For the First Time, the TSA Meets Resistance

This is funny. Click the link below.

For the First Time, the TSA Meets Resistance - Jeffrey Goldberg - National - The Atlantic

Back from the Airport

Here is our little apartment in the snow:

Just dropped Chris off. The snow was up to the doors of the car this morning.

Whale Rock

This rock looks like a whale. We hiked all the way up to the top of its head.

Chris scrambling up the steepest part.

On top of the whale.

Grand View Point Overlook

Erica on the ledge.

Chris and the White Rim.

Can you see Chris doing a handstand?

Mesa Arch

Canyonlands had some arch action too:

Hiking up to Mesa Arch.

The La Sal Mountains framed by the arch.

Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky

These shots are from one of the first view areas inside the park.

Back to Blogging

We left Moab at 5:45 this morning. A winter storm was coming through Utah and we wanted to get through the mountains before it hit there. The last 60 miles were pretty yucky. But, we made it home safe and sound before 10am.

We unloaded the car and Erica made berry pancakes and egg and hotdog scramble. It is going to snow off and on for the rest of the day. Perfect weather for football, blogging, holiday deal surfing, and laundry.

We updated some of the previous posts with more pictures now that we have better internet.

We had the best time and can't believe how beautiful it was in and around Moab.

Merrimack and Monitor

On Saturday morning, we drove to Canyonlands National Park. The park is divided into three sections: Island in the Sky, Needles, and the Maze. We went to the Island in the Sky.

This picture was taken on the way to the park. These are 2 buttes that resemble the Merrimack and the Monitor.

Fiery Furnace

Here we are in front of the Fiery Furnace! You can only hike into the Fiery Furnace with a ranger guide or a permit and it is easy to get lost so we will have to wait to hike there.

It is called Fiery Furnace because it glows red in the sunlight just like a furnace.

Landscape Arch

This arch spans 360 ft. It is the largest span of rock in the world.

Sand Dune Arch

The arch is inside these fins.

Hiking into the fins.

This was one of our favorite arches. We loved the red sand and the fins around it.

Delicate Arch

Chris under the arch.

Erica next to the arch.

Delicate Arch.

Hike to Delicate Arch

About .75 miles into the 1.5 mile hike to the arch.

Chris leading the way on a ledge walkway.

Chris took a picture of Erica taking a picture.

Just up the path and around the corner is Delicate Arch.

Balanced Rock

Arches

Today we spent the whole day in Arches. This was taken on our first excursion - before we even saw any arches. We hiked about 8 miles total and didn't even see everything. We are super hungry so we are going to go out for pizza and beer. We will blog more later. And there will be arches!

We Have a lot to be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! Life is good and we couldn't be more thankful. We are also thankful for each and every one of you, our family and friends. We love you guys.

We planned a Thanksgiving adventure to Moab. This morning we had big plans to get up early and head to Arches National Park. But, it is really cold. So, we are taking our time getting there. The only thing planned for today is our 4+ hour drive and Thanksgiving dinner at Buck's Grill House. It is supposed to warm up to 40 degrees tomorrow and almost 50 on Saturday, so we are planning our outdoor activities (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks) then.

We are very excited to see the sights. We will post pictures and all that good stuff - don't worry! Alright, have to pull out the long johns and layers so we can get on the road.

What is everyone else doing today?

Pumpkin Oatmeal

Erica went all-out this morning and made pumpkin oatmeal for the holiday. This should give us plenty of energy to get down to Moab and continue celebrating!

Here is the recipe:
1 C old fashined rolled oats
1 C water (I used coconut water)
1 C milk
cinnamon
clove
vanilla

Cook on the stove over medium-low heat for 5 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and is the consistency you like.

Then stir in 1/3 cup pumpkin

Our oats were topped with chopped walnut, a drizzle of coconut manna aka coconut butter, and a spoonful of white chocolate wonderful peanut butter.

Blizzard!

A blizzard is on its way to Utah. A cold front is moving in with 6-8 inches of snow in the valley and 30-50 mph winds.

Our office closed down at 3pm today and everyone on my team is working from home tomorrow.

Some roads have been closed North of Salt Lake City already.

Twins

Our friends Sarah and David are expecting twins - a boy and girl. They had a couples shower at Cori's house today. Sarah looks great, she is due is February. They are going to be awesome parents and we are very excited for them!
Sent from my BlackBerry

Erica LOVES this commercial!

We found out the actress is comedian Maria Bamford. Erica cracks up when Maria is looking at the Target Ad and running through the store at the end. There is an entire series of Maria-Target ads on YouTube.

The Stupid "Truth"

This is long, but fascinating. And sad.

New Recipe

Chris and Erica are in Denver having breakfast at Duo...it is supposed to be delicious. Erica flew in this morning and we are going to look at houses in Denver for the first time. The place mats have recipes from kids. Chris's place mat has his new favorite recipe!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The Joys of Technology

This is Erica. If you received an untitled e-mail from me tonight around 7:46pm MST time, do not open it. Delete it.

My e-mail account was compromised and I am currently locked out of it. Hoping to get access soon to assess the damage.

I apologize if you were a recipient.

Fall

We didn't end up watching another movie at the dollar theater, we didn't like any of the other shows. It was a bit of a lazy Sunday; we went out last night and closed the bars down.

Chris read a lot. Erica looked at the on-line Target ad like she does every Sunday, searched for savory pumpkin recipes, cleaned, and baked a spaghetti squash. We also took the window A/C unit out of the apartment. That, paired with the time change, surely means it is officially Fall.

One good thing about Fall is the fall food. Tonight was spaghetti squash "pasta" and spaghetti sauce. It was super simple and it tasted good. Perfect for a cool night.

Now we are just soaking up the last few hours of the weekend before the work week starts again.

"Dollar" Theater

We went to the Dollar theater to watch the movie Inception for $1.50 a ticket. We both thought the movie was really good. Can't beat a good movie for $3.00 on a Saturday afternoon. Chris is talking about going back to see something else today (I think he is only half kidding).

Tea Blossom

Chris brought me blossoming tea from China! It starts out as a tea ball and when you add it to near boiling water, it blooms. I received a variety box so each bloom is different.

Happy Birthday Chris!

Can't wait to celebrate with you this weekend. Love, E

We are Bad Bloggers

Here's the scoop - we have been sick. Erica got what Chris had, only worse - fever, cough, painful sore throat, body aches, and lack of energy. The weekend was spent snoozing on the couch because watching TV and reading sounded too exhausting.

Chris watched many many episodes of Arrested Development and also read many many pages of his latest book, The Hobbit.