Getting Rid of Winter

Before Justin started working we decided to take a trip to Cedar City to see Bridget's parents. We had a great time spending time with family and friends. The weather was beautiful and so we headed down to Red Cliffs for an afternoon.
Here Rachel is enjoying eating her lunch on the "mountain" with her dad. Peanut butter always tastes better outside!
Anyone that is visiting Southern Utah definitely has to check out the stunning scenery. We love these red rocks and there is so much to see and explore. Rachel spent some quality time throwing pebbles into a stream and then, of course, throwing herself into the stream with Grandad as a very willing accomplice.
Nana and Grandad treated us to dinner at a fun new Japanese restaurant. They cooked the food in front of us and put on quite a show. Rachel was a little timid at first (due to the large flames), but then began enjoying everything. At one point the chef tried to toss shrimp into our mouths. Justin and Grandad caught both of theirs and Bridget barely missed. Rachel kept wondering when she'd get a turn. Maybe next time!

We also stopped by the really fun Park Discovery in Cedar. It is a great place to run around and climb on tons of stuff. Rachel loves the swings and it makes it even better because now Justin gives her...
... underdogs! Man, look at that height!
Grandad is such a great sport to let Rachel play with him. Here they are checking out a little city.

Nana taking a turn with cute Ian.

And now for our least-favorite part of parenting - sleep deprivation! Poor Rachel has been having quite the time some nights since we moved to Utah. Here Justin had to lay down by her for so long he fell asleep too. But, we're back to good old fashioned bribery (sticker charts) for her to stay in her bed, so hopefully things will be better soon! (We're not making her sleep in a lit room, our flash just has some serious power).
On a particularly warm day this week Rachel decided to "get rid" of winter by helping Justin shovel the snow onto the warm part of the driveway. The exciting by-product of this process was the puddles. She had a blast splashing and sitting in them.
Yes, our daughter is wearing snow boots and pajamas. We're all about style lately!