Breath Deep

I can breath better in the small town where I grew up. It's warmer, the horizon is as far as the eye can see, and I love to breath it in as deeply as I possibly can. Kiley and I got back a few days ago from spending 2 weeks with my family. I tried to jot down some memories of our time there, but lost half of them... so I'm trying to remember to the best of my ability. So check back in a week or so - this list may grow.

1. Baths are funner when Grandma gives them.

2. "Chips Ahoo" (Chips A'Hoy) cookies are better than homemade chocolate chip cookies in Kiley's world.

3. Kiley likes Taylor Swift (admittedly, it may be in part because I told her it was Hannah Montana).

4. While I've always thought of myself as fairly technically-proficient, I am admitting here in writing that I am fully technically challenged when it comes to webcams. I really need to figure them out so we can visit and see each other!

5. For my child who is growing up in the lush green of New England, I'm learning that the wide open areas and topography of Southern Utah leave room for much imagination. On a drive to St. George, I pointed out horses and cows. Then, Kiley says, "I see elephants!" Elephants? To the eyes of my soon-to-be-three-year-old, the occassional juniper tree amidst the brush looks like an elephant. I can see it. If I squint (see pic #2).

6. The big "D" on the mountain in St. George for "Dixie" actually means "Daddy" according to Kiley.

7. I can be taught. I don't pick up so quickly on the Wii, but my sister did teach me how to play a good game of real pool. Sticks, q-balls, chalk, real pool. Won't Kullen be impressed?

8. I know how to make 4 women whom I have never met cry. How do you ask? Let them witness Kiley running full-speed to jump in to the arms of her Grandpa, suitcase in tow, screaming "My Grandpa! My Grandpa!" It happened. And the tears fell.

9. I had another birthday while in Kanab. Birthdays in my 20's never bothered me much. But I'm not loving my 30's. Which is odd because I love where I am in life.

10. Zion National Park always takes my breath away. I spent so much of my youth in that park. I went on my first hike there with my daughter. How's that for full circle?

11. It CAN snow, rain, and sunshine all at the same time.

12. I have learned that if I should ever go through the Junction drive-through again to get milkshakes and Kiley says she doesn't want one, it really means that she does. I didn't know this before, and therefor didn't order her a milkshake when I should have (silly mom). Believe me, she let me know that I was in the wrong for the next hour by way of kicks and screams. I will never choose wrong again.

We always love our time in Kanab. It's getting even more fun as I see Kiley start to enjoy it and interact with my family. We're happy to be back home in CT - albeit it 14 degrees, icy and snowy. I will be so happy to see the first signs of my crocuses pushing up to welcome in spring.

Check out my sister's blog, Yates University, for more pictures of our time in Southern Utah.