Bryce Canyon Rim Run

Bryce Canyon is an amazing place. I have been there a few times before and when I found out they had a "Rim Trail Run" I got excited. 

Vernal Utah!!!

Saturday we had the chance to visit Vernal Utah to attend Leif and Jaymie's wedding in the old dinosaur museum park.

Backyard Slacklining

Backyard Slacklining - The kids love it.

Little Moab

Atleast that is what the kids called it. The actual name is "red ledge" picnic area in Diamond Fork Canyon.  I had passed the picnic area various times during biking trips and this saturday we decided to go there for lunch and exploration.

Suspension Trainer

My brother and I are always looking for new ways to workout as we get bored very easily. The TRX Suspension Trainer (TM) came out and we were interested. However at 150-200 dollars, it was far more than what we wanted to spend. so . . 

Seige

Seige -Bearded Dragon #2. After Esther got her Bearded Drgon (Doc) all the kids have wanted one. A great deal came about from a previous student for the tank, all the supplies and a 16 inch bearded dragon.

The Kimber

We did this house 2009-2010 this year for the Parade of Homes. It won the people's choice award. It has five types of Brick that we had to hand mix and natural stone. It turned out amazing. 

Highland Fling 2010

Highland is a small town located in the northeast corner of Utah County, just south of Alpine. Incorported as a city in 1977, the first Highland fling was introduced in 1978. While the Gillings' family did not arrive in Highland unitl 1980, the highland fling has always been an integral part of the first saturday in August. We love it because it is very catered to children including; art contests, races, music, games, firehose spray, BMX stunt team and a candy drop.

Pogona Vitticeps

Otherwise know as the "Bearded Dragon". This year for E's birthday she wanted one. She named it "Doc".

Never Take no Cutoff's

This addage still holds true today as it did when the Donner Party attempted the Hastings cutoff in the winter of 1846 - 47.

Party at the Bear!

We celebrate pioneer day with a visit to Bear Lake. Perhaps it started because of the family reunions previously held there many eons ago, but it has evolved or perhaps devolved into a one day marathon trip.

Dawn"s First Trail Run - Stewart Falls

It was hard convincing Dawn how enjoyable trail running is, but when a sister gets involved it's hard to say no. Myself, Dawn, Amanda, and Dallin all headed up one late afternoon. The trails weren't too crowded and the weather was perfect.

24 Hour Moab Trip

Everyone must visit Moab and Arches in their life time. My sister (sister-in-law) Amanda had never been so when she asked me to take her, I couldn't say no. We left Orem at three in the morning arriving in the Delicate Arch parking lot around 7 A.M..

Bridal Veil Falls

Waterfall + Water = Free Fun. Bridal Veil has sure changed through the years. From a cable car, restaruant to a wreck, now a nice place with a board walk so the water can drain, and won't get too deep. 

4th of July (on the 3rd of July)

The 4th of July celebrated on the 3rd of July. We started the day at 5:30 by hitting the balloons, or atleast the attempt to fly the balloons. There was a brisk wind and so after several attempts to launch the balloons they gave up. We packed up the kids and went home for a pancake breakfast with strawberries, powdered sugar, whip cream and blueberry syrup (red, white, blue and brown). The kids loved it and we have begun a new tradition.

Muskrat in the back yard

This morning we woke up to dogs barking, and children yelling in the back yard. Hannah came in and told us there was a squirrel behind the pool, of course we told them to leave it alone. Within minutes C came in and informed us they had just caught a muskrat.

Julie Andrews Meadow 5 Mile Trail Run Loop

Julie Andrews Meadow is a little known, beautiful Meadow on the Great Western trail about 2 steep miles from The Timpanooke trail head. In an effort to find more trail running places we ran this loop. It is very steep at first, the levels slightly as it follows a beautiful ridge climbing to the final right turn into Julie Andrews Meadow.

2010 Parade of Homes

Parade of homes- In the past we have done the rock or brick on many homes in the Parade. However, in order to see the homes you must be invited by the owner, contractor or pay. This year the owners, which are fabulous people,  invited us to tour their beautiful home. It turned out fantastic. We did this one and another in Elk Ridge for which Mike Gillings Masonry was awarded the outstanding craftsman of the year award from the parade. The fourth it has been awarded in as many years. This picture is the back side of the house, Brick surrounding the windows with rock exterior.

300 Ft Block wall in Levan

Levan -the land of waving alfalfa. Recently the we have been working in Levan. That's Navel spelled backwards as it is the center of Utah. We did a 300 ft Block wall for a great Old Friend. It was a neat place. Waving alfalfa, green mountains, horses and farms as far as the eye can see.
Look closely at the picture and in the back you can see that the wall curves to the left. My dad and I did that. It was fairly difficult to do but turned out fantastic in the end.

When foot meets rake (or something) - Or - Another lesson learned as a father. . .

It began with a new pool. Our neighbors moved to California and gave us their four foot deep, sixteen feet around above ground pool. Now our house is a continuous neighborhood playground. The kids love it. Two days ago as Esther and the multitude of children were anxiously engaged in an outdoor event, she stepped on a rake (or something).