Yesterday we lucked out and got free tickets to the Utah Symphony's Performance at the Scera Shell (thanks Aunt Lisa's friend!). I wasn't totally sold on going because I was really tired, but when I told Stephen about the tickets he said he would really like to go - and I'm so glad we did!
What was the best part? 

Maybe it was singing along to the Disney songs and watching Stephen laugh as I messed up the worlds to "I Can Show You The World."

Or playing the Charades app during intermission.

Maybe it was the GORGEOUS gold-sequin dress that the guest performer Jenny Oaks Baker wore during the last few numbers. Seriously, that's the stuff every-girl-that-loves-shiny-things dreams' are made of. (It looked something like this.)

Or perhaps it was taking turns making weird faces to the beat of this fast-beat-folk-type song. (I almost snorted I was laughing so hard.)

Of course having the perfect excuse to snuggle up to Stephen when the sun went down and he got a little chilly didn't hurt either ;) (He mocked me for bringing THREE blankets, but he was grateful!! :))

As you may recall from a previous post, I am most definitely NOT a hiker. Frankly, there's really nothing about hiking that I enjoy. I mean, sure the views are cool, but I am fortunate enough to appreciate photography, so why go on a million-mile-hike just to see what someone else has already taken a picture of?? :)

Around seven years ago this week, my mom thought it would be "fun" to hike Mt. Timpanogos as a family. After I-don't-even-know-how-many-hours of hiking I was D-O-N-E. I had slept very little the night before (because it had been my cousin Madi's 16th birthday party) and we had gotten up really early to start the hike. Needless to say, after an undisclosed number of miles (I don't remember how many, but even if I did I probably wouldn't tell ;)) I decided that my time would be best spent sleeping by a lake while my family proceeded to hike to the top. (Sidenote: While I was taking this aforementioned nap, I got one of the worst sunburns of my entire life and the next day we had to take our family Christmas Card photo and it was a very humiliating experience for my 15-almost-16 year old self.) My dear mother, however, along with many other members of my family made the entire 14 mile journey and lived to tell the tale. After this semi-traumatic experience, I decided it would be best if i swore off this "recreational activity" forever.

My mom, however, did not.

A few years ago she participated in an impressively rigorous Girl's Camp hike, and then just two weeks ago, she hiked Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.

PS Miriam also hiked Half Dome and I am very impressed with her as well :)
PPS Miriam also hiked Timp (even though she was only like 10) and that was really impressive too.
PPPS In case you were wondering...yes, we took our family Christmas Card Photo in June. HAHA. Yet another reason why my mom is so cool ;)
PPPPS If you're wondering why the title of this post is "Pioneer Mama," it's because I've always said that my mom could have been a pioneer & the fact that she thinks 14-mile-hikes up a mountain are considered "family fun" basically proves my theory.

I know a man, whose brother is Stan, he's quite the noble soul
He's the father of six -- the perfect mix ;) -- and his hands are often full.

Yes this man of whom I speak is my father dear,
He loves *his wife, his kids, his lawn - that much is quite clear.

He's the man for good "dad jokes" that'll make you laugh until you're blue:
"Hi Hungry, I'm Greg,"  "Does your face hurt?", "Marry you??!!!" - just to name a few.

He spends all night doing his hair and makes it look real good
And he'll always lend a listening ear, just like every father should.

If you're ever in need of something to do, I know just what he'll say,
he'll suggest for you to "piddle in your shoe" and send you on your way. :)

On the grill, he is a whiz, his burgers can't be beat,
and seeing him play with his grandkids is a treat that's oh so sweet.

He responds to Pops, Papa, Dad, Sir-Laughs-A-Lot, and Daddio,
but no matter what you call him - at being a father he's a pro.
*author's original words were "his kids, his lawn, his wife, but others suggested the three should be in order ;)