Zion National Park

This morning, Tim and I decided that before we left St. George, we had to take a trip to Zion National Park. I hadn't been in years and I don't think Tim remembered ever hiking there so we decided that today was the day! It was thee absolute PERFECT day for a hike. I'm not big enough to take up the entire trail yet and the weather was gorgeous. On the way up, we listened to some mixed CDs of movie soundtracks my brother, Ryan burned for me - it really fit in with the grandeur of the place. Although the original plan was to do an easy trail for an hour or so, we ended up getting lost and did three trails including the dreaded and magnificent Angels Landing.  By the time we got back to the car four hours later, we were tired.  Luckily, we brought tons of gaterade, water, and snacks.  I doubt I burned a single calorie because every step I took, I had something in my mouth....that's the way to hike.  Overall, it was a total blast - we had the time of our lives!

Valentines Day at the Middle School

Wow.  I am amazed at the overwhelming enthusiasm for Valentines Day among 13 and 14 yr olds.  Everywhere I look, girls are holding flowers, pink stuffed teddy bears, and chocolates.  The walls are covered with hearts (thanks to student council) and little message hearts are being passed out like the average C grade.  It is interesting to me that boys actually ask girls to be their "valentine."  They then are expected give them something on V-Day but definitely no hand holding or kissing (at least most seem shocked I would even ask that)!  I remember this big day when I was in middle school and I thought it was kind of.....gross.  Now that I know this amazing boy named Tim, I love Valentines Day and can't wait to celebrate when I get home.

I will say that I have learned something valuable about middle-schoolers that I hope will help me with my own: they love to feel special.  It is so cool to me when a parent will send something to their kids on one of these occasions.  Their kids LIGHT up like the SUN.  I love being a teacher sometimes.