Lightning

 I went a little crazy with the pictures! But this storm was amazing. It past by us and this was our view from our house. Never went over us. They weren't kidding when they said they have violent thunder storms.

Family Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

My dad has been making these for years. They are amazing!

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 cubes butter (soft)

I mix these together for a min or two and then add the following

2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups flour

It helps to add your dry ingredients in a separate bowl and then slowly add to your other ingredients.

1 cup chocolate chips (or more if wanted)

If you have a Symphony Chocolate bar with almonds and toffee chips laying around I use this in place of chocolate chips.

Bake at 375 for 10-14 min and ENJOY!

My dad likes to bake them for 17 min! I do not agree. I like mine soft and chewy.

If you are making these and don't live in Utah your dough might end up a little different. Also ovens tend to cook differently. I always watch my cookies towards the end of the time and pull them out when they are slightly golden brown on top. So your time may vary. Watch them the last min or two.

Island in the Sky (Northern District of Canyonlands)

Took Shafer 4x4 road into Island in the Sky and drove right by the evaporation ponds at Dead Horse Point State Park. Bright blue water and salt in the red sand. Pretty amazing to see those colors out here. 

Drove up the side of the plateau about 1000 feet. 

Mesa Arch

Not sure where they got the rocks from but thought it made a funny carin.

Natural Bridges Monument

After camping in the Abajo mountains we went to Natural Bridges Monument which is gorgeous. It is known for its 3 bridges formed by the river that used to flow here. Declared a National Monument in 1908. Who knew I would love learning about all the history. I read all the book in the visitors center when I'm not helping visitors.

4x4 Weekend

Thank you Mary and Jorge for visiting! We loved having you here! Off roading was a bit crazy and scared me to death but I loved it. Glad to be alive after where Jacob took us. Glad you guys had a good laugh at me screaming a lot. Our sunset that night was so beautiful. Thank you for the good times!

Moving in to our new home

Grateful to live by this. This is Newspaper Rock. It's huge! It's amazing to think they are about 2000 years old. 

The ravens are very aggressive birds. If you leave your window open they will go in your car in about 10 sec after you walk away. They are very intelligent and I've grown not to like them very much.  They are always right by you watching your every move.

Out first time out to Canyonlands this is what Jacob decides to do. 

Very grateful for this opportunity to live in this amazing place. I have felt at home as soon as we arrived. I love everything about it.