we're moving!

Well what did you expect with another little one on the way?  The cottage just couldn't fit another one of us.  I loved living here-- in this neighborhood, in Alpine, and the cottage itself, but it's time to say goodbye.  But I think I'm crazy cause as soon as school finished which, come on, that was a daunting task!  I take another daunting task of packing up my house and then moving into another house.  Someone give this pregnant lady a medal!  Not to mention we have to be moved in by the middle of June...eep!  I can't complain because this means bigger and better things for us, which we wanted for so long this past year.  Now we have it, so now I need to be happy and grateful about it.  I'll just keep telling myself that packing up my kitchen next week...with a toddler at my feet....with a sore back and swollen ankles....so wish us luck. Nothing like a busy summer.

and just like that

We're back to spring like winter never happened.

Myer picked up right where he left off--with the red car.

Remember the red car?  

The one he pushed around, never rode in?

As soon as it was warm, 

he found that thing and started on his usual route.

His memory is amazing.

And I must say,

spring picked up right where it left off too.

It was so warm last week, the snow melted so quickly, 

and I never even felt a chill in the air.

I like this quick memory recall.

It's good for my health.

the chronicles of myer and daisy

Who doesn't love a little belly rub and some sunshine? 

Myer sure knows how to treat his best friend. 

When it was time for Myer's nap, Daisy went with us.  

M read her a book and then wrapped his arm around me and her 

while we sang our goodnight song.  

He says her name like a guy for the 50's era in the middle of song,

"Daaayyzzeh"

and he'll say it over and over and over again until we find her.

We had a picnic with her last week

and she just curled up next to Myer while he ate his lunch.

M did try to feed her some apples but like a good dog,

she declined.

Best friends.

For eveh.

jeepin in the hills

The weather's been nothing but gorgeous the past few days we so took to the outdoors.  Luckily we live in the most beautiful place with things to do just right up the street, so we went jeeping at Lambert Park.  

It was muddy and wet from all the melting snow, but that just makes for fun, right?  This is Myer's favorite thing to do--jeeping.  He squeals and laughs with each bump that it is undeniable he is a Morse.  We couldn't get this kid out of the jeep when we were done.  I think Jake's pretty proud.

now we're ready for you v-day

It's only the day before Valentines.

Thought I'd get a wreath up and admire it a mere two days.

That should be enough time.

Plenty.

after the snow settled

The one benefit of having all this snow, that just keeps coming, is it makes for one beautiful place to live.  Utah's been showing off with amazing views lately that I couldn't help but snap a few.  We live just beneath these mountains and I pass the temple every day to work.  It's breathtaking.  I'll keep dealing with the freezing temperatures and icy roads as long as I get this kind of amped-up scenery.  If I have to.

christmas wreath

 Was a little adventurous, again, and made our Christmas wreath for the door.  I just hot glued ceramic light bulbs to a wreath base.  I think I broke more bulbs than I thought possible but pretty pleased with another addition to my Colorful Christmas.  I promise I'm almost done.

The finished product.

Merry Christmas!

stockings without a mantle: better idea

 So last year I used candle holders.  But it never seemed "Bryton" enough so I switched it up this year.  I used my stick that normally sits on our bookcase and strung our stockings on it along with a few colorful pom pom garlands.  After all, this year is a colorful christmas.

I'm liking this idea a lot better.

a colorful christmas re-do

Ok so I was wanted new ornaments and decorations this year, but not wanting to fork over the money, I just added to what I had. Then I had a crazy thought, why not make it all? And an even crazier thought, why not washi tape all the ornaments?  So I did.  I hope the tape stays.  I also changed up our stockings, added tassels to my christmas banner, and played a little with glitter.  But I'm not done yet, so that'll just have to be another post.  Get excited.

I think they turned out pretty good!  Again, I hope the tape stays.  Or little hands keep to themselves.  Here's to a colorful christmas!

the chronicles of myer and daisy

If you want to know the definition of pals, Myer and Daisy would be the king pin of pals.  These two play for days.  Here they're playing "Follow the Leader".  But, I'm pretty sure Myer thinks they're playing a game when really Daisy just wants to be in front.  Myer gives the sweetest hugs and pets her so softly.  And there isn't a better welcome home than Daisy's.  I think their bond is pretty special.  And I hope we can get a dog just like her someday.  Or just convince the landlords to let us keep her...

And, um, hi, can you believe it's December?  It was too warm this past weekend to make me think that's true.  Where's the snow??

his side of the story

"Mom, it was this big..."

"...and it fell over there and made it all white."

at least I think that's what he was saying.

hi, snow.

We welcomed the first snowfall.

With a dance.

Glad you're here.

Stay awhile.

fall for friday

Took this picture on our drive up Provo Canyon last weekend.  Seems like this year fall is looking a little neon.  I love the vibrant reds among the still green trees.  Breathtaking.  This weekend temperatures are going to drop a little so Fall will really be here--coats, tights, scarves, and turtlenecks come out, come out, wherever you are!

Have a lovely fall weekend!

xoxo,

Bryton

alpine days parade

Horses, Rodeo Queens, cheerleaders, the local bank, Peppermint Place, cowboys, policeman, motorcycles, primary kids, clowns, and lots of candy.  My favorite part--the firetrucks holding all the fireman who worked to save our little city during the Quail Fire.  We all stood and cheered on at least a dozen fire engines.  I'm glad we all had that moment to show our appreciation for their work.  Because seriously, all of Alpine goes to that 10 minute parade (let's not even talk about when people start saving spots...)  I love small town Alpine.

concert in the park

Sweet little Alpine Days happened last week and part of Friday night's festivities was a concert in the park.  It was nothing special but our first "concert" as a family so we count it.  Myer loved it--danced and certainly entertained the people around him.  And Jake and I enjoyed a picnic cuddling on the blanket.  Simple nights truly make the best nights.  The next part of Alpine Days?  The parade!

simple alpine evenings

look a lot like this.

Mountains, pastures, and my favorite people.

pioneer day

Alpine has it's own pioneer history and amazing men and women who sacrificed lots to settle our little community, as well as the state of Utah.  One man, who many know his story, is John Moyle.  His homestead is a mile west of us and we are lucky to know his history: (the following passage is from this link)

John Rowe Moyle, a master of stonework who came west with the earliest handcart companies in 1846.  He settled in Alpine Utah, which was nearly 22 miles away from downtown Salt Lake City.  He was called to be a stone mason on the Salt Lake Temple.  In order to fulfill his calling, and to be to work by 8:00 in the morning, every Monday Moyle would wake up at 2:00 a.m., and begin his long walk over the hill, and through the valley to the temple of the Lord.

He would spend the week in Salt Lake, working on the temple, and then on Friday, at 5:00 p.m., he would start the long walk home, where he would tend to the duties of his farm over the weekend.

One weekend, while tending to his farm, he was kicked as one of his cows bolted while milking, resulting in a compound fracture to his leg.  In the lack of any sophisticated medical help at the time, the only available solution for his injury was amputation.  His family and friends removed a door from its hinges, and strapped him onto it, and then removed his leg with a hacksaw.

As soon as he was able, once he could sit up in bed, he took a piece of wood, and using his carving skills, carved an artificial limb for himself so that such a little thing like the loss of a leg would not prevent him from walking each week to work on the temple.

As soon as he was able to stand the pain from walking on his stub leg, he again journeyed to the temple, and resumed his work, which he did for many years to come.

22 miles.  6 hours.  One way.  Every weekend.  By foot.  Then he even lost a leg....

Moyle's sacrifice and endurance is honorable and inspiring.  It makes me proud to be a Utahn and even more proud as an Alpiner.  Happy 24th/Pioneer Day/Birthday to you, Utah and all those in our memory.

picture taken by me 200 film

a hike

We took a family hike in the Alpine Mountains to see where the Quail Fire burned.  Jake was curious to see what kind of damage happened to our trails, and I must admit, was a little curious too.  We started in the Box Elder circle and hiked east of the Rodeo Grounds.  It was basically what we thought it was-- black and dry, but what I didn't expect was the lingering smell of smoke.  Really more heartbreaking than anything.  Jake biked these green trials and all we could was shake our heads.

But low and behold, on our way down, we found some green in all that black.  A better way to end the hike, as well as a little promise for the future.