Valentine's Follow-Up Hike

Originally we wanted to go on a romantic hike for Valentine's Day. Then we realized we would be spending most of our Saturday last weekend at my cousin's wedding. So, we rescheduled and went on our hike this weekend.

It is nice to live close to Antelope Island where trails are accessible even during the winter. We headed out there yesterday afternoon and drove out to the trail head so we could hike to Elephant Point. On our way there, we saw a heard of pronghorn antelope, which was exciting considering it was our first time seeing any antelope on the island of their namesake.

 

It was cold, but it was beautiful. And as we gained altitude, the views just got better.

We filled the new vacuumed sealed thermos Nate gave me for Valentine's day with hot chocolate and brought it along with us on the hike. What could be better than drinking delicious hot chocolate with your wonderful spouse while looking out at a breathtaking view like this?

We weren't originally planning on going on that long of a hike. In fact, we thought the round trip would be less than 7 miles. However, apparently we underestimated how long the trail to Elephant Point is. By the time we got back to our car, the sun had set and we had hiked over nine miles.

 

 

 We thought this funny looking cloud made the mountain look like it was smoking.

But it was definitely worth it. We had a lot of fun. And we highly recommend the hot chocolate for cold hikes...

Our Busy Valentine's Day Weekend

Our lives have been so busy lately. Between trying to find a house, family gatherings, Valentine's Day, and a new job, things have been a bit crazy.

Last weekend my youngest brother Ben went through the temple for the first time. It was really nice to be there with him and so much of my family.

Saturday my cousin Bethany was married in the Salt Lake Temple, and we had the privileged of attending that ceremony as well. Afterward we went to the wedding lunch, which was also nice. Unfortunately, everything went longer than planned. We returned home much later than hoped and ended up making our Valentine cookies late into the night (and into the next morning).

Nate also sent me on a GPS scavenger hunt to find my Valentine gifts. He is so creative like that! I followed his clues and GPS coordinates to find various treasures around town including lotion, a Toblerone long stem rose, and a vacuum sealed thermos. I quickly stuck the beautiful rose in vase when we returned home.

Nate also made me a special Valentine cookie. Of course, I made him one too. And I gave him a long very warm bath robe with a little coupon book.

 

We spent Valentine's day delivering cookies and Valentines. After all, that is one of my favorite things to do for the occassion...We also celebrated my aunt's birthday with my family at my grandparents house that evening.