Cousins

Today I got to watch my two nieces. It was like having two sets of twins and the girls had so much fun. We started off by eating breakfast, going on a bike ride / walk, came home and little ones took naps while the big girls hung out, next was lunch and the Dino nuggets were a hit, after was pool and trampoline time. The girls are all water animals and would have stayed out all day if I let them. It was funny that both Eliza and Ruby's swimsuit straps kept falling down and the same shoulder strap. We had a few popsicles and played some more. Next we decided we had enough sun and came in to take a lot of baths, hair doing, and then the little ones went down for another nap and the big girls wanted a movie and snacks for mellow time. Yes I even got my work in on top of all this. It was a good day, now for tonight, a much needed one on one date with my hubby!

Outdoor Weekend

Over the weekend we headed up to Bondurant to enjoy the cooler weather and being outside. Fin, Eliza and I brought my mom up with us and we enjoyed a girls weekend. Eliza decided that she wanted to fuss all the way there again, I'm loosing my mind on how to make her better in the car. I can give her all the snacks, drinks, movies, and toys and she just throws them and likes to scream. Somehow the drive home managed to be better (I think the movie Tangled saved us). Friday we went on a hike to Granite Falls and looked at all the wild flowers. The Granite canyon in the Gros Ventre is where my grandpa (my mom's dad) grew up. This trip was cool for me because as we drove around Jackson, Kelly and Wilson my mom gave me the history run down of where my family lived and where she played as a little girl. Jackson is one of my favorite places to go and having such family ties makes it even better. We also did the Alpine Slide, a few times, walked the square, rode our bikes, ate yummy food at our favorite places, and yes we even got matching Jackson Hole hoodies. The girls loved them and Fin insisted we all needed them. Love that girl. This weekend was so much fun and despite how crazy the town was I can't wait to go back.

Hiking up to Granite Falls.

Look at her face, this is her excitement for life.

We found the buffalo heard in Kelly.

Clark and Veda Moulton are my great uncle and aunt. This is a map of Mormon Row and what area they owned.

This is uncle Clark's barn, yes its the famous barn, but what's cooler is that my grandma helped build it and my mom would go visit there in the summer's helping bail hay, play in the stream, and eat homemade rolls and pies.

Hello blue eyes.

Fin loves playing with her sister and being outside. She was all smiles this weekend.

On Saturday we met up with Brian's grandparents and had dinner and Finley took great grandpa Stan to get ice cream. They share the same love for it. Eliza was trying to get a lick from whoever she could. Great grandma Beth didn't mind sharing.

Animal

Yes, I think my husband is an animal. On Saturday Brian completed the first annual 'Crusher in the Tushar' race down in Beaver Utah. Those of you who know him know that he has raced bicycles since he was 9 years old. Through years of school, mission, and marriage this has not changed. Sure he took a year off here and there, but when I get to see the intensity of the course he rides it honestly blows my mind. In this particular race they climbed a total of 10,400 vertical feet, and descended 6,000 feet (this being the alternative route due to too much snow). Yes literally going up and over a mountain. Since the best description I could give doesn't say it all here it is officially from the web site.

The route starts on pavement and heads East on Beaver Canyon Road (State Road 153) which features a gentle climb and runs parallel to the ambling Beaver River. At mile 10, the real climbing begins as the course reaches the Upper Telluride Power Plant where the road switchbacks and climbs aggressively to the first of four generously-stocked aid stations at mile 17.5.

After refueling, riders will get their first taste of dirt as the route turns on to the scenic Big John Flat Road. This stretch of fire road will deliver riders to the Realcyclist.com King and Queen of the Mountain line situated at mile 24 atop Utah’s highest road at an elevation just shy of 11,500 feet! That shortness of breath you’re feeling isn’t just the thin air but likely the breathtaking 360° views—even the most competitive riders may find themselves lingering here to take in sights and catch their breath. Look closely enough and you just might be able to pick out the herd of elusive Mountain Goats who call this starkly beautiful area above tree line home.

Adrenaline junkies will revel in the next 18 miles as they descend the dirt on North Beaver Creek Road winding around the base of the majestic 12,000 foot Mt. Belknap, past the historic 1890′s Gold Rush ghost town of Kimberly, and into the town of Marysvale where the course rejoins pavement. Here, riders can quench their thirst and address any mechanical issues at the event’s second aid station before they head off on Utah Scenic Byway US-89 as it rolls for 14.5 miles alongside the Sevier River, a designated Blue Ribbon Fishery.

Upon reaching the historic township of Junction, the Paiute County Seat, riders can utilize the third and penultimate aid station to top-off their reserves before the climbing resumes once again and the pavement turns back to dirt at mile 60. Be sure to look over your shoulder now and again to take in the exhilarating views below of the Paiute Valley, although appreciating the scenery might be a bit tough as this is where most riders will truly enter the “pain cave” as they tackle the steep grades on graveled road. Tough it out for 6.5 miles to the fourth and final feed zone at Bentenson Flat, and you’re back into the cool air of high altitude. The ubiquitous aspen trees and glimmering Puffer Lake signal the push to where dirt turns back to pavement for the final time at mile 74.

Just five excruciating miles now separate riders from the finish line at the uppermost lift of Utah’s newest ski resort, Eagle Point. Here, riders will have to dig deep as they climb another 1000 feet back up to an altitude of 10,300 feet. After crossing the finish line, participants will be treated to a post-race lunch courtesy of the great folks at Eagle Point Resort. Congratulations my friend, you’ve done it! And yes, we know what you’re thinking: “Where do I sign up for next year?” Not to worry, we’ve got you covered.

And is Brian signing up for next year? You bet he is. Despite the fact that he got two flat tires, he still took 3rd in his age group (out of 60) with a time of 5:28:33. And this is fun?! It would have taken me at least four days to get to the top of the mountain let alone finish the race. Bri likes this thing called the 'Pain Cave.' He's good at pushing himself and how he finds the mental and physical strength is beyond me. I'm so proud of him and his talents. Now is spending every Saturday sitting in the heat and dirt great fun for the girls and I? Not always, but watching your husband do something he excels at and loves is such a rewarding feeling. So what next on the race schedule? Oh just the Snowbasin 100k, Park City Point to Point (78 miles and over 14,000 vertical feet), and Lotoja (206 miles). No big deal right?

I wish I had some great action shots, but the only time I saw Bri was the start and finish.

Climbing the last hill to the finish line. Bri's on the left.

Way to go team Kuhl.
What is this you ask? That is a good question. It's Gilly. Not entirely sure what he/it is, but Gilly rode the course on a scooter and was handing out money to racers and cheering them on. I think Bri randomly got $3. Don't ask, all I know is that he scares the crap out of little kids and hands out money at races. Only in mountain biking.

Two girls and a Mule

So bummed these pictures are dark. On Saturday we had a BBQ with some friends at my in-laws house and the little kids were so excited for the mules that we saddled them up. Of course Finley was first to jump on and take a ride. Then we put Eliza on. Eliza wasn't sure what to think at first, but then she would giggle riding along with her sis.

(How about the backdrop?)

Some little girl loves mules.

Fin's little friend was so nervous to ride and so she rode along with her and they had a blast. What a sweet girl.

Too bad you can't see the grin on Eliza's face. She was all smiles while the mule wasn't moving, then she would make the funniest faces as they would walk down the drive.

Swim Lessons

I first apologize for the quality of the pictures. I took them with my phone and they aren't super clear. We put Fin in some swim lessons to get her comfortable with water. The first week was a little rough, she didn't want to put her face in the water. However, by the end of week two she was jumping in and blowing bubbles with her nose. She was even learning how to dive down to pick up a dive stick off the bottom of the pool. I was so proud of her and her teacher was awesome. I know she has a ways to go but she's a fish and loves swimming lessons. Maybe she'll follow in her aunt Micall or uncle Hunter's footsteps (they are fantastic swimmers). Eliza was wanting so bad to be in the water with her big sister. She would even cheer her on when Finley would jump into the water.

Riding home in the chariot after lessons. They melt my heart.

4th

No parades, no concerts, no rodeo's, no festive July 4th BBQ, we had a wonderful weekend in Bondurant Wyoming. Friday we headed out after work to the beautiful part of Wyoming. I should start by mentioning that Eliza hasn't been the best traveler and so I thought well maybe she'll dig a movie in the car. I splurged on getting a portable, dual monitor, dvd player for the car. Was it worth it? Hmmm, Fin dug it, Liza if paying attention to it at all maybe cared about it for just over half an hour. Holy Moly! From the the exit of I-80 near Evanston all the way to Bondurant she screamed. Didn't want food, didn't care about the movie, just wanted out of her seat. Finally in Big Piney we rolled the windows down and what would you know, she was quite. Really Liza? Needless to say it was a long drive to and from 'The Barn'. On Saturday the girls and I stayed back at the barn and everyone else went on a mule ride. Later we went into Jackson to visit our favorite stores and go find the buffalo to show the girls. We drove out through Kelly and the heard of buffalo that we rode through a few weeks ago seemed to be hiding. After a drive and a little walk into the sagebrush we found them. In the riverbeds we also say a mama and baby moose. The girls loved it! Finley wanted to go closer and pet them. Right Fin, nice try. Again I must state that Jackson is one of my favorite places and it was so awesome being able to see the awe inspiring peaks of the Teton's. We headed back and hung out with the fam. Over the course of the rest of the weekend Finley finally got to go on the mule ride she had being dying to go on. She was a super trooper! She rode with her dad and about a half mile in wanted him to get off and walk so she could drive the mule herself. What a natural little cowgirl. Next on the list was to go to Granite Hot Springs. They are a really cool Hot Springs up in the Gros Ventre area. The water wasn't as hot as expected and it was crowded so they hiked up to see the falls. It's amazing how much water is coming out of the mountains. To add to all this excitement, Brian and Hunter decided they were going to have a race against the mules. They did a few mile loop, boys running and Trace and Micall riding the mules. It's impressive to say that the mules only beat the boys by a minute and a half. What will they think of next? On Monday we came home, yes Liza screaming most of the way, got here about 5:30, decided that we didn't want to cook and ordered pizza. Who says you have to BBQ on the 4th? Eliza went to bed at 7, Finley stayed up until 9 and saw a few fireworks, and so Brian and I sat on the front porch to watch the rest. It was kind of nice watching everyone else's and not having to clean up the mess. It was a great weekend and lowkey compared to the next few.

'The Barn' in Bondurant. It's really is more of a house and we love going there.

Don't you love Finley's face?

The falls by Granite Hot Springs