Zions

Some photos from Zion National Park when my sister Kenzey and I (and Colden!) visited a few weeks ago. (more on the family blog). We camped at Zion River Resort. The nicest campground I've ever seen!

We were pretty pressed for time, so really we only did two hikes in the two days we were there. On the first day, after strapping Colden into the Ergo, we went for a ways down the Narrows with about a bajillion other people. Pretty amazing stuff! On this adventure, I converted Kenzey to the Gospel of Hiking Poles. They saved us so much grief! The cliffs all around were breathtaking. It was getting dark so we headed back after a mile or so. We didn't get a ton of great photos because I was afraid to take out the big camera.

Kenzey started out slower than a grandma but quickly found her stride and was an excellent hiking companion!

Colden slept practically the whole time he was in the Ergo. Such a good baby! We stopped occasionally for "adventure nursing." ;) I don't really feel like he slowed us down much at all besides when he needed to eat. So many people we passed commented on the fact that I was carrying him on a hike. Well people, it wasn't my first rodeo. We ran into another mom babywearing with the same Ergo as me and we had a great bonding moment :)

The next day we hiked to the Upper Emerald Pools, passing by the Lower and Middle on the way up. This was a gorgeous hike!

Middle Emerald Pool

Upper Emerald Pools

Middle Emerald Pool

Lower Emerald Pool

Lower Emerald Pool

The 3 Patriarchs

We drove through the tunnel and then headed home after a fun two days! This was great introductory trip to Zions. There is definitely lots more to see and do. One day when the kids are older, we will do some more backcountry, technical hikes!

Infant in arms

*During the holidays, Bridger flew for the first time. Due to some scheduling issues, I flew alone with him. Here, I am sharing some insights and thoughts about those flights. 

First of all, our total of 4 flights renewed my faith in the the goodness of the human race. Everywhere I turned, someone was offering to carry my bags, offer me their first-class seat (!!), offer to help me get a whole row to myself (!!), fold up the stroller etc etc. I was so grateful for the flight attendants and passengers alike who helped make these flights a breeze! I wish I could send them all a box of chocolates.

Some things I learned flying alone with a 5 month old: 

1. Nurse or have a pacifier ready for take-off and landing. Bridger didn't seem to have any trouble with his ears, I assume it was because we did this.
2. I recommend the red-eye. Bridger slept through most of it. 
3. There is no real place to change diapers on a plane. (At least in my experience). Balancing him on the toilet seat lid was the trickiest part of flying. 
4. Strollers are gate-checked for free.
5. If you are alone, accept all help offered. And ask for help. You aren't winning any medals by refusing help. 
6. Empty plastic cups are more fun than other toy you can bring. 
7. If you are nursing, just accept that it's not going to be graceful. Sorry to anyone I flashed! :/
8. Maybe everyone knows this already, but when the attendants come around with drinks and snacks, they will fill your own water bottle up if you ask. When they asked what I wanted to drink, I just handed them my Nalgene and they filled it right up! Amazing.
9. Be on time so you can take advantage of pre-boarding. No lines! Also amazing.
10. People are more nice and friendly than I ever thought. Go humans!

Photo of Bridger touching the Gulf of Mexico :)

Squaw Bay

 Kayaking on Lake Superior near Thunder Bay, ON.

34 weeks

I'm actually 35 weeks now, but better late than never right?

Flying to and from Canada ended up being quite the adventure. 

I would get up to use the bathroom as soon as I could while in flight and then run in place in the bathroom for a few minutes. I was so worried about blood clots!

I'm glad our traveling is over for now! My back is grateful too! 

Loving Canada, eh?

We are loving spending time with family as well as paddling a bit on Lake Superior. 

More photos to share soon!

love, 

lacey

Florida Baby Shower :)

 While I was home, my dear Aunt Janet and cousin Leigh Anna threw me an amazing baby shower! The rubber ducky theme was so adorable! All the food was delicious (chocolate chip cookie Nutella sandwiches! Petit Fours! cucumber sandwiches! Jones soda!) They did so much work and I loved it all!

Mama and all her girls :)

 During the clean-up, the ducky baby bath tub was commandeered by Eden and Randi. Eden dubbed it,"Quack." Quack made many more appearances during my stay.

 Mitzi and Mandi helped demonstrate swaddling for me, with the help of baby Reed of course!

Mandi also helped demonstrate the sling she got me with assistance from Reed! He's such a champ!

 Can't believe Leah is getting married this summer! So happy for you lady!!

 Check out the fancies hanging from the ceiling. Yeah, Leigh Anna made those.

I loved spending time with my '08 girls :)

Love these girls so so much!!

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The shower was absolutely fabulous and I felt so loved! I went home with a few full suitcase of goodies for our baby! 

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.

Gibby Girls Retreat: Part III

H&M!!! I was probably annoying everyone while in here because I was going CRAZY! Everything was so beautiful and CHEAP! And it was HUGE! 3 STORIES! Above, Amanda is showing off a beautiful lace skirt. A little out of my price range unfortunately ($60). Erika was seriously thinking about buying those leather leggings ;) And isn't that fur coat nice? ;) But I actually bought a really cool skinny tie for Nate ($13), warm socks for me ($12) and really nice slacks for $15. I almost bought this blazer, but I had already spent so much at Old Navy, I couldn't justify it. Can't wait to go back for Christmas shopping! Also, they had an amazing men's department, so I am excited to take Nate!

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On Saturday morning, Lora and Shellese helped us make these fun witch's hats for Halloween.

Aren't they cute?!

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We stopped at Trader Joe's on the way home. Jennica is a big fan and tried to convince Erika and I that it's the best place for groceries. I'm not sure if I'm completely convinced yet, it's a little too granola-organic-all natural-hippy for me. But I did get some apple cider that was delicious. Everything in there just looks like it would taste like grass. But, the pretzels and veggie chips that Jennica and Erika got were actually pretty good. So maybe I will embrace my inner-hippy and shop at Trader Joe's when I get the chance.

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I really loved spending time with the Gibby girls. I honestly feel so grateful to have married into such a wonderful, loving and welcoming family. Looking forward to many more retreats! :)