The Bridge To Nowhere

We had an awesome day on Saturday. Some friends in our ward invited us to go hiking. Something we've been wanting to try since we've been here in Cali. We've been a little sceptical about finding good hikes and places to "get away". However, Cheryl and Kirk helped us realize that there really are pretty places to see here in So. Cal, besides the beach. We did an 8 mile hike called The Bridge to Nowhere. It was in the Angeles National forest only 45 minutes from our place. In the 30's, a road was built through the San Gabriel Canyon, with a large bridge toward the middle of the canyon. However, shortly after it was destroyed by floods. The road was taken out, but the bridge remained. So now there is a bridge out in the middle of nowhere. It's kinda funny. It is now used for bungee jumping and sight seeing. Here we are next to the river that we followed the entire hike. It was very pretty. Different terrain than we are used to, but very pretty.
Our guides, Cheryl and Kirk. Thanks for opening our eyes!!
The Bridge to Nowhere. (with people trying to get psyched up to jump off the bridge!!)

We ran into some awesome mountain goats along the way. I think they liked the photo shoot because they stood up there for a while looking in different directions and waiting for us to get our pictures!

As you can see, they were pretty big. We saw 3 total. It was a really fun day!! We are excited to start exploring other canyons and hikes around here!!

Oh What Fun!!

I know it's only January, but I figured I would enjoy a Valentine background for a little while before that holiday flies by...like Christmas did!! Although it seemed to fly by much to fast, we had such a great time in Washington!! It was so nice to have a long break and to be with so much family. Here are just a few of the highlights from our trip.

-Visiting Emily and Ryan's home in Seattle for the first time
-Playing with Maya...thanks to Falycia and Kirk- you guys are great for bringing her!!
-A girls day out (plus Jason) at the Olive Garden and The Nutcracker
-Caroling with my sister Amelia and her family
-Spokane Discount (one of Spokane's best kept secrets...being so great, it must not be a secret anymore)
-More shopping
-A wonderful Christmas and New Years with several family parties
-Family Flag Football with minimal injuries and lots of fun
-Games, Games, and more Games
-Oh, and lots of partaking of delicious holiday treats!!

We really did have a great time. We also loved getting a taste of winter. We miss being able to cozy up next to the Christmas tree and enjoy the lights and having everyone around. Here's a few random pictures from our trip.

Jason and Brandon at Pike Place Market in Seattle.
Maya being lazy and spoiled on the bed...where she got to sleep every night.
Amy, Sarah, Peggy, Becca, Lori, and I on Christmas Eve. Peggy taught us how to make her mom's yummy fudge!!
Me and my bro.
Our fun girls night out at The Olive Garden and the Ballet! (Jason felt a little out of place, but there was an extra ticket that couldn't go to waste!!) It was my first time seeing the nutcracker and it was awesome! Thanks Mom!!
Our little Christmas Baby!! Mae loves Elmo, so I couldn't really pass up this little Christmas dress at Spokane discount...especially for 2 bucks! She's just so darn cute and so fun too!!
Some of our cute and maybe a little crazy nieces and nephews.
Beth and Avery at the Christmas party!!