Sunrise at Tony's Grove

The last couple of mornings I have been wanting to go up in Logan Canyon and see all the trees chaning colors. Sense Keplar didn't have school today we headed up. The sun was just barley touching the sky with its first rays when we left. It took a little while to get to Tonys Grove, but it was worth the trip. It was spectacular!! I was not dissappointed. I have never been up there and it was absoloutly the most beautiful palce I have ever been. Keplar and Kyly loved it. On the way up a big Moose was right on the road. I got some quick pictures of him through the glass and in the trees. Then at our next stop across from the over look a big porcupine started making his way up the mountain side. We were fortunate to see him. I think Keplar woke him up with the whistle. haha He was pretty quick I couldn't get a really good shot of him. When we got up to the lake a pair of chipmunks were there to greet us and eat granola bars from our hands. I also saw a lone fish swimming in the lake and got a good picture of him. The morning was crisp, clear, and nippy, but I literally was in heaven. It was so peaceful and beautiful there I didn't want to leave. It was a great way to start the day!


pretty pretty pretty


I just love the forest and the depth in the trees



blowing the Whistle

I really love all these pics but this is my FAV!

Keplar and Kyly

BeAuTiFuL

Little Fishy swimming

Keplar is so Fun!

Chippy as Kyly called him

The fall colors were breath taking this morning

I was in Heaven

Here is the Porcupine

little spring

The Moose (he was big)



Fall leaves

Good morning SUN!


=)

Kyly actually wanted her picture taken!

Shawn Stoddard

Brothers have special places in your life and in your heart. After they die it can break your heart. Unfortuantly for me my heart has been broken twice. My oldest brother Shawn died October 29, 2007 and little did we know we would have to go through the same thing shortly later when my little brother Todd took his own life also December 5, 2008.

Shawn served with the 3rd ACR as a Calvary Scout in the US Army in Iraq 2004-2005. When he returned home he suffered with PTSD. We didn't understand how serious it was for him. Sadly, this has been very real for alot of veterans returning home from Iraq and Afganistan.

Although, Shawn is no longer here on this earth his the memories we have of him will never leave us. One specificaly I have impacted my life greatly and all he said were five words. I was in the 7th grade. As we know JR high girls have alot of drama. So bare with me. Another girl accused me of talking smack about her, and there for she thought she needed to fight me. After two months of missing alot of school and going home early (which I never told my parents at the time what was going on) I finally found some help. One night I was sitting in Shawn's room and I told him everything that was going on at school. I could see the love and hurt he was feeling for me in his eyes. He looked up and said "Sometimes you have to fight." I understood what he was saying. Would he have fought for me?.... He would have if he was able too, but this was my fight. I had to stand up for myself. The next day I knew what I had to do. I prepared myself and was going to stand up for myself. Amazingly, somehow my principle intervened before anything could happen... Which I have asked Mr. Peterson about how he knew and he said he had is ways. :)
But If it hadn't been for Shawn's advice I would never have learned that lesson that changed my life.

Those five words represent who Shawn was. Bobbi and Amy can attest to this as well. No matter how much we were picked on by Shawn, he always watched over and protected us. He even fought for us..... Shawn taught us there are things worth Fighting for, and giving your life for.

Heaven and Earth become alot closer when you have a loved one in heaven cheering you on.