Conquering Bell Canyon (And Bigfoot?)

Today my lovely sister, Hailey Christensen, and I embarked on an adventure to the beautiful hiking trail up Bell Canyon. Initially our mission was to hike up all the way up to the waterfall; however, we got confused and well in the end, we didn't make it to where we first planned. Never mind that though! It still was such a fun time exploring and taking paths up the mountain, we led ourselves into the Lone Peak National Forest!

Now I know you are curious as to why I made a reference to Bigfoot in my title, and don't worry, I'm getting there. At one part of our expedition, I had Hailey pose off the side of the trail under some trees. She was squabbling on a rock as I fidgeted with Nikki (my Nikon) to get a good shot. As we were both standing there in the quiet of the peaceful nature, we heard this human-like stomping through the trees and nudging them a little distance away. Now this was not a deer, or a bear, I am positive it had two feet and was walking on them! Stomping through the trees for a few seconds- Hailey and I distinctly heard it. We don't know where it was or where it was going to, but it sure scared me, that's for sure. You can laugh and say what you want, but I am a believer of Bigfoot and find the mystery of him very amusing! After it happened we looked at each other and I exclaimed "Bigfoot!" We never even saw what it was, and we couldn't figure out where it came from. We joked about it as we walked along, but the experience was hilarious and funny, whether it was actually Bigfoot or not, I'm just going to keep telling myself that.

 (The picture I took of Hailey after hearing Bigfoot stomp through his territory, he was probably spying on us, my sister is very cute lol)

This was the first time I got to take Nikki out on a hike with me, and as you can guess, I was constantly taking pictures left and right. Living in Utah is so awesome because the mountains here are none like anywhere else! They're beautiful and ginormous! I always have a view of them right outside my house, but actually being up close and personal with them hiking up the sides brings me such joy. Sure, hiking can be tiring, but it's also relaxing- just being surrounded by nature. You can hear the water running, and the birds chirping. If you live in Utah and have never set foot in the mountains, let me tell you this: YOU ARE MISSING OUT! GO OUTSIDE, GO HIKE! GO EXPLORE! I promise the hiking and walking is always worth the view and all the scenery you will encounter on your way up there. Maybe you can wander off into the trees and go Bigfoot hunting if you're into that kind of stuff.

PS, I'm going to Zions National Park this weekend, and don't worry, I'll make sure to keep you updated on what happens and post many of the pictures. ;) also, go read my sister Hailey's blog! haileypaigey.blogspot.com I promise it's super cute and she's a more clever writer than I am, and has adorable pictures!

Sweet 16

Ah yes, the glorified age sixteen. I have been waiting for this day practically my whole life, especially being 15, it was the slowest year ever. I made it, though, and could not be happier. Something about growing up and getting my license is so exciting! It's as though I have new responsibilities and duties to fulfill, which, I don't mind. 

 Let me tell you about how amazing my friends and family are for making my birthday this year one I will never forget! First of all, I went to Denny's at midnight with two of my close friends, and my sister, and we pigged out there. It was a great way to start the all day celebration of the coming of my new age. Yes, I had to go to school, unfortunetly, you don't get excused absences on the anniversary of your day of birth. I think we should be allowed that day off, but that's a whole other story. Anyway, after school I went and got my license at the DMV. To be honest, I was quite nervous about my silly license picture. I didn't want it haunting me everytime I opened my wallet with an ugly photo! Luckily, it wasn't too bad, but wasn't also something I would like to hang around the town, you know? The rest of the day was nice and calm, I saw my boyfriend, Markus Moran, who has the same birthday as me! We exchanged gifts and hung around for a bit. The day just went on, nothing super grand, until it was family present time. I was grateful to receive all the things I got, but especially one in particular: my Nikon d1300. I will be honest with you, opening up that box with my new camera held in it, brought tears to my eyes, and made me a speechless crier for 5 minutes. I've been wanting a camera like this for so long; having gotten one was absolutely amazing. I already have taken a ton of pictures on it, of course, because I couldn't contain my excitement! Also, I named my camera Nikki, and I'm pretty jazzed about that.

  Today was absolutely amazing. I'm very blessed to know I have people who love me and care for me to help make my birthday special. Crazy to call myself 16. Before I know it, I'll probably forget my own age!