Nate and Scott with the broken tiller. 

Erika and I. Just happy to be alive ;)

Wish I knew how to get the light off your eye Erika! But I like this photo a lot :)

Thanks for another adventure Harriette!

I found my inspiration

I completely attribute my recent abundance of posts on the lovely weather. Here is the proof:

We took a bike ride on Sunday afternoon down to the duck ponds and the gardens on the south end of campus. We weren't alone to say the least. Everyone was taking advantage of the lovely afternoon. The gardens aren't quite as green as they will be in the summer, but they were so many cherry blossoms blooming! 

 And my very favorite tree in the whole world, the Japanese Magnolia. I'll take three in my front yard, thank you.

Once again, Happy Spring! 

Saturday

On Saturday, we went sailing for a bit. The wind wasn't really cooperating, so it was a little boring! But I had fun taking some photos...

Better luck next time Harriette!

Adventures: Crawford Draw

Nate has been talking about some slot canyons in southern Utah and we finally got to go the last day my family was here. After about a 3 hour drive, we arrived in a big...field...of desert. Where in the world were the canyons?

**All photos by Kacey Aukema 

After walking in an area like this for about a hundred yards, we came across what you see in the next photo!

Crawford Draw

I think I say this every time we find a new place, but I've never seen anything like this! It's amazing! Photos don't really do it justice.

This just might have been just the perfect time to go since the water was frozen. Any earlier in the year we would need water gear. Any later in the season and it would be full of snow!

Yep, I've got that hot headband again!

While most slot canyons in southern Utah are "technical", or require ropes and extra gear, this one does not. We just found an easy spot to hop in and out and explored to our hearts' content!

Nate teaching us a geology lesson :)

I'm so glad we got to share this with our family. I am always amazed at the beauty of God's creations, even it what seems the most desolate of places. 

P.S. If you are interested in visiting Crawford Draw, Tom's Canyoneering Guide is a good resource.

Adventures: Diamond Fork Canyon-Winter Edition

Remember when we went to Diamond Fork Canyon this summer? Well we went back with my family this time!

Nate made me buy those hideous pants I'm wearing, but I have to say they are for good hiking. And I just made it a terrible fashion day with that lovely 80s headband. (Also very functional by the way!)

All the snow here made me think of Narnia.

Kenzey was the only brave one to jump into the hot springs. Mom and I had a fun time helping her change out of her wet swimsuit after this photo was taken... ;)

That's Dad and I on top of the waterfall. It's crazy how frozen everything is!

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Such a fun hike, even in the winter! We contacted the Forest Service to make sure the road to this canyon was still open.