Trail Run and Cafe Rio!

It happened. Jake got to try my most favorite restaurant in the world, Cafe Rio.

The line was long (as usual) but worth every second of the wait. Jake said,"this is my version of a candy store" when he was ordering his sweet pork salad. 

He declared I was amazing all day just for introducing him to such a place. The things I have to do to win his heart ;) we will be going at least one more time... Or maybe two while we're here! 

Rewind a few hours and I got to explore the a gorgeous trail right behind my parents house. 

Me, the red rocks, blue skies, and a secluded trail = one happy Brittany. 

The only problem with the trail was that every turn looked the same and there were multiple trails leading off every turn... so I had to take a mental note of where I was going! My trusty - or not so trusty - iPhone failed me and randomly shut off after taking the above picture. How is it possible to go from 73% battery to 0%? Anyone have the answer to that mystery?? 

I used good-old fashioned navigation skills and made it back without getting too lost!

Gavin's great-Grandma arrived last night and he is officially the most spoiled and loved little guy ever now. Such a blessing that we get to spend the holidays with family!  

Now we're off to Zion! 

Favorite Places with my Favorite Girl!

Finally reunited.

It has been too long since I've seen this girl! We met when I was in Cali for PA school and it was instant love! She is probably the most inspirational person I've ever met. If you haven't read her blog, please read it now. Daily laughs, touching stories, and running motivation. And you can't forget the pictures of her adorable daughter! 

Our day started off bright and early with a much needed run through the beautiful canyons. Cool fall breeze, beautiful sunrise, and great friends. Her adorable friend Rachelle joined us and it made me want to move to Utah so I could run with these two every day. 

Cutest running friends ever. 

After the run Brooke and I had some quality time reading Elmo. I miss this little girl so much! 

Our adventure continued at the park where Brooke showed off her skills:

1.) Walking like a pro

2.) Swinging all on her own! 

A day doesn't start off any better than that. And that was only 10 am.  Janae then took me to two of her favorite places in Utah: Slurp and Cafe Rio.   She explained to that Slurp is the place to go for a drink in Utah.  They have all sorts of different sodas, ice cones, and coffee/tea that you get to add delicious flavors to.  That plus homemade bakery treats and ice cream = I can see how this place would get addicting.

Since I didn't get my fill of Cafe Rio on Saturday with my family... we went again!  It's probably a good thing we don't have one in Alaska, because this food is just too good.  Way. Too. Good.

With full bellies, we drove to Salt Lake City for a little sightseeing and shopping.  I had never been to Temple Square, so Janae gave me the royal tour!  It is one of the most magnificent places ever.  

We shopped for a while after our sightseeing, but baby told me I had to eat froyo, so Janae reluctantly gave in and we went to Yogurtland for an afternoon snack.  Don't judge my pumpkin spice/red velvet cake/macadamia nut/fudge brownie combo. You can't explain the tastebuds sometimes.  They want what they want.

The best way to end a perfect day?  Another trip to Trader Joes.

My sister is a saint and is letting me borrow a duffel bag to bring back to Alaska, so I had to fill it with things like this.

Cookie butter?  Don't mind if I do.

It was hard to say goodbye to Janae, but hopefully we'll get to see each other some time soon!  

We're Finally Together Again!

I love her.

How is it a sister seems to make your world go round? I hate the fact we live so far apart but we don't skip a beat when we see each other! 

After huge hugs in the morning and conversations with my belly (she's trying to have the baby get used to her voice!), we went shopping at my other favorite place in the world. Target.

You'll be pleased I only came out with a pack of gum! I couldn't justify spending money on the same cute things we have in Alaska when I can get it tax free there. (Yes, Alaska has no sales tax and it is amazing.) 

After a not-so-quick trip to TJ Maxx, we went to a restaurant that puts other restaurants to shame.

Cafe Rio.  Heaven on earth.

Apparently everyone else in St. George had the same idea because the line was out the door. The restaurant was filled with marathoners limping their way to sweet pork salad heaven. I tried not to get bummed out I didn't have a metal around my neck too, which actually wasn't too hard when you take one deep breathe of Cafe Rio's delicious smells. It takes you away. 

Amber and I got a kick out of all of the runners wearing their metals all over town. It was 2:00 in the afternoon and most of the runners were showered and wearing normal clothes.  Maybe they were so tired and hungry they didn't realize they put it back on after the shower. :)  Are there any of you out there who wear your metal all day after a race? 

After devouring our delicious meals, we drove to the Valley of Fire State Park on Nevada. This was probably one of the most beautiful places I've ever been! It was like a scene out of Star Wars or Star Trek. (Actually some scenes in Star Wars were filmed there!)  

We drove through the park taking toooooo many pictures, hiked through the slot canyons, and watched as the sun set over the beautiful Nevada desert.  It was a perfect end to a great day with my family.

Today, I'm headed north to visit one of my favorite girls ever, Janae.  Cannot wait.  Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!