ST. GEORGE

We originally were planning to go to the Grand Canyon on a Saturday, but it was pouring down rain when we tried to leave at 7 am, and the weather forecast predicted 80% chance of rain all day at the North Rim. So we turned our cars around and decided to just spend the day hanging out in St. George, where luckily the weather improved and we could play in the pool and enjoy the outdoors. Though we weren't totally stoked about the rain, it was nice to get a little break from the heat (since usually is above 100 degrees in St. George!) and to just relax with no plans :) 

GRAND CANYON

It's pretty grand, I have to admit. While vacationing with Owen's family in St. George, we planned to go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We originally planned to go on Saturday, but it ended up being totally rainy that day so we had to cancel our plans. Then in a moment of insanity, we decided to go on Sunday, even though we would be having to make a 7 hour drive back home afterwards. But come on - it's one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! We had to go. And even though we got a speeding ticket on the way home (stupid Utah police officers - why don't you pull people over in parts of the state where people actually live!?!), I think it was pretty worth it! It was incredible to witness one of God's most beautiful, awe-inspiring creations, and I hope to go there again some day!


“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” 
― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Portland Air Tram

For Quinn's birthday, we took him down to Portland to ride the aerial tram at OHSU. Yes it's commonly used for patients or med students going between OHSU and the hospital at the waterfront, but you can ride it for fun too! It's like a mini Disneyland right in our neighborhood (kind of)! We were a little sad that it was raining instead of sunny and beautiful, but hey, it's December in the PNW, so what were we expecting? 

Ooooh freeways! How fun!

At the top w/ the birthday boy -- he's so old!!!!!!!

The air tram returns! 

I hope those people didn't think I was too creepy...

I call this "Portland through the Rain" You can see the city...through the rain. Oh yeah. 

And don't worry, he got a birthday cake too -- except Quinn doesn't like cake so Devynne made him a pretty sweet ice cream cake with a blonde brownie base that was a little hard to cut but SUPER delicious! She makes the best homemade hot fudge! And no, Quinn wasn't turning 2, he's turning 11 so we were being frugal...

Views of Christmas Break

Here's a little peek at what we've been up to here in Washington this past week! 

1. My hipster little bro trying on my new glasses -- totally think it works for him!
2. Beaches taquitos -- the best
3. Lyv and I prepping food for my holiday party!
4. The cutest display of chopped vegetables you've ever seen
5. It wouldn't be Christmas if we hadn't set off the fire alarm...twice...
6. Quinn & Owen outside Christmas morning in the rain in their pajamas, playing with his new remote control car
7. Owen & da boys showing off their muscles while playing some games
8. Just your typical day in the Barret kitchen
9. Better watch out, or someone will end up with a knife through their head!
10. Singing round the piano, a Barret tradition
11. Mom harassing Owen about making the website
12. Devynne's Christmas dessert - Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
13 & 14. Lyvia and I working on some holiday crafts
15. My final result!
16. Our homemade JDawgs, grilled in the cold outdoors by the boys (fortunately no rain...)
17 & 18. Some snapshots from my holiday party!

It's Raining

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It's raining outside. The first actual rain of the year if you ask me, since it's happening during the day and there aren't any thunderstorms. Oh how the rain makes me miss Washington! I don't know why everyone complains about rain, it is so cozy and romantic and keeps everything fresh. Have you ever tried kissing in the rain? Owen and I did once -- it was pretty wet. But also fun :) I recommend trying it at least once, and don't go all sissy with an umbrella like the people above. I just picked this picture because it was the least sensual one on Google Images....Happy Rainy Wednesday! Say a little prayer for me that I'll make it through my torture choral conducting class....