Destination, America (Grand Canyon)

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

This is the second installment of Destination America. There are so many beautiful places here and The Grand Canyon has got to be the best place I have visited so far. It is amazing. Truly surreal. When I look back at the pictures it looks as if the background can't be real, but it is. Ryan and I flew in to Las Vegas. Not that we are big on gambling or crazy night life, but I just wanted to see it once in my life. We had our hotel there, but didn't spend much time there. We rented a car and everyday we drove to a different destination. One day we did the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Then we hit Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire. The next day was Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. The last day was the Grand Canyon. We packed in a lot in one trip. We didn't want to miss a thing. We fully intend to get back there, but if we don't we have seen it all:) Having been to all of those places I know that the one place I would love to plan an extended stay is in the Grand Canyon. I want to stay in the valley and hike and do everything else it has to offer. It is a breathtaking place.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

This trip was also taken during spring break, in April. We had the most beautiful weather. Way up in the mountains it was chilly though. Still spotted with ice and snow, but down in the valleys it was nice and warm. You have to be careful and drink lots of water. You can dehydrate so quickly out there.

Zion National Park, Utah

It was an amazing trip. There is so much to see. We ran around like kids, climbing here and exploring there. We were tired when we got back to our hotel each night. Ryan was really awesome with all that driving, he never complained. Can't wait to go to Yellowstone!!

Finally....

I have some time to play around with my stuff. This was a busy week, with Ryan's birthday and Back to School night there wasn't much time left over. Today I made a few cards for my mom and dad. They are moving in November. I will make them some more, but here is what I have so far. I got the ribbon from Michael's. It is Martha Stewart and almost all of the colors were on sale for 99 cents (for 5 yards). Good deal.

I also made a few holiday planners. I saw this project on another blogger's site. I really liked the idea and they are fun and easy to make. Visit Mish Mash for the directions and many other beautiful projects.

Spinner Card

I used my silhouette for several elements on this card. The scallop circle, square and the spinner. I used my JustRite stamper for the messages in the spinner.

Have a great weekend!

Thickers

I love American Crafts Thickers. I made this card using the white vinyl alpha set. They are kind of expensive, so I opted for white and black so that they can be used on almost any project. I also used Kaiser Craft Rhinestones. I love these too and for $1.99 a pack (about 100 stones) you can pick up all the colors.

MMM...Candy Corn

Just making some cards with my new birthday supplies.

A Bag In A Box

Since discovering this yesterday, I have found many beautiful versions of it on different blogs. Most of you have probably seen this project already. However, I figure if I haven't seen it, there's a chance that it might be new to one or two of you too. I found the directions on Paula Goff's blog. Thanks to her clear directions, this project is super easy to make and the results are so satisfying. I can't wait to give them with a gift card tucked inside.

Happy Birthday To Me

Yesterday was my birthday! I love birthdays, especially mine:) It doesn't bother me that I am getting older. My mother and father-in-law, my mom and dad, and Ryan and I had had a nice night here at my house chatting and eating cake. The best chocolate cake. 5 years ago Ryan got me this cake for my birthday and I have been longing for it ever since. I told him, "I don't want anything for my birthday except THAT cake!" It is from Mendoker's Bakery. Sooo good! My dad brought me the beautiful flowers. I got few gifts too! My mother-in-law checked my favorites on Etsy and bought me this necklace from VintageChickDesigns. The same Etsy store where I got the bird necklace.

My mom got me some always appreciated craft supplies! Even though I told Ryan not to get me anything, he did. He bought me a spa gift certificate. That's another one of those things I want but would never buy for myself. He is so sweet! And best of all, a phone call from my nephews wishing me a "Happy Birthday!" I had a great day and now..............................................................

.......I have a cold! :)

Apple of My Eye

Downloaded a new file for my silhouette digital cutter. Love the apple border. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Back to School

School has started again. In my district, we are coming to the end of the first week. So far, so good. The kids are great and everyone is excited to see what this year will bring. We have a new principal and expect to see some positive changes to an already great school. Some of my friends are sending their kids to school for the first time and I think the kids are handling it better:)



This summer I received an RID certification and I am really excited about that!



Labor day weekend turned out to be a wonderful way to end my summer vacation. Ryan and I went to my brother and sister-in-law's house for the day. They are lucky enough to live right on the beach. I played in the sand with my nephews, relaxed in the sun, chatted with my sister-in-law, ate the best sandwiches, and discovered a new love. KAYAKING I kayaked for the first time and I am hooked. It is so much fun. I can't wait to do it again.

Made a few new cards with my JustRite stamper too.

Which reminds me, I can't wait to see the kids in their costumes at school. So much fun!