Party for Ella

So, Wednesday morning, (Ella's birthday) I figured I'd better throw her a birthday party.

I didn't have anything planned at that point.

I wrote a few emails and the kids and I went shopping.

It wasn't the most organized thing I've done and I had to keep it simple.

I was really going to make a 2 tiered cake,

but since I was still working on it when people were showing up,

this was as far as I got.

We had a few appetizers of crackers, meat and cheese.

Chips, homemade salsa, guacamole, and a bean dip I couldn't stop eating.

Carrot sticks and dip, strawberries, watermelon, etc...

Thanks everyone for coming!

Especially on such short notice. ☺

Even Lois was in town and stopped by for a bit.

(Abby loved me taking pictures of her eating)

Aidan was a *wee* bit jealous of Ella getting attention.

When we sang "Happy Birthday" to her, he cried "no, stop!"

Life is rough when you're two years old.

Special thanks to Abby and Tara!

Abby got all my food prepared while I worked on the cake

and then they both did my dishes.

Sweet!

Hike to Emerald Pools

As I mentioned, the resort that we were staying at, was near Zion National Park, so that first day a bunch of us drove into the park to go on a hike.

Shortly after entering the park we spotted some mountain goats, so naturally, we had to stop and take pictures.

'

Heading back to our vehicle.

Zion NP, has a shuttle system that leaves from their visitor center and that's how you get to the trail heads and other sites.

So the next couple of photos were taken while on the shuttle.

Now we're on the trail.

The first pool

The waterfall at the second pool was very light when I took this photo.

water falling down on me, and then it REALLY came down. ☺

Right as I was taking the picture.

That was fun.

Made it to the third pool.

I wish I would have thought to bring another lens on my camera, it would have been cool to get the panoramic view of this place.

Kiah, Tim, and Tony

Tom requested a family photo since he knew he was in trouble for forgetting the camera!

☺ ha ha.

Natalie

Part of the crew,

enjoying the view and the shade.

Heading back.

Waiting for the shuttle to take us back to the visitor center.

I said I wanted a group photo, but you know it's like herding cats.

Laurie offered to take the picture with my camera,

but by the time we got everyone together the shuttle was coming and Laurie couldn't step back far enough,

so some people got cut out of the picture.

Sorry!

At the visitor center I grabbed James and his family to get a photo since Tom and Beth were leaving right after.

Fun day, fun and pretty hike!