Busy Labor Day Weekend

What a fast, fun, and serious weekend. Annie & Brett came to visit from Southern California.

The weekend started off on Saturday morning when we all went hiking out in Ivins to see all of the petroglyphs that are out there. It was a fairly hot morning and the hike to the petroglyphs was nicely invigorating. As always, this was a great hike with some great scenery...always being rewarded by the 1000 yr old petrogplyphs. Lots if photos were taken and even took a few of the photographers taking photos.

After our desert adventure we all headed into St. George to check out a new hamburger place in the middle of ancestor square that was in the old territorial jail. The food was good but the compnay and relaxation were even better as we sat outside under some trees and a great umbrella.

Then it was off to home for a little R&R before we headed back out for dinner later that nght. We were shut out of entertainment options but that did not deter us. We chose to drive up to Pine Valley and have dinner at the Brandin' Iron restaurant which is only open on the weekends. It's a great cowboy steakhouse kind of place nestled in the mountains. We loved the setitng and the cool temperatures. It was a great way to beat the heat.

Sunday was a the usual busy but great day of worship that we all enjoy so muc and is such a big part of our lives. I did make some homemade chicken parmigina that was pretty good. The restof the day was full of R&R

We resumed our busy activiites early monday morning by heading out to Silver Reef (old silver mining town) and Leeds to do some fun hiking and geocaching. We visited old pioneer cemetries, long abandoned silver mines, and plenty of old pioneer home ruins. We even found the foundation of a pioneer era brewery in the area. We also found the southern home that the LDS church owns and uses for the Apostles and select general authorities when they vist the area. It is a really nice home in Silver Reef. We found many geocaches and treasure. Brett and Anne had not doen that before we think that they really enjoyed themselves.

After we spent about 4 hours trekking throught he desert we headed back home to get ready for our annual family Labor Day BBQ. Brett helped me prepare the ribs and chicken for the smoker. Then he and Annie took off for a few hours of shopping and some much need relief from Sue and I (just kidding).

Chris, Alicia, and their kids came over, along with Jimmy, Hollie, and their kids, Along with our friends, the Kelvingtons. A great time was had by all. Family times are special and great. We had such a wonderful weekedn and it is becasue of the family that we have. We are truly blessed.