Sorensen Family Goes West

Arches National Park

It's a "beautiful" that I didn't grow up knowing. My beautiful was thick full trees and freshly mowed grass.  It was dark and muddy rivers and blooming Dogwoods.  For my husband beautiful landscapes came in hues of blue mountains and deep red boulders that looked like they were tossed out over the desert landscape by an unseen hand.  It was raw and majestic terrain that goes on for miles and miles.

Eliza catching wind on her Dad's shoulders

When I saw him run along the rocks I knew that the boy in him was just under the surface.  He went into explorer mode as he hoisted Eliza up on his shoulders and began to climb.  She loved the dry wind in her face and found her Dad's excitement contagious.  Our early weeks in June went in that fashion.  Adventure after adventure in our little family coupled with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson.  The perfect hosts introduced us to National Parks in Utah and Colorado, sacred Temples, the Salt Lake Valley and Monticello at the the foot of the Blue Mountains.  Dylan of course was already acquainted with all of this, but found the reunion to be refreshing.

Sorensen, Palmer and Johnson Families

Sorensen and Johnson blood runs through the valley.  Luckily, I was able to jump start my family visits with Uncle Veldon and Aunt Diane.  Their home feels like home.  The well traveled couple knew exactly how to welcome the weary traveler after a --- I'm a new mom that flew on the plane with my 11 month old for the first time. Diane's easy going manner and meals were amazing. Veldon allowed me to join his insatiable curiosity for life by suiting up from head to toe and learn about bees, supers, queens, hives and honey. I also met Audrey and her husband Josh, whom Eliza particuarly liked.  

 Uncle Marlin (left) and Grandpa Ron

More family visits ensued with a Johnson family reunion and a trip to the Palmer's and Haven's homes.  I learned alot about Dylan's family and understood how Dylan inherited his easy going manner and good looks (Dylan added the good looks part).  Here is a picture of Dylan's Grandfather Ron and his younger brother Marlin, whose home the reunion was at.  We spent the day playing volleyball, and learning more about our relatives, where they live and what they do, and how we are related.  We also got to meet Tyson and Julie Palmer's new baby Abigail.

Post Office

Monticello is a beautiful city at the foot of the blue mountains.  Grandma and Grandpa gave us the grand tour of the city.  They took us up on the mountain and we saw the lakes where Grandpa always took his grandkids fishing.  We also got to visit the lovely temple a few times and walked there each time.  We got to go out to a local restaurant and the Monticello Mercantile complete with indoor glow in the dark miniature golf.  Although, we passed on the the miniature golf we bought a postcard and moved on.  Grandpa also took us out to see the farm land just a few miles out from town.  Its has a great view of the city and mountains!

Ron and Merna Johnson

We spent a majority of our time with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson.  The perfect hosts housed us, feed us, played with us.  Most of all they loved spending time with Eliza.  Both of them would get down on the floor and play with her.  She loved them so much!  We were so blessed to spend almost two full weeks with them and enjoy the beauty of Utah and Colorado.  Below is a photo essay of the places we visited.

Dylan and Eliza

Renee, Dylan, Eliza, Grandma and Grandpa at Mesa Verde, CO

Eliza and Renee at Canyonlands

Dylan and Eliza at Canyonlands

Climbing to the "Balcony House" in the wall of the cliffs

Dylan and Grandma at Cliff Palace

Renee and Eliza

Dylan teaching Eliza to climb rocks at Canyonlands

Dylan in front of Delicate Arch

Grandma, Grandpa, Dylan and Eliza at the Salt Lake Temple

Eliza on the plane ride home reading the flight instructions.