Day 6, 7 & 8: Leaving Midway, UT for Good Times in Rexburg, ID

Hello everyone,

Whoops! Time to catch up again! Here's what we've been up to the past three days...

Leaving Midway, UT:

We were sad to say goodbye to my sweet Aunt Cheryl and hilarious Uncle Steve! The rest of my family took Cheryl out to breakfast while my dad and I stayed at home. They went down to Midway's Main Street to enjoy Cafe Galleria's goods.

From their menu, everyone chose cinnamon french toast and delicious scrambles consisting of potatoes, vegetables, eggs and a variety of meats. You could choose up to five different items to be included in the scramble. When they showed me these photos all I could say was "Mmmm!" - I'll have to make sure they bring leftovers next time!  

My cousin Chelsea and her baby Felicity also joined in! They live nearby and we were so happy to see them.

From there, we left for Rexburg, ID! We enjoyed a few stops on the way, including Salt Lake City, UT to visit Temple Square and Malad, ID to see my fun cousin Annie and her family.

It was great Salt Lake City provided two hours of free parking for handicap-licensed cars! (Although we didn't see the little sign saying so until after paying for two parking spots [van + trailer]...whoops...Still impressed though!)

It also began raining right as we got out of the van so we ran for cover! It was great to experience the rain in the city before getting back in the van for so many hours.

Good Times in Rexburg, ID 

So finally we arrived at my amazing Aunt Michelle and Uncle Scott's house late Friday night! This place is like a 2nd home to us (and actually is my beautiful mother's hometown). We rested and took in everything we have always loved about summer in Idaho the next morning - i.e. walking around the farm in 75° F weather (SO much better than Phoenix's weather), seeing the variety of animals, and, of course, catching up with family. Other activities included going to sweet Ryker's baby shower, big family dinners, playing games and riding horses. Exciting stuff!

Tomorrow we will be going to Mesa Falls, Big Springs, floating Warm River down to Mack's Inn. My cousin Krista will be coming with us and the rest of the Rigby family (except Jared, who is on his mission in New Mexico) will be joining us as well. We are renting out a cabin in Island Park that we'll be checking into at some point, too! These will be the last few days of our adventure before Andrea, Devin, and the kids depart for Hawaii and we head back to Arizona! We are going to make the best of our time together for sure.

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more! (Although the cabin does not have wi-fi...so it may be another few days! Oi!)

- Erik

Day 3, 4 and 5: Zion National Park, Mount Timpanogos Park Reunion & Downtown Provo

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the delay! We have been busy with our adventures. Allow me to catch you up!

Day 3: Zion National Park

Here we go! 

What a gorgeous day! You would think a wheelchair like mine wouldn't be able to endure much of the park, but lucky for me there was a.) Pa'rus Trail and b.) Devin! He was a superstar, watching me while the rest of our group went to Weeping Rock. I did not appreciate being separated from my mom at first, but he had me laughing as we went over little bumps and we even saw a deer! Weaving through the paved trail was awesome. It also was open to bikers and pets (Rusty was with us too)!

Deer!

Selfie on the trail! Who needs a smile when you can just open your mouth real wide... 

Haha! I promise I was having fun... :P Devin is a great sport. 

After everyone returned from Weeping Rock I headed home with my mom, dad, Mara and Vivi. We got ice cream, played and relaxed at Devin's great-uncle's house! It was great since I was ready to leave and relax.

While we did our thing, Ashley, Andrea, Devin, Andin, Cambria and Hailey hiked West Rim Trail, Refrigerator Canyon, Walter's Wiggles and Scout's Lookout, arriving at the Angel's Landing trailhead. They saw stunning viewpoints of the park! Although they appreciated the views, they didn't feel the need to risk their lives on the narrow, dangerous spine of the mountain (Angel's Landing). There are chains, carved foot holds, etc., to try to keep hikers safe, but five or so people have died on that trail in the last eight years...NO THANKS! Yikes.

One of their views. Wow! 

After they hiked, they concluded their time at Zion National Park with bouldering and river-wading. They came home and passed out after sharing bowls of ice cream. Best end of the day (especially when it is vanilla)!

Day 4: Mount Timpanogos Park Reunion 

After departing St. George, we headed up to Orem for an evening potluck with nearby relatives. My immediate family grabbed pizzas from Two Jacks in Downtown Provo (pizza is my faaaavorite). We got a quick glimpse of the area, but we didn't have time to look around other than grabbing the food. Always going, going, going!

We met in a beautiful park with mountains and greenery surrounding us. It was amazing seeing everyone! I loved being able to talk to everyone in person rather than an email or Facebook comment (although I love love LOVE those too - the more the merrier!).

Our awesome family! 

Silly dad... :P 

A section of Mount Timpanogos Park. Again, wow! 

Once everyone started going home, we headed to Midway where my sweet, extremely hospitable Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Steve live. They are kind enough to host our entire family while we're here. They have an incredible home that backs to a small river and grass that goes on and on! There's even a lake and clubhouse nearby. We're going to explore more of this on Day 6 (next blog post)! It feels good to be back somewhere with such welcoming, warm people. 

Day 5: Downtown Provo

Ok, now I can tell you all about today (July 20th)! Our group was determined to revisit Downtown Provo to go to the temple as well as to check out more of the eateries, shops and architecture. Instead of joining their exploration of the university town, I decided to stay with Aunt Cheryl, Uncle Steve and dad. Boring, boring, I know, but I was very content watching Fixer Upper with Aunt Cheryl and checking in on what Uncle Steve and dad were working on (today it was recycling an old dishwasher)! I love their house!

While I did what made me happy, my mom, sisters, nieces, nephew, and brother-in-law all made the drive through the mountains back to down to Provo. They enjoyed lunch at Guru's Cafe then split into three groups: (1) Devin, Patrick (yep, Chelsea's husband!), and Rusty going back to Patrick's so Devin could work and hang out, (2) Mom, Andrea, Andin, Cam, and Hailey going to the temple for baptisms, and (3) Ashley, Cambria, Mara, and Viv (babysitting/awesome aunt-niece time).

Ashley and the kiddos explored more, stopping in a French bakery, bookstore/gallery, and even a pet store with fish, birds, snakes, and hamsters (again, NO THANKS! Not a fan of the way those places smell...yuck.) Everyone had a great time doing what they wanted, reuniting after a few hours.

          

We eventually made it back to Midway! We ended the day with a family dinner - Mexican food and Creamies (ice milk bar)! I tried the chocolate-dipped cherry. Mmmmmm.

Thanks for reading this looong blog post! I hope you enjoyed it!

Tomorrow: More of beautiful Midway!

- Erik

Day 2: Catching Up in St. George

Hello everyone,

Thanks for keeping up with me on my blog! 

Today we woke up ready for a day of socializing after a good night's rest at Rodeway Inn! We packed up and got a quick snack from their continental breakfast (especially quick as it was only 1 hour long and Ashley took advantage of the last 5 minutes to bring us back food). Then we were on our way. 

We paused at a bluff overlooking St. George....The white building in the background is the St. George tempe. It contrasts beautifully against the red rocks. 

Our first stop of the day was Pam Walker's house! Pam used to live next to us in our first house in Chandler, which we moved into in 1984. We loved talking with her, admiring her beautiful home and enjoying her oatmeal-raisin cookies. Mmmmm! She is a lovely woman with a big heart. *Will insert photo once I get it from my dad!* 

Next, we visited our beautiful Aunt Lisa and fun cousin Paige! They also had a superb home to show us. We laughed together and got to enjoy even more cookies, this time chocolate chip! Mmmm, thanks Aunt Lisa! Bonus: I got to stay with Lisa, Paige, and Hailey while my parents and Ashley visited more Chandler neighbors - the Myers! While they ate dinner with old friends, I got to eat Hawaiian style chicken, fruit, salad, and pita bread with the Lee's. I even got a smoothie! They were very sweet to me. When my parents and Ashley got back, Paige and Hailey were drawing. I liked watching them sketch and color their designs (with the occasional cookie break, of course).             

The girls! Mom was busy getting me comfortable in the van. Thanks for the photo, Dad!

It may only seem like a few sentences, but all day was spend with these wonderful people. We were lucky to see dear friends and family that we haven't seen for quite some time. 

We finished up the day by stocking up on grocery store goods and meeting Andrea's family at Devin's great-uncle's house! When they are not here they often let their family members use the space - very kind! After unloading the groceries and saying hello to everyone, we headed to the best part of this place - THE POOL! 

I love swimming. My dad holds me in the water and we even go under from time to time (with my nose plugged)! It was the perfect end to a fulfilling day.

Now I need to get some rest! We are exploring Zion National Park tomorrow! 

Thanks again for reading! Stay tuned. 

- Erik 

Family Road Trip Kick Off

Hello everyone! 

The next two weeks of posts will follow my family's trip through Utah and Idaho. Visits will include Zion National Park, Saint George, Salt Lake City, Midway, Rexburg, Island Park, Yellowstone National Park, etc. I'm excited to show you what we'll be up to.

Ok, Day 1!

My dad was a champ, packing up the van and its attached trailer the evening before and the morning of. Usually we wouldn't have a trailer, but we are bringing up Erin's friend's furniture as well as bringing down beef from Idaho. We barely fit my wheelchair through the space between the back doors and the trailer attachment!  

Once everyone was ready to go, we hopped in and made our way through the Northwest corner of Arizona. Unfortunately, we had to leave our dog Lola behind for this adventure. We dropped her off at our lovely Aunt Jamie's house. She is going to enjoy Jamie's company as well as the companionship of her two dogs, Zoey and Abby. We know she is in good hands! 

Anyways, the number one thing on our minds as we drove away was escaping Phoenix's intense heat (107° was the high today). We knew it would be a while until we were enjoying anything under 95° BUT what we weren't expecting was our van's A/C to go out! Luckily it was only in spurts, but oh man did it get TOASTY! A round of Wendy's Frostys was a must to cool everyone down. 

In the car I listened to music on my boom box and my dear mother kept me entertained. Ashley and Hailey attempted to play badminton "across" the van from their seats, rackets in hand. They were only about a foot away from each other, so naturally the birdie went everywhere (including on top of my dad's head)! The drive went faster when we were laughing.

One city we drove through was Las Vegas. In this wild city our Grandma and Grandpa Knudsen eloped! How crazy and sweet is that? They were later sealed in the St. George temple. It's cool to be able to visit places where they made great memories. 

Finally, after hours of driving, we arrived at our hotel in St. George! 

I was definitely ready to get out of the van and go for a walk together to explore the nearby area. After being highly disappointed by the closed pool, we strolled to a Denny's down the street for dinner. I usually don't like going places outside my home back in Arizona, so it was exciting to go to a restaurant with my family like this. We feasted and relaxed.   

After playing a few games, we are heading to bed (before midnight, go us)! We're going to see family and friends tomorrow, including my lovely Aunt Lisa and my fun cousins.  

Stay tuned for more photos and excursions! Feel free to recommend any cool spots to check out!  

- Erik 

Happy 14th Birthday, Hailey!

On Wednesday, my little sister turned the big 1-4! 

I can't believe how fast she is growing up!

The best birthday spread!

She had a fun birthday party with friends last Saturday, so Wednesday it was just family time. Her friend gave her beautiful flowers at school, how sweet is that! 

Our mom also made her a second lemon poppy-seed cake since the other cake for her party was long gone! She is amazing and very thoughtful!

Mmm...

Ashley and Erin picked up Hailey from school that day with the balloons shown above. As they pulled up to the pick-up area, they had the balloons hanging out of the window for all to see their birthday chariot. Lola joined, too. Hailey may have been embarrassed, but they wanted to make her feel special right off the bat.

Next, they made the usual, delicious birthday rounds! This includes Joe's Farm Grill, Joe's BBQ, and Liberty Market. Hailey chose up to $10's worth of all her favorites (at each place!)...and Ashley and I got ideas on what we would get when our birthdays come in a month, haha!

Yes...

Keep 'em coming...

Some of Liberty Market's options - Chocolate Death Ray and éclairs! 

Ultimately, here were her picks:

 Bread pudding bowl topped with whipped cream and chocolate ~ Liberty Market

Macaroni and cheese ~ Joe's BBQ 

Fried zucchini and a chocolate milkshake (random, we know...) ~ Joe's Farm Grill 

We mostly got the food to-go in order to share it with everyone! And, if you can believe it, we still had dinner to eat! "Dinner" was more like breakfast...but really, honestly, more like dessert, since we had crêpes! 

Mom made the batter and Erin made the crepes. Of course we had strawberries, whipped cream, cinnamon, Nutella, etc., to make them utterly superb.

After this mind-boggling feast, she opened her presents. 

Volleyball/Badminton set to enjoy the nicer weather before it's 100°+! 

Two of her favorite movies!

We watched Princess Mononoke and will be watching Kiki's Delivery Service tonight!

We love Studio Ghibli/Hayao Miyazaki films. 

It was a day full of fun!

Thanks for reading! 

I'll update again with our next adventure! 

Southwestern Spaghetti Squash

Hi everyone, 

First post of 2016!! Here we go!

 The other night we tried this new recipe - Southwestern Stuffed Spaghetti Squash - and I wanted to share it! 

The recipe is from: http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2013/10/southwestern-stuffed-spaghetti-squash.html

We begin! The squash bakes in the oven while we get to work on the filling...

Prepping our ingredients!

We didn't have bell pepper, but it was still colorful and delicious!

Sauteing the ingredients, waiting for the squash to finish cooking in the oven...

I'm helping out by providing some kitchen jams with my boom box... :) 

\

The squash is finally done, so we fork out the spaghetti squash, combine the strands with the other ingredients in the pan, then stuff it back into the squash and broil the entire thing, making sure to throw on extra cheese and cilantro on top. Mmmm!

We accidentally forgot to put on a timer, which ended up slightly burning the top of our creation. Despite this, it was very yummy! We added a garnish of cilantro and dug in! 

Next blog post will be about my little sister's 14th birthday!! Can't believe how old she is! 

Also, I am always looking for new email buddies, so please email or Facebook message me! I love talking with you all.

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned! 

Solar Baking + Happy Joe's Lunch

Hello everyone, 

It has been a great week! 

My mother's friend Lanie brought her spiffy solar oven to bake bread with us. We have never tried baking bread this way so it was really exciting to try out. We felt more like scientists than bakers.

All of the panels concentrate the heat of the sun into the oven. So cool. 

The finished product! Lathered in butter and ready to go...

Mmm...

Naturally, bread just wasn't enough for me. My occupational therapist Melanie has been telling me about Happy Joe's for the past month - it's a charming buffet-style pizza joint that has taco pizza, breakfast pizza, all kinds of good stuff. Plus, the one in my town is the only one on the west side of the United States as of right now. You can check out their menu here: http://www.happyjoes.com/menu/index.php

I used my iPad and TouchChat app to order pizza, too! I get to choose options and the app will tell people what I want. It's easy for my mom and other family members to understand me, but this app helps me communicate with other people who aren't as familiar. Technology rocks!

We got Hawaiian pizza and were treated to free dessert pizza - cinnamon pizza with vanilla icing! 

 Feasting with my mom! Thanks for driving me to Happy Joe's and helping me so much! 

She really is the best. Oh, and my twin sister was also there, she snapped most of these photos for me to use on the blog. Thanks, Ashley! 

Melanie, me, and mom. I got a big ole cup of Root Beer - my favorite. 

Best of all, they took a photo of us and featured our group on their Facebook page! How awesome is that!

 Thanks for catching up with me! Until next time. :)

- Erik