Where the Giants Sleep

Tyler and I spent Saturday around Visalia, CA visiting Sarah & Justin before they leave to go back up to BYU-Idaho. Although we had a couple of fun things planned, we only had time for a drive through Sequoia National Park because sunny California decided to send a us a little snow storm in the mountains. The snow did make for an adventure though (at some places the snow banks were about ten feet tall), and I did learn how to put chains on the tires even though Tyler and Justin failed in their attempt.

Sequoia National Park was gorgeous, especially covered in snow. When we entered the 'Giant Forest' the trees just seemed to get bigger and bigger the deeper in we drove. For a while it was soooo quiet and we were the only ones on the road and I couldn't help feeling like we were tip-toeing through a giants lair. As we traveled towards the world's largest tree, also known as General Sherman, I was looking up at the massive trees along the way and it felt like I was looking up at huge sentinels guarding the way to their giant leader. I loved it! There was just something so peaceful and awe-inspiring about the place and I felt like I was in my own little fairy tale. Although I haven't seen the park in the spring, summer or autumn, I think I like it in winter best - I just loved the quiet.

General Sherman

Proof that these trees really are giants

I really liked how heavy-duty the bark was on the Sequoias. Plus, the leaves make a pretty pattern against the snow-white sky :)

Do you see all that green? (Notice the tiny branch under my extended arm which has formed itself in a nice arrow to further emphasize my excitement with the moss :)

Lovemuffin

In California you can be looking at this beautiful mountain in the morning, and then be back on a warm beach by sunset.

For the Love of the Game

Basketball is taking over my life- literally. With the exception of work, all I do is watch basketball. Mostly I blame these three men:

You've just been Jimmered!!

Black Mamba

Adorable! (Sorry no action pic here, church gyms equal uber bad photos)

However, there is plenty of blame to go around so the NBA (specifically a few players, teams and coaches that shall remain un-named), and the NCAA (also referring to specific un-named players, teams and coaches) can freely accept some of this blame at anytime.

I know I can really only blame myself. I love March Madness- my bracket is doing pretty well, and I am stoked that BYU is a top seed and has made it past the first round. It's probably too much to hope that they'll make it to the Final Four, but as Tyler pointed out, if you're going to bet on them, this is the year to do it!!

I also love watching the NBA, especially the Lakers, and as we gear up to the play-offs I need to know what's going on. I'm crossing my fingers the Heat blow it and we have another Laker/Celtic showdown. Though I wouldn't mind meeting up with Chicago in the finals either :)

And of course I love Tyler (how can you NOT love that face?!!). He has been playing in a stake basketball tournament with our ward on the weekends and last Saturday helped them win one of the best church-ball games I have ever watched. Although, by the end of it I'm pretty sure one of those refs wanted to give me a technical.... oops!

So, if you don't hear from me in another long while, just know that I am otherwise engaged. At least until the end of June. I'm crossing my fingers at least one of these guys does me proud :)