swift creek canyon

A few weeks ago we were in Star Valley, Wyoming.  While we were there we went hiking to one of my favorite places, Swift Creek Canyon. While hiking up this canyon it takes you to the largest rhythmic spring in the world. We call it Intermittent Spring. Intermittent Springs was called "the spring that breathes" by Native Americans.  In late summer through the fall when groundwater is low it actually stops flowing and starts up again.  It is incredible to see! 

While on the hike we passed a water treatment something or other. On top of it there is a pipe that every now and then squirts water out. My mom challenged the kids to see who would dare stick there head under the pipe. They thought they were so brave and it was SO funny to see them so proud that they escaped getting wet. The anticipation of getting wet was making them crazy with laughter! After a few tries, Hallie my niece, was the winner. The water got her and the screams of laugher were louder than the river. Her prize was extra ice cream after dinner. These moments in life are what its all about. So funny!

I have been on this hike hundreds of times in my life and have loved them all, but today's was probably my favorite one to date. Exploring in the water, gathering wild flowers and throwing rocks was perfect. We were so glad that we had our rain boots because that water is COLD!

Isn't this place beautiful?! If you are ever in Afton, Wyoming or driving through. Make sure you do this easy, fun and beautiful hike.

summit trail farm

We were so lucky to be able to be in Star Valley, Wyoming when my dad got his new baby animals for his farm.  Usually, the only time we get to see them is when they are full grown.  He has cows, sheep, pigs, turkeys, chickens and bees.  So much fun to see! My niece said, "I would hate to be a pig, I just wouldn't want to be eaten." Haha

The kids loved seeing how everything worked and their Papa loved showing them. What is it about baby animals?  They are just SO cute.

The kids are interested in photography so I love to hand over the camera to see what they will do. I love the direction they give me! "Mom move a little to the left, face this way. " Apparently, I look better from the side.  Haha

In case you are wondering where these amazing hats are from, my Mom and I got them from GIGI PIP. Cutest hats of all time. They have so many to choose from! I love how my fishtail braid matches the hat. Thanks Mom for the cute braid!

When you are in Star Valley it's hard to not let the country sneak a little of the city out of you. It is the most beautiful and magical place. So now when Jocelyn grows up she wants to be a farmer, author and a florist. My parents are truly inspiring, and I love that my daughter wants to be just like her Nana and Papa. We had an amazing time at Papa's farm!

carlsbad beach

After the flower and strawberry fields we headed to Carlsbad State Beach.  Our hotel was on this stretch of beach and it was so nice to be able to walk right down to the beach.  We had the best time playing paddle ball, swimming in the waves and lounging on the beach.  Jocelyn was SO excited to have matching swimmers. Especially when we both looked like her favorite princess, Ariel.  We have a serious obsession with Kortni Jeane swimmers. Her new line just came out!  Go grab a swimmer, you will not regret it.

Like I said in my previous post, the kids were rock obsessed because of the flower fields adventure.  On Sunday before we left we had to get more beach time in. They needed more rocks for their collection! So when the waves would go out they would frantically gather as many rocks as they could before the waves got them.  I love watching these two kids play. They are the best of friends and play so well together. I am a lucky Momma!  Every time I see them running and screaming from the waves, it makes my heart happy. What is it about this game that every kid loves?  Its my favorite.  In their game of trying to collect every rock in the ocean, Kyler found a seashell that had a piece of coral growing out of it.  So cool!

We had two of the most perfect days at the beach.  We can't wait to go back to Carlsbad!

Whenever we travel one of our favorite things to do is EAT!  Here were some of our favorites in Carlsbad:

• PUNJABI TANDOOR

• CAFE TOPES

• CRAFT BURGER

• SENOR GRUBBY'S

• CARLSBAD CHOCOLATE BAR

flower fields and strawberry fields forever

We spent the weekend in Carlsbad, California.  It was our first time staying in Carlsbad, and we loved it! We stayed at the cutest little hotel called the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort.  Perfect location. Food, shopping, beach and fun within walking distance. My favorite part of the hotel were the fire pits outside that you could lounge around. Sitting by a fire is one of my all time favorite things to do.  

While were were there we decided to go to the Carlsbad Flower Fields.  I have always wanted to go, and I am so glad we did!  It is stunning.  So much beauty in one place.  I didn't know how long we would actually be able to stay with the kids, but they had so much fun.  When we entered the fields they gave the kids a little passport to stamp. The kids had to find the different areas all around the fields to get a stamp.  After you got them all, the passport gave you a $1.00 off of the mining activity.  So, for $3.00 the kids were able to "pan for gold".  This was their favorite part!  They didn't find gold, but they did find different kinds of rocks, minerals and crystals. Rose Quartz, and Dalmation stone were their favorites.  Doing this activity set the theme of the weekend.  The rest of the time they were all about ROCKS! 

After the flower fields we went a couple blocks away to pick strawberries at the U-Pick Carlsbad Strawberry Company Fields.  Our kids LOVE strawberries and have always wanted to pick them themselves. Their dreams came true! Its amazing how much better they taste straight from the fields! So delicious.  I love my daughter Jocelyn's face in the last picture.  It was her first bite of the strawberry, and it was pure heaven. Next time we go I will not dress my kids in white! Oops. Strawberry juice everywhere!