Since the last Saturday of the month is tomorrow it's just about time for Share 4 Somethings with Jenn. As always we're sharing some things we loved, some things we learned, some things that went well, and some things we let go of.
Some things I've loved: It feels like overnight everything just exploded into bloom. We are seeing so much green and our flowers are starting to bloom. I am just loving it!
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| May 1st |
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| may 14th! |
We also celebrated Ian's 21st birthday this month (a bit late since his birthday is really at the end of April- but the end of April was really busy). I loved having the whole family together.
I had a really lovely fabulous mother's day weekend that I loved. (I wrote about the whole weekend here if you're interested). A highlight was taking both the moms out for mother's day dinner.
Some things I've learned: My mom showed us all this bird call app she uses on her phone and we used it a time or two while hiking. It's so neat! It captures bird sounds in the wild and identifies the bird for you then shows you a picture of the bird.
People start planning vacations so early! I thought I was really jumping the gun thinking ahead for a trip we're planning out west next spring but I was on AirB&B just to get some estimates of costs and could not believe how many houses were already booked for next May. I rarely think to plan a trip more than a few months in advance...
Some things that went well: We have the house and yard all ready for spring and I even got to eat breakfast outside one day this week before the winds and cold weather returned. Alec's transition home from college was an easy one and he's been working 5 days a week all month. Ian's side job is finished and he's talking about tackling our front walkway next. Evan finished up his last exam and ended the year with an A in his college math class as well.
Some things I let go of: That trip out west I was talking about earlier, I was trying to figure out a way to see all 5 National Parks of Utah in one trip and let go of that idea entirely. We're going to spend 1 week and just explore 2 parks. It should not only be cheaper but that way we can really see and explore so much more. I don't want to just fly through them only to check off my list of parks-- I want to have to time hike, enjoy, and see as much as possible.
Linking up with: Spread the Kindness,
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Wow that is interesting that so many things are already booked. I also think that Air BNB has picked up in popularity!
ReplyDeleteI think so too! We love having a kitchen, washer, dryer, etc.
DeleteIt is really hard to do all 5 parks in Utah so I applaud you for doing just two. We were going to do that too but it was difficult. We went to Bryce and Zion and both were incredible!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.kathrineeldridge.com
We're leaning more towards Arches and Canyonlands since my youngest really wants to see arches then my husband and I figure we can plan a future trip just us two to see the lower parks in Utah.
DeleteThose "green" compare pics really capture the amazing combo of time and rain! I feel like we're living in Ireland right now (what I perceive Ireland looks like...) with how lush and green everything here is. You will "out west" so well and I'm already looking forward to your pics, lol.
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! LOL
DeleteWe went to three of the parks in Utah at the same time but we only spent one day at each. They are so beautiful! Bryce and Zion are close to each other though, and then we also did Arches.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think we'd want to do more than 1 day in each; but I could be wrong! LOL.
DeleteLove all of the greenery and blooms! I'm so glad things are finally warming up for y'all! And happy birthday to Ian again!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThe trip out west will be great. Utah is such a pretty state. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI can't believe the places are already booked for next May! Wow, I better get busy planning our future travels. The Utah parks are definitely on my bucket list. I love seeing your azaleas blooming, and thinking about how different our gardening climates are! My azaleas were in bloom in the middle of March! Hope you have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteIn the middle of March mine were probably still frozen! LOL.
DeleteMy husband loves that bird app...we use it when we are at the botanical gardens.
ReplyDeleteI think your idea of spending more time at fewer parks is smart.
(Besides, they are all fabulous)
Xoxo
Jodie
I think they're all pretty fabulous too; so far I have not been disappointed by one that we've visited.
DeleteI can’t believe places are booked for next year already! I think you’re wise not to push too many places in a short amount of time.
ReplyDeletehttps://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thank you!
DeleteThat FRESH BRIGHT green is just so beautiful - especially after a gray winter
ReplyDeleteYes! I am loving all the colors of spring.
DeleteThat bird app is a great idea, Joanne. I know I can identify plants and other information from my iphone photos which is always helpful. Such glorious blooms for Spring and I'm sure you are looking forward to warmer weather and long Summer days. Thanks for sharing with us at #WBOYC? and have a wonderful June. - Sue L xx
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am looking so forward to warm weather and long sunny days!
DeleteI've loved how much greenery we have now too! I finally put flowers in the pots on my porch and I have really enjoyed the pop of color every day.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that we're both sharing this same bird app today! :) What are the odds of that???
I agree that you'll probably enjoy sticking to two parks instead of flying through 5. We had to pare down our National Park itinerary last month too when we went to California. There's something to be said for lingering.
That's what I finally decided too. I love to linger and not feel rushed.
DeleteHappy belated 21st birthday to Ian. Beautiful photos of all of those lovely blossoms. I love when everything just seems to magically bloom over night! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteLove the idea of slowing down and fully exploring just a couple of parks instead of rushing through them—sounds like it’ll make for a really special trip!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I sure hope so.
DeleteBreakfast outdoors sounds great but it's getting too cold here for that now. Looks like you've had a great May
ReplyDeleteIt's just finally warming up here; I think I managed to eat breakfast outside 3 times this month. Hopefully we'll have more warm and sunny days in June.
DeleteI have the bird app too. It's fun!
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteThose first two photos really show the transformation that happens outside in spring... and is a reminder of why my allergies have been spiking the past few weeks! LOL! Thanks for the bird app tip - we are going to give that a try! Your Air B&B update is not surprising but I am so bad at planning ahead for a trip! I love it once I get into it, but it's so overwhelming at first! I wish we were more like you! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteRight?! My allergies have been crazy this month.
DeleteYou've had a full and happy month! Lots of celebrating!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteBeautiful spring pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThis is filled with wonderful happiness! Birthdays, family, friends, gorgeous spring -- it all starts to come together at this time of year, doesn't it? Your Western trip sounds fun. When we went to Zion we stayed at a place in the town (Springdale, I think, or close to that) about a mile outside the park at a great place called Flanagan's. I don't know if they're still there -- it was a few years ago -- but I'd go back in a heartbeat. And such an awe inspiring park. Not sure if that's on your list I don't think you'd be disappointed!
ReplyDeleteSo far I haven't been disappointed by a single national park yet!
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