Thanksgiving in Tropic/Bryce Canyon

This year it was easy to decide where to have Thanksgiving.  David O and Taylor were having their wedding the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  We were excited to go and enjoy the festivities.  We all had our assignments on what we were fixing.  Mine was the Raspberry Jello Salad that has also become a tradition at the Pollock Thanksgivings.  We got into town Wednesday evening after picking up Sammy at BYU on the way down and went to Megan's house.  I had to start the jello salad so it would be ready to go the next day, when Hayley's family invited us to have Thanksgiving dinner at Ruby's Inn with them because a lot of their family weren't able to be there.  We gladly accepted.  It was a nice day and we had some time to spare since we weren't making dinner, so we went to the park in Tropic and let the kids get some energy out.  

The picture below is what I Instagramed.  I like it.  :)

Grandpa stopped by for a second, so I got a quick picture of Jackson and Sammy.  His two favorite grandsons ;)

We had a great dinner in one of the conference rooms.  It was catered.  Very good.  I did bring my jello salad so it would get eaten.  Obviously I didn't get much pictures, but it was a nice time.

There was some time left in the day, and I really wanted to go into Bryce Canyon since I knew it would be free, being a Holiday, so Maren and Rylee were the only ones that would go with me.  We had fun walking around and getting a few pictures with them.  

My beautiful Maren 

We loved this wonderful day spending it with family.  I can't believe how big we are getting.

Trip to Utah--General Conference & Bryce Canyon

Last September, I was able to go with mom to South Shields, England (Newcastle area, north of London), to visit Elsie, mom's MTC companion while going to Nauvoo. It was a wonderful and beautiful 7 days while there, and it was fun to get to know Elsie, her family and country.

Elsie, Becca, Janice

The Wellington House garden

Elsie decided to come visit mom this year, and spend some time in Utah. She brought her grand-daughter, Anna, who had a friend going to BYU and wanted to visit as well. While talking to mom one day, she asked for some suggestions of things they should do. After thinking about it, I wondered about taking her to Bryce Canyon National Park. Mom thought that would be a great idea, and after talking to Nick and Hayley, Sam's brother, and Father in-law Sam (who both live down in that area) we had the 2 1/2 day trip planned.

We decided to go Sunday, the 5th of October, right after the last session of General Conference. I flew down to SLC on Friday, Sam was wonderful and held down the fort. Mick picked me up with Cade and a truck and trailer load of mattresses. I stayed at their house through Sat. afternoon. I love staying with them, and feeling the spirit in their home. Kass had a bit of a back problem, so I was glad to help out a little, we just HAD to get a massage to work it out. We were able to listen to conference in the morn. (they don't have T.V.:0), and I enjoyed listening and watching Cade and Abby listen too.

Gargling water

Sunday morning, early, Mom, Elsie, Anna and I left for the Conference Center for the morning and afternoon sessions. It was raining pretty hard when we got there, but by afternoon it was sunny and nice. What wonderful talks that were given. Everything, I know, was meant for me. It was a great rejuvenation and to recommit to be a solid and grounded member of the church.
After conference, we headed down to Bryce Canyon. We were able to stay with Nick and Hayley, and greatly appreciate their hospitality. We were able to view all the points at the rim of the canyon. Always breathtaking.
Later, Dad Sam took us out in an area where we might find some old, old, arrowheads. We were able to each find some great arrowheads. I wish I would have taken a picture of all of ours. These are the ones I found. Actually, the one on the left is the one Sam (my hubby) found in June, he just wanted me to put it in the picture too. Most we find are broken, but I did find a very good one (right). Very exciting finds.
The next morning, we hiked the Navajo Loop into the canyon. A little over a mile down and up, not too bad. We did have to rest often on the way up, but WOW mom, what energy you had. You were truly being blessed while Elsie was here. You are well on your way to regaining your energy.

Thor's Hammer
towards the end of the hike
on way down, if you look closely, Elsie is trying to smile while a bee is in front of her face

Janice, Elsie, Anna

While we were there at Bryce, dad Sam received this rare Douglas Fir petrified wood to be sold at Ruby's Inn for $18,200.00. Anyone want to buy it? He said it will probably be sold within the week.
It was strange to be down there without Sam and the kids, but it was great to see Megan, Cavry and Casia, and Nick, Hayley and their cute, cute kids. Thank you, Nick, Hayley and Dad, for helping some Englanders have a Unique experience here in the great USA.

PS...We were able to pick some fruit from the trees of dad. They were spectacular!!!!

Vacation to Tropic

For our family vacation, we took a trip to Tropic, Ut. This is where Sam's family lives. This is also 7 miles from Bryce Canyon. Usually when we visit, Sam takes off with his dad and brothers to the hills. This time he MADE us go with him.

Here are some of the things we did:

While arrowhead hunting, some went motorcycling.

Jackson at great-great uncle Jacks land

All the cousins that were here went swimming at Ruby's Inn


Sam's dad took us fossil hunting for ammonite shells, snails and clams. We had to crack open rocks to find them. Hard work on a hot day.

Sammy found a great looking shell.

Sam's dad dug up a couple of great looking ammonites!

2nd time arrowhead hunting. We found some good arrowheads, but didn't get pictures of them. (Sam, Jackson, Clint and Daman went out later after we got back to look for more! I guess it can get a little addicting.)
Sam and Jackson

We all went on a little hike down Bryce Canyon. Some of the kids have never been there or were too young to remember. They loved it and never whined or complained about being tired.

Sam's sister Megan,Casia,Maren,Carter and Becca,Cavry under blanket

Sammy trying to scare us from behind the rock as we were passing by.

Everyone had a wonderful time on our family vacation. We are so glad Sam MADE us go on all the adventures with him.